SN2 Vs NAC 200 + NAR 250 ( non DR )

The 202/250 is not a happy combination. I'd take the Supernait 2. 

hmmm but the 202HCDR/250DR could actually work very well. 

the 250DR is another league of amplifier altogether, much better than the 250.2 which I never liked

And it's about 995 GBP to upgrade the 250.2 to 250DR...

Actually this would not change the 202 one bit

still a bottleneck in such a setup and way too expensive for what you get

SN2 anyday unless those speakers are way difficult to run?, focus on the source instead

The SN2 offers an elegant one box solution which should be a big step up from your Nait 5i2 in many ways.  It does not require an additional shelf.  It simplifies cable dressing.  You can enjoy your music without preoccupation with upgrades.

The NAP250 is a classic, outstanding amplifier, deserving of more costly company, and likely mot a good match.  It begs for a proper stand, such as Fraim, to realize its potential.

Presumably you have a dealer where you can listen to this gear.  Do not be rushed by a second hand bargain.  If you miss this bargain, another will come along soon enough.

Charlie

Thank you so much for the candid replies.

If the NAP 250 ( non DR ) os replaced with NAP 200 ( non DR ) + Hicap - would your opinion be the same ?

There are NAP 200 non DR available - now that the DR versions are launched.

regards

Why does it have to be 202/250.2? If you want combinations that work well and sound better than a SN2 you could do 202/200DR or even 282/200DR.

I personally love the 250 (any version) but matching to a 202 presents a suboptimal pairing (plus an additional power supply is mandatory from the start).

202/hicap/200 is a good combo

go for it

But if you can stretch to 202/200dr without hicap that is also very good too

MPW,

It sounds like you are leaning toward spending all of your HiFi funds (for the foreseeable future) on amplification to use with your existing system.  Have you considered upgrading your source?  For example, adding a flatcar the CD5XS?  How suitable is your rack/shelving?  Are you aware of the important role it plays in allowing your gear to achieve its full potential?  Perhaps a rack upgrade is also in order.  And if you go the separates route (202/200) you will need an additional shelf.

I am not familiar with the CD5XS, so I defer to others opinions - will MPW's system be in balance with a SN2 or 202/200?  

Also, what does all this plug into for power?  Does budget need to be allocated to a power strip?

These are all issues for which a local dealer would become most helpful.  So maybe not the best to rely only on forum inputs.

Charlie

MPW, from reading your intro, I get the feeling you would really like a brand new SN2. I can't really advise, but can suggest.

Hence, the armchair QB!

All info. Based on USD, you can translate the idea to your market.

SN2 roughly 6K Msrp, Hence you're looking at 5.3K. This will not be easy, because that's a nice price for a nice component. So lets hit the 2nd hand market! That rules out the 272, new not a lot out there and priced to high.  So looking at the Pre's, you really only have one choice, and I think you've made the correct one.

Mind you, 2nd hand. 552 superior, but to high, ruled out. Mind you, I own a 282 Hi Cap DR very fine components, but I would rule the 282 out because it's only superior to the 202, with PS additions. 2 hi caps vs one, or SC addition, although they can be had for 3.3K, Hence can't completly be ruled out. So what's left 252, not much better than 282, but to high + you must get a SC!

So your only choice is 202 & Hi Cap DR, which can be had in the US @ about 3.3K

The 282 & Hi Cap DR close to 5K!!!!!

250 DR nice to high, ruled out.

200DR = 200 + Hi Cap DR also to high!

Logical choice 250.2 @ 2.7K, and get it DRed 3 years from Now!

Total cost about 5K for 2nd hand:

Hi Cap DR/ 202 / 250.2 

JMHO

 The Armchair QB!!!!!

It's worth considering what the ultimate destination is, before finally deciding. I wouldn't use a CD5xs into either amp unless it had a flatcap powering it. Perhaps a more balanced alternative is to get a Nait XS and a flatcap XS to power both the Nait and the CD player. 

If you go the 250 route, you really want a 282 with it. But that will definitely need a better source, such as CDX2/XPS or, even better, CDS3/XPS. If that is too much, don't go for the 250 based system. 

The CD5xs with Nait xs and flatcap is very good, and very likely all you ever need. It's perfectly balanced, nice and simple and won't have you wanting to upgrade and being dissatistified the moment you buy it - which is what would happen with an ill matched combination such as the CD5 with 202 and 250. The Supernait is a half way house - ok with the CD5, but still deserves better. 

I've been contentedly running my bare HL'd CD5x with my bare SN2 and it works better for me than my previous FCXS'd Nait XS/5x combo. So go figure. If there were a cookbook of best Naim gear combinations somebody'd have written it by now. Room, ears, speakers, cables and listener preferences all feed into the recipe. I could give you a set of instructions for what I think is a great marinara sauce .......

hi

many thanks for your replies.

I presume it will be very nice in the UK / USA etc.. where you could hop-in to the friendly Naim dealers place with your credit card and hear a few rigs for a few hours and walk out with the Naim/s you like.

I bought the CD5XS as someone was selling it locally here for ( what i think ) was a steal as i already had a Naim nait 5i-2.

