Hi all
I am thinking about adding an XPS to my 272. I have an LP12 Majik upgraded with Radikal and Hore (about £6000 worth of source) and i notice that the 272 streamer is falling behind in a number of areas.
The LP12 is richer and warmer as expected but also bass is more solid and has more punch. Vocals are more emotional and the whole thing just hangs together in a more musical way.
Lots of posts on here singing the virtues of the XPS with the 272 but not many talking about specifics. So to those who have heard it what does it bring to the party specifically? More bass, more analogue feel, something else?
I am waiting on a demo but my local dealer has not got one so waiting on Naim to supply a unit for them.
Posted on: 18 January 2016 by fernar
I am in a similar situation - my 272 has just reached 100 hours on 'on time' - I have not had the time to listen to it today - but I too have an LP12 connected to it - it's not at the Radikal level (mine has a Khan top-plate and is driven by a Lingo 3) - but too am interested to find out what effect adding a XPS to the 272 will do - as you say the people who have heard the addition of the XPS say that it improves the SQ - however i would like to understand how big the difference is between a XPS2 and XPS DR - it is possible to find the rare ex-dem/used XPS2 every now and again - clearly a cheaper option than a new XPS DR - however the ex-dem/used version can be upgraded to DR capability....
From the sound of it you are looking to buy a new XPS DR - my dealer also has ordered a XPS - hoping to try it after he gets it in and run in...
Posted on: 18 January 2016 by hungryhalibut
When I added an XPS DR to my 272 I found that it made the music more lifelike and engaging, just much better. I could say stuff about clearer highs, more defined bass and more inky blackness, but I won't. It's just a lot more enjoyable, and moves the 272 to a higher plane altogether. The great thing about the addition of the XPS is that it improves both preamp and streamer, so it's like two upgrades for the price of one. I'd certainly get the dr version, despite the extra cost; it's much better than the non-DR xps2.
For a proper reviewer's description, Andrew Everard's 272/250DR review is worth a read - I think if you go to the 272 page on the main website you will find a link.
Posted on: 23 January 2016 by rightcoastants
Just yesterday, I added an XPS-DR to my five week old 272/200-DR set up and it was an instant transformation. I did not recognize the same music I had heard the day before ! I seem to be able to hear deeper in the music and the soundstage has also improved. Everything just sounds more natural and engaging. In short, It does indeed take the 272 to another level. The most interesting is that this extra box seems to have tamed the Super 10s and they do no longer have any hints of harshness or being bright.
In my opinion, a very worthwhile upgrade. In my case, I was able to purchase a slightly used unit which made the decision easier to justify.
Posted on: 24 January 2016 by fernar
I have managed to get a used (4 year old) XPS2 - I was looking for a used XPS DR - but XPS power supplies in the used or ex-demo, seem to very rarely available... my logic was that I can look to either servicing and upgrading this XPS to DR status or trade it in against a new XPS DR (or maybe even a ex-demo unit if/when one becomes available)
My dealer is going to a XPS DR unit in, so I will be able to listen to the difference between a XPS2 vs a XPS DR - from the feedback in the forum, the indications are that it will be a step up in sound. I am looking forward to hearing the differences in SQ
