Where does the source first principle turn into the need for a new pre amp

Just yesterday I sold my last ever Naim CD player (CDS3) having owned different models since 1995. Streaming is definitely the way to go if you are comfortable with the technology. As to which streamer. As always you get what you pay for. I love my NDX (with XPS DR) but do now wish I had bought the NDS which I know I will move to one day.

You'll get lots of opinions on how to spend you money but my advice is;

exploit the upgraded LP12 by buying the best [2nd hand?] pre you can afford, 282 or 252.

Either will sit happier with your 250DR and will sound wonderful compared to a 202

Debs

Since vinyl is your primary source, and you may want an NDS (or whatever is next in the pipeline) someday, You may get the most from your LP12 and 250DR by replacing the 202 with a 282.  Limp along with the CD5XS/FlatcapXS for a while, then upgrade the digital source down the road.  Perhaps the CD5XS and FlatcapXS could be traded for a nDAC, DAC V1 (or other in the pipeline - perhaps some one will suggest another DAC) which you could use with a computer to play ripped CD's.  My 2 cents.

Charlie

Try to get the most of your LP12. I also have an Akurate level LP12, 252, 250DR and I'm very happy with the kit. 

If you have the opportunity to try 272 with 250DR do it, it's a way to get into streaming, maintaining you CDP while you rip your CDs. Some members are very happy with 272+250DR. May be somebody can provide feedback regarding lp12 going into this kit.

Regards.  Erich

You'll likely find, with decent rips, that an NDX should outperform the CD5 XS pretty easily. Definitely visit your retailer, though, to decide for yourself; the 202 with a Hicap 2 DR should be plenty wide open enough to show the difference.

Just some information that might be helpful on deciding what to demo! 

Classic Naim Preamplifiers  USD 2015-2016 Price List

NAC 552 Reference Analog Pre-amplifier $34,995

NAC 252 Classic Series Analog Pre-amplifier $11,995

SUPERCAP-DR Classic Series Power Supply $7,695

NAC 252 Total $19,690

NAC 282 Classic Series Analog Pre-amplifier $7,995

SUPERCAP-DR Classic Series Power Supply $7,695

NAC 282 w/sc dr Total $15,690

Preamplifiers w Network capability

NAC– N272 Pre-amp with Integrated Streamer $5,995

XPS-DR Classic Series Power Supply for Digital $6,595 

The reason the 282 is so popular is because it gets into the conversation, @ 3K 2nd Hand, and can be used as an Analog Hub, supporting, LP 12’s, Ndac’s,  US uniti’s, etc… and bare Cdx2’s. 

Flexibility can't be overlooked either, the 552 & 252 are only function with one PS, while the 282, can function with a HC, 2 HC's, HCDR, and a SCDR. Phono RCA inputs, BNC, etc.... Maybe not Naims best Pre Amp, but so close it really won't matter, until you run across a 2nd hand 552!!!!!! 

In the mean time, one can enjoy the analog TT, and multiple digital Sources all with a 2nd hand NAC 282! 

The Armchair QB!!!!

naim_nymph posted:

You'll get lots of opinions on how to spend you money but my advice is;

exploit the upgraded LP12 by buying the best [2nd hand?] pre you can afford, 282 or 252.

Either will sit happier with your 250DR and will sound wonderful compared to a 202

Debs

 

Would echo this. Your LP12 is to good for your 202. So at least make sure you move up to 282 or 252 and then consider potentially to upgrade your 2nd source.

Another vote for the 282.

Incidently (in case you're considering playing with one) I had a single powerline for a while and prefered it on the CD5x rather than the FC2x, hicap or 250 using that pre, there is a case for using it on the PSC instead but I didn't try that while I had the CD5x.

You have a high end NAP but more mid-range pre.  I would go in he order of:

282

NDS/XPS.

Thanks for the replies. Strong opinions for the 282. I won't be able to get 282 and a ndx at the moment even if I buy used. It's one or the other really. 

If I do go 282 route to match the lp12 level will I notice any improvement on the cd side over the 202? Or are we now at a level of pre amp that the cd side is giving everything it's got? 

As well as trying the NDX and the 282, do try a 272/XPSDR. The NDX//XPS/282 may be a bit better, but you are looking at a two box source and a four box amp, whereas the 272 option has three boxes and costs a lot less. I'm very happy with mine: it's small, simple and neat and yet sounds really good. It may or may not be enough for you, but it's well worth a try. And, as has been suggested above, you could keep your CD player as a temporary measure. 

I don't think the 272 is for us at this moment. Everyone in the family uses the Hifi so it's not a once a month hobby, it gets used daily so I can definitely see us progressing further up the chain over the coming years as funds allow. 

I will eventually get a separate streamer no doubt. 

The mrs even likes the look of fraim and is requesting another stack to fill the void at the side of our fireplace. Win win I think! 

In which case, I'd go for the 282. It's miles better than the 202 and will benefit your LP12 and the CD player too. The 5 series players, particularly with the Flatcap in place, are really very good. 

Paws, the standard answer on this forum is to go straight to the 552 and stop messing about. They are a vey helpful bunch and looking out for your best interest.

552 is a dream at the moment. Unless the lottery comes up. Fingers crossed. 

I think a home dem of a 282 is in order. A few on the second hand market at tasty prices too. I'm presuming newer the better to take advantage of latest technology. Has the 282 actually been updated at any point? 

The 282 has never formally been updated. I think it's usual practice to change the various components as suppliers change etc, but a 282 is basically a 282. 

Paws, the 552 is dream for most people and you'd be better off upgrading the source first anyway.

The 282 is Naim's worst value for money product. Upgrade your source.

Hungryhalibut posted:

The 282 has never formally been updated. I think it's usual practice to change the various components as suppliers change etc, but a 282 is basically a 282. 

Is it just the naps that have had the dr treatment. Nothing on preamps? Basically a 2010 282 would match a 2015 282 allowing for the older models needing a service sooner. 

I have no pre- amp:-) straight out my DAC to NAP250DR....and it sounds sublime (even my dealer was "wow" )

Yes, they are basically exactly the same. The DR change was first done to the power supplies, including the Hicap, and last year was done to the bigger power amps. 

T38.45 posted:

I have no pre- amp:-) straight out my DAC to NAP250DR....and it sounds sublime (even my dealer was "wow" )

Presumably your DAC has a volume control then?

Having just gone SN2-202 to 282 I'd say 282 every day of the week - and twice on Sundays.

G

GraemeH posted:

Having just gone SN2-202 to 282 I'd say 282 every day of the week - and twice on Sundays.

G

I thought you'd given up all the boxes - didn't you originally have a 252/300 . What happened ?

The Strat (Fender) posted:

T38.45 posted:

I have no pre- amp:-) straight out my DAC to NAP250DR....and it sounds sublime (even my dealer was "wow" )

Presumably your DAC has a volume control then?

It will be bloody loud otherwise! 

The Strat (Fender) posted:

T38.45 posted:

I have no pre- amp:-) straight out my DAC to NAP250DR....and it sounds sublime (even my dealer was "wow" )

Presumably your DAC has a volume control then?

Yes, volume and remote