202 vs 82??

Posted by: Mr_Sukebe on 10 February 2004

I see that I can buy both for around the same price, i.e. between about £1k to £1.3k.

Clearly the 82 would need to be second hand.

Assuming I were to use both with a hicap, any thoughts about the kind of differences I should expect between the two?
I'm guessing that the 82 should have the edge, bearing in mind that it was nearly twice as expensive when new, but I thought it worth checking.

As a sidenote, I did try to search for this kind of a comparison, but didn't come up with much.

Posted on: 11 February 2004 by J.N.

Hi Mr 'S'

I've used both.

The obvious answer is that you have to listen. They simply sound different - each having strengths and weaknesses.

I'd say that the 82 is detailed with plenty of slam, but can sound a bit thin and ragged with a two dimensional sound.

The 202 has a softer, warmer sound with better resolution of spatial information; but lacks the in-yer-face clout of the 82.

Good luck.

Posted on: 11 February 2004 by Edouard

Hi J.N.

In case you had a demo, I like to ask you...would the 282 have the softer, warmer sound with better resolution of spatial information of the 202...plus the in-yer-face clout of the 82?

Regards

Edouard

Posted on: 11 February 2004 by J.N.

Hi Edouard

Yes that sounds about right. I have no personal experience of the 282, as I went from a 202 to a 252.

But........... I'd expect a 282 to sound more sophisticated and spacious than an 82 whilst still having that great Naim rhythmic drive.

I also find the new amps to produce a more consistent sound - i.e. making the best of mediocre recordings.

Posted on: 11 February 2004 by Edouard

J.N.

I have sent you a mail on private topic
Edouard

Posted on: 12 February 2004 by BLT

I asked my local dealer this very question, his response was that the 82 was significantly better. This was despite the fact that I was talking about buying a new 202 from him vs a 2nd hand 82. I might still buy a 202, though, as the unity gain input would be very handy for AV duties.

Posted on: 13 February 2004 by BLT

I'm using a DSP E-800 too, but with a very young baby in the house even 9 o'clock is way too loud if he is in the room.

Posted on: 29 February 2004 by Mr_Sukebe

I got a dem yesterday in a very helpful shop in London between an 82 and 202. Both were using a CD5, Nap 200 and Linn kabers.

I was impressed by the 202, sounded very good. However, to me the 82 was not simply different, but different league. The 202 sounded like a hi-fi amp (great treble, bass, control), whereas the 82 made music, simple as that really.

Looks like I'll be off for an 82 then...