Upgrade Path - Confused by Seperates

If you really want to stick with Naim then i'd be looking to end up with an NDX fronting a Supernait 2 which will get you a very nice system to front the PMC's. Add an XPS to the NDX for a future upgrade. Buy used and you could get all 3 within your budget (with enough money left for a Stageline phono stage to allow you to add a turntable later on)

The obvious alternative to the NDX and Supernait is the 272, with either 200 or, better, the 250 DR. The twenty.21s are lovely, but as you have found, need a kick up the backside to get them boogying in the way you want. So if it were me, I'd get either a used 200 for under £1,000, or a 250DR for £3,500, and use it with the Qute. Then later, swap the Qute for a 272. If you think the 250 is overkill - and if you plan to keep the 21s long term as you suggest, you could go for the 200, which makes the 272 more easily achievable. 

You could add an XPS DR to the 272 at a later date if you want. For a phono stage, just get something powered, appropriate to whatever cartridge you buy, as the 272 won't power a Stageline. 

Of course, the NDX and Supernait, or at a lower level, the ND5xs and Nait XS are great alternatives. I just happen to like the 272/250DR, which is why I bought it! Whichever of these alternatives you get, I can't imagine you being disappointed. 

for limited boxes I would go with with HH  - 272 then choose amp

I have NDX - but then 202. HCDR, 200 - looking at adding PS to NDX so boxes are growing BUT love the NDX

turntable no problem through Stageline and NDX

As a starter ask a Naim dealer to demo you 272/XPS2/250DR vs NDX/XPS2/SN2 - either will absolutely rock with your speakers but it may not be an easy call.

Get a SN2 and use your Qute as a source for streaming. Later on you can add a NDX if you feel the need and a TT. 

Well, if you weren't confused before, you certainly will be now with all these alternatives! You're going to have to go to a dealer for a listen to understand the differences.

Yes indeed Richy - take advantage of the great freebie which comes with all Naim kit - its dealer network. As individuals, we inevitably have limited experience and will obviously recommend what works for us. A dealer sees the big picture and knows how to tailor a sound for the individual, their musical preferences, aesthetic requirements and room acoustics.

Good luck.

John.

Thanks for the replies.  As always ill head to a local dealer, but at least now I know of a few reccomended combinations to try.  :-)

I agree with all of the advice given.

If you just want to give your current system a shot in the arm, adding a NAP100 power amp to the UQ2 will get those 20.21s moving. Plus if you like the shoebox form factor it will fit in nicely with the UQ2. Upgrade path after that may be the DAC-V1 to take over DAC and preamp functions from the UQ2.

I'm not sure - I wouldn't bother with a 100 on the 21s - it's a 200 or better to get them going.

You could go for the one box Superuniti with SuperLumina speaker cables for your twenty.21s.