Following a fairly lengthy dem session at my dealers, I thought I'd post my findings, as there were a couple of surprises, and the kit has been the subject of quite a bit of discussion here on the forum of late. My request was to find the best possible streaming system, with a maximum of 3 full size boxes. This was all done through Kudos X2s, as that's what I have, and started with a quick listen to a Superuniti, which is what I'll be moving on from....eventually.
Before the 272 came along, I had set my sights on an NDX, so I was keen to see which option was the best. Given all the positive comments on the forum, I was thinking that the 272/250 would win the day, and it certainly didn't disappoint, but then I had a listen to an NDX/Supernait, and although it lacked a little of the 250 muscle, on balance, I thought it was more musical and enjojable. I guess that's 'source first' for you; after all, the NDX costs a tad more and has no preamp.
We also tried the 272/XPS/250, and this was a very clear step up from the bare 272. But then we went back to the NDX and put a 202/200 on it, and for me, this was a clear winner. The extra muscle of the 250 was still evident, but the X2s are not too hard to drive, and the 200 was clearly up to the task. So there we have it, for me the NDX/202/200 won the day.
Until.......my dealer then put the cat among the pigeons, by playing the 272 through a NAP300. Well, what can I say! The 300 took the little X2s by the scruff of the neck and forced them to deliver the goods, and now the 272/XPS/250 was definitely off the shopping list. The 272/300 had a more upfront, forceful presentation than anything else we had listened to, but mullet or not, it was a great sounding setup.
So. Round 2 will involve another listen to the 272/300, this time with the 300 turned on the day before so that it's warmed up. Then another shootout, this time against an NDX/282/200. Besides, what happens if I decide I want to squeeze another (little) box in there somewhere................?
Posted on: 10 October 2015 by Mike-B
Originally Posted by Simon-in-Suffolk:
I might be a little biased, but I do think the NDX was a cracking breakthrough product for Naim, it really set the standard and architecture for the others to follow. Yes the NDS does exceed it.. But the NDX is not light years behind in absolute SQ, and in terms of musical enjoyment a lot closer. I also feel the NDX, like CDX2 sound really good native into the top quality Naim preamps.
Simon
Yes Simon, we are both biased ..............
I went from CDX2 to NDX & although they are some ways apart in presentation, both give a superb sound quality & at a level I would not have thought I would achieve 10 years ago.
The XPS (not a Naim) went from CDX2 to NDX so I had gotten used to the CDX2/XPS that takes the CDX2 from a great player to a whole other level. It doesn't raise the SQ level to the same extent with the NDX, maybe half a level in comparison. But I am now well satisfied with the change, miss that terrier like excitement of the CDX2 a bit tho' .
Posted on: 10 October 2015 by GraemeH
Originally Posted by Patu:
How about 272 + 250 vs 272 + 250DR. What are the main differences between the old 250 vs the new DR-version? Anyone done a direct comparison?
Currently running Naim DAC to SN2/HCDR but my speakers would definitely benefit from more power so 272 + 250 is something I've been thinking. But the investment to new 272 and new 250DR would be huge compared to new 272 with used 250.
I'd suggest trying the Twenty.23 in lieu of the GB1. The SN2/HCDR drives them with ease.
Much more economical than the other solutions.
Maybe a PS for the DAC instead?
G
Posted on: 10 October 2015 by Patu
Sorry, it seems I haven't updated my profile in few years. Now updated.
After GB1i I already had Twenty.23 for little over a year and now I've had ATC SCM40 v2 since April. They definitely aren't an easy drive for the amp like PMC was but SN2/HCDR does good job with them. I still feel that 250 would give me more grip and power to the sound. What concerns me is that 272 might be a weaker source than my current U2S + Naim DAC.
Posted on: 11 October 2015 by Olly
I attended an excellent DR event at Ceritech Audio yesterday. The main focus of the event was to highlight the differences between the non-DR and DR versions of the 250 and 300.
The event was led by Jason from Naim and the front end he chose - 272 + XPSDR.
Naim are clearly VERY pleased with the 272 and it was certainly good enough to make the differences between 300 and 300 DR readily apparent.
Personally I got the greatest musical enjoyment from the 250 DR variant of the set up. Only downside to the whole event (apart from the lack of funds to place an order straightaway) was that it was (understandably) through Focal speakers which IMO do not show Naim electronics at their best.
I can certainly understand HH's enthusiasm for his set up - based on what I heard yesterday he's a very lucky man.
Olly
Posted on: 11 October 2015 by hungryhalibut
Olly, be careful! Yes, the 272, XPS, 250 is just great - I had a visit from someone with a much more salubrious setup, which cost him four times what I paid, and he declared it was the best he'd ever heard from a cd quality rip. And he was only drinking coffee. For £10k or thereabouts, it's amazing how good a sound one can achieve.
Posted on: 13 November 2015 by ChrisSU
Originally Posted by Igor Švab:
Originally Posted by ChrisSU:
Originally Posted by Igor Švab:
Originally Posted by ChrisSU:
Anyway, there's no going back now. I have a shiny new 200DR warming up on the rack, hooked up to my Superuniti for the time being. Sorry 272, it was lovely to meet you, but I'm not going to take you home!
What about the sound of SU vs SU+200DR vs 272+200DR? Can you try?
For me the 4.3 FW made a big positive difference in the sound. I believe that when first 272's came out they were fitted with the new FW. For SU it was not available.
BR
After 24 hours of warm-up, the SU/200DR is sounding like a very nice improvement on the bare SU. Music is easier to follow, with more space around individual instruments, and bass is slightly more extended. Hopefully, the 200 will improve further as it 'burns in,' but it sounds pretty good already. Can't comment on the 272/200, as I only listened to the 272 with a 250, but I don't doubt that it will be another step up from the SU.
Thanks for the feedback. If you do decide and demo 272, please, please compare SU/200DR vs 272/200DR and post. Some guys upgraded from SU to 272/250DR and did not compare SU in preamp role only. Such a shame.
Hi Igor, I'm afraid I didn't listen to the 272/200. The reason I chose the 200DR was that it can power a Naim preamp - and with the new DR power supply it has for the pre, it makes sense with a 282, as I can now get away without a Hicap which I don't really have room for. Otherwise, I'd have gone for a 250DR.
If you're thinking of getting a 272/200, you could probably get a good deal on a non-DR 200, as you won't be using it to power the preamp.
