What would be a bigger upgrade?

C'mon, I know one or two of you could spew forth some words of wisdom on this. Just wanna know what would be more of a significant move: going from 2 old 250's to 2 new ones or
going from XPS to XPS2.

Anyone?

Rich

Rich

I suspect that going to two new style 250s will be a bigger bang for your buck - this is NOT based on a dem but from my understanding that the new 252 is a big jump from the old one, whereas the XPS to XPS 2 is more incremental.

Then again, for that kind of money, can I suggest you get to listen to a 300? I heard 250 > 300 > 500 at the Bristol Show last year, and IMO the big leap was to 300.

No doubt other heads will counsel otherwise!

Regards

Mike

On the Yellow Brick Road and Happy

rich, I don`t know the answer to you question. Is there something in your current system that you feel needs to be improved? What is your room size? one thought would be to upgrade speakers within the Naim range ie. SL2s. Have you heard them? I believe that you could still use your current active setup which is obviously quite good. regards, david

Mike,
thanks for your comments. I have read on the forum that 2 active 250's pisses all over a passive 300 but then again....heresay. I also heard it's a big change going from XPS to XPS2 maybe not just incremental. I'm lost.

David,
thanks for your comments. I'm pretty happy with the SBL's and I thought that either of the mentioned options would knock my socks off. I wonder whether either would be as dramatic as I imagine. One way to find out of course but no demoing as my dealer has absolutely zilch, everything is ordered as requested. Still lost and wondering though maybe the XPS2 might be the best option from a financial point of view.

Rich

Rich--

I'd be inclined to go the XPS2 route, although I've not heard the comparison you list. Main reason is that upgrades earlier in the chain seem to be magnified compared to upgrades later in the chain.

The fact that it is a better option financially also has to help....

Best,

Bob

I can't comment on the xPS2 versus new 250 but can confirm that XPS to XPS2 on a CDS2 is more than incremental in my system (CDS2,52,250,Shahinian Arcs). The aspects addressed by the XPS2 for me are particularly prominent at the bottom end with much more control,definition and speed. Those aspects are probably not lacking in your system being active but there are other gains elsewhere. Greater clarity and separation generally also come with the addition of the Xps2. When I started to consider a change I was considering XPS2 or 250/2 and decided that with no active option that I would be best to wait for a s/h 300 in a few years time rather than new 250 now. The XPS2 also gives the possibilty of a CDS3 at some point in the future and that is a very impressive upgrade indeed for about the cost of 2 new 250s.

Brendan

Thanks Bob and Brendan. The logic behind your argument Bob about upgrading towards the source is a good one. Brendan, I am glad to hear the difference between xps and xps2 is more than incremental. Seems like the way to go for now especially with the $$ factor. The new 250's will beckon until I take the plunge in their direction no doubt but I'll enjoy what I have in the meantime.

All best.

Rich

quote:

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Originally posted by mike lacey:
Rich

_I suspect_ that going to two new style 250s will be a bigger bang for your buck - this is NOT based on a dem but from my understanding that the new 252 is a big jump from the old one, whereas the XPS to XPS 2 is more incremental.

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Mike, Urrrm, I am not sure, last year I did 250-2, XPS2 & Fraim. All three were very large steps. I have recently done 52 to 252 which again was a large step forward.

Rich, you should do the dem for yourself if you are able. If you don't have a Fraim maybe you shoudl consider this first.

regards

Dev

Sounds like you need a new dealer. He should surely have demo equipment, his commitment to the cause?

Howard

You got that right, Howard!

Rich