We do not yet have a Naim dealer where we could go to and audition the SN2 or NAC 200 or NAC 272 or NAP 250 DR - although people in this forum from india have heard the Naim sound and quite like it.

The SN2 itself is listed at the equivalent of USD 6000 here  -

- which is a lot of money considering the exchange rate ( The affordability is another matter altogether )

Unfortunately we are in a situation where we buy what we get and rather than what we want ( or would ideally solve my audio hardware needs ).

Hope that explains why my CD5XS is mated to a Nait 5i-2 and also why i am thinking about ( but cannot hear ) the SN2 or above till i travel outside my country for work etc..

Yes - i am trying to minimize my spend and maximize the hours of music. I will have to depend on opinions for now and to validate them with my ears when i go with the money to the dealers.

regards

MPW, any Naim amplification from current range is better than Nait 5i... XS(1/2), SN (1/2), any pre+ power (NAC+NAP).

but if could choose between pre+power and in integrated, and for the same money, i wouldn't hesitate for the pre+power!

starting with 202/200, no integrated amp, not even SN2, is at this level, no matter what SN owners might say...

so to your dilemma, 202/HC/250.2 at the SN2 money, is an instant no brainer: take the 202/HC/250.2!

202 pre is ways better than preamp in SN or SN2, and 250.2 is also way better than SN or SN2 power amp section... so there is really no competition. as for those with 202 not matching with 2502... urban legends... is more like if they both match woth the speakers you have... but if Nait 5i goes well, 202/HC/250.2 should be a rocket.

This is the trouble with Forums: how does one sift through the advice and work out whose is actually worth following? In my humble opinion, a system with CD5xs, 202, Hicap and 250 is totally unbalanced and will not work well. It is a mullet, and will need significant further expenditure to get to a balanced system that will be musically satisfying. By all means follow the advice of Catalinmetal, but again in my humble opinion, it would be a big mistake. It's bad advice. 

"starting with 202/200, no integrated amp, not even SN2, is at this level, no matter what SN owners might say..."

Coming from a 252/300 to SN2:HCDR I'd say listen for yourself.

G

Graeme, that's the challenge MPW faces where he lives. Whose advice does he follow? How is he to know?

I don't have a dealer in my country or within a 5 hour plane journey. But rather than rely on the forum I would (and do) consult a trusted dealer overseas. Discuss with them at length and let them guide you. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

Graeme, that's the challenge MPW faces where he lives. Whose advice does he follow? How is he to know?

My reading is that MPW will listen to the SN2 when travelling and so I think to do so with an open mind is indeed the best policy.

G

GraemeH posted:

"starting with 202/200, no integrated amp, not even SN2, is at this level, no matter what SN owners might say..."

Coming from a 252/300 to SN2:HCDR I'd say listen for yourself.

G

+1

GraemeH posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

Graeme, that's the challenge MPW faces where he lives. Whose advice does he follow? How is he to know?

My reading is that MPW will listen to the SN2 when travelling and so I think to do so with an open mind is indeed the best policy.

G

I agree. The Supernait is lovely and I'd choose it over a 202/250.2 any day. 

feeling_zen posted:

I don't have a dealer in my country or within a 5 hour plane journey. But rather than rely on the forum I would (and do) consult a trusted dealer overseas. Discuss with them at length and let them guide you. 

Hi

Yes - thats what i do as well but would prefer to go in with my eyes open. This is because i know my room the best - the dealer may not.

Besides the usefulness of the replies in this forum helps me to communicate with the dealer in a conversation / dialogue and explain my choices and predicaments to him / her.

I think it will help me get the best bang for the buck within brand Naim.

best regards

GraemeH posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

Graeme, that's the challenge MPW faces where he lives. Whose advice does he follow? How is he to know?

My reading is that MPW will listen to the SN2 when travelling and so I think to do so with an open mind is indeed the best policy.

G

Agreed, Now this can go on for days, but the Forum has spoken, and it appears to no ones surprise, Separates will out perform an Integated System any day of the week at any Dealer you choose.

And check before hand, to make sure an CD5XS is present.

CD5XS  / Hi Cap DR / 202 / 250.2

vs

SN 2

And let the Dealer pick out the Mullet!!!

Looks like The 2nd Naim market has adjusted prices to your area, a Blue chipper!

Your maximum target price 5.5K

Hi Cap DR / 202 / 250.2

Good Luck!!!!

CD5XS/HCDR/202/250.2…….  all you need now is a pair of DBL and you have a cracking Mullet.

yes - there are actually 2 schools of thought one for the top of the line integrated and the other for a pre power combo.

many many thanks for your responses.

really appreciate being part of this forum

I look forward to updating this thread with my actual purchase which will happen after a listening session  hopefully in the near term. I will listen to the SN2 and the pre-power and make up my mind.

If the difference to my ears is not much - then it will be the SN2 as it is easier logistically.

CATALINMETAL - the Naim Nait 5i -2 goes very very well with my Merlin TSM - to my ears and i am not yet ready for tube amps as yet. My subwoofer gives me just the required scale in the lower octaves that i need. I am in the market for essentially a more quality power delivery than tor Nait 5i and the thread topic are the options i am looking at / i have.

Wishing all of you lots of peace and music.

regards