Second HCAPDR to 282 vs. DR the 250.2
Posted by: mackb3 on 24 February 2016
My dealer has chimed in but would value experienced input. SUPERCAPDR not an option due to cost.
Thx
Neither really. If you love the 282/hicapdr/250 - you might not like the 250 DR..
Kinda late in the UK, looked at your profile, USA!
Our Systems are Similar, 282/HCDR! As you know, in the US our access to Naim doesn't compare to that of the UK!
So the Forum is all we have in most instances! Many on the forum has said the Gap was narrowed between the HCDR and the SC, However, the SCDR was marginally better than the HCDR. But you know in this game, experience is the best teacher!
The way I see it you have two choices:
1st choice, be Patient wait and save for SCDR!
2nd Choice, explore the 2nd hand Market for an 8 year old SC. And in a couple of years, recap and DR it!
Well, That's all I got for you!
What Region are you located in? I'm Northeast, the Great Lakes State, MI!
MM,
I tend to always demo each scenario before pulling the trigger and would do so here. Understanding many different interpretations from forum members could provide prospective and your comment is a valid one and appreciated. The 282/250.2 is the end game for me but willing to implement these changes if performance gains are valid and eventually incorporating Fraim.
Allante93 posted:Kinda late in the UK, looked at your profile, USA!
Our Systems are Similar, 282/HCDR! As you know, in the US our access to Naim doesn't compare to that of the UK!
So the Forum is all we have in most instances! Many on the forum has said the Gap was narrowed between the HCDR and the SC, However, the SCDR was marginally better than the HCDR. But you know in this game, experience is the best teacher!
The way I see it you have two choices:
1st choice, be Patient wait and save for SCDR!
2nd Choice, explore the 2nd hand Market for an 8 year old SC. And in a couple of years, recap and DR it!
Well, That's all I got for you!
What Region are you located in? I'm Northeast, the Great Lakes State, MI!
Allante93,
Yes, wee hours in the UK. Fortunate enough to visit in 2012 and a Naim Headquarters tour. I'm in NC and it is true the Naim market here is a mere shadow of the UK market. I would demo each then wait for a dealer dem as second hand DR offerings are rare here. I'm patient and can plod along. I lived with and enjoyed a Rotel CD 955/Nait3r/Intro II's for 18 years. Thanks for your comments.
mackb3 posted:MM,
I tend to always demo each scenario before pulling the trigger and would do so here. Understanding many different interpretations from forum members could provide prospective and your comment is a valid one and appreciated. The 282/250.2 is the end game for me but willing to implement these changes if performance gains are valid and eventually incorporating Fraim.
We're in the same boat, 282/250.2 is more than likely the end game here! The only difference is I got 3 of them!
Just upgrade from Bi Amped 250.2's to Tri Amped 250.2's, and guess what, I got more out of the Fraimlite than the Third Amp.
But All in All, System Sounds Great, but compared to what? A Full Blown Linn Aktiv System LP 12/Karin/XO with Bingo Card/ Dirak PS/3 x LK 280's, and the Barbaric Briks!
In the Process of going Active with Naim, Hence also in the market for an SC to power a Snaxo 362 with Burndy! Checkmate end game!
Great looking rig, hell yea...and Brik's. I have inquired with a dealer to demo some Fraim and Fraim Lite. Way expensive but I'm game especially if it's as good as or better than an box enhancement. Way back in the 80's before my modest Naim rig I was all Linn fully tricked. Did you try both versions of Fraim? Since we're talking upgrades that's in the max out mix.
Right off Naim's web site:
""For entry-level Naim Audio systems, our FraimLite features the same tripod-style configuration, carefully optimised shelf spacing and high-quality material construction of our reference-quality Fraim.
It retains the cup-and-cone interface system used by its bigger brother too, but omits the dual layer base and ball-bearing decoupled glass shelf. Reference Fraim levels can be incorporated into the same system as FraimLite so that you can upgrade to our top of the range equipment support on a level-by-level basis.""
Just picked up six Naim cups and balls, hard to find, headed to Chicago next week to pick up some Custom made Corian shelves, a lot cheaper than Fraim!
Ordered the 4 Tier Fraimlite from the Nether Lands 850 Euro, not bad, but shipping killed me, ended up shelling out 1.2K.
Picked up the 3 Tier Canada, Demo spanking brand new! .9K.
Just add Naim Nuts & Balls, the only flaw, the MDF boards are not pre shimmed out to hold Naim Cups, as they are in Fraim, but besides that the SQ should be the same.
MSRP for Naim Base $1399
MSRP for Naim Level $1099
That’s 2.5K for two shelves! WoW!
I’m looking @ 2.1K for the 7 Tier inferior Fraimlite, a no Brainer!
The Armchair QB!!!
mackb3 posted:Great looking rig, hell yea...and Brik's. I have inquired with a dealer to demo some Fraim and Fraim Lite. Way expensive but I'm game especially if it's as good as or better than an box enhancement. Way back in the 80's before my modest Naim rig I was all Linn fully tricked. Did you try both versions of Fraim? Since we're talking upgrades that's in the max out mix.
Depending on what you use for rack, a Fraim could easily be your best value upgrade. Good that you have an opportunity to demo.
Charlie
I had in the past a Nac282 with one Hicap non DR, later two non DR and finally an S/H olive Supercap that made a BIG IMPROVEMENT. In
your place I would search for a Supercap even an olive one ( recently Recaped ) should lift the performance of your system.
Just my two cents...
Fabian
If the 282 is not going to be changed to a 252, and you already have a Hicap DR, I would get the 250 converted to DR spec and leave it at that.
250 DR.
I nearly bought Full Fat Fraim the first time round but baulked at £4K for a rack and bought the Lite. I've now replaced 6 levels with the FF version and wish I'd bought that originally. Can't comment on the 250DR as I'm still on the 250-2
Hungryhalibut posted:If the 282 is not going to be changed to a 252, and you already have a Hicap DR, I would get the 250 converted to DR spec and leave it at that.
These are wise words and well worth following.
MangoMonkey posted:Neither really. If you love the 282/hicapdr/250 - you might not like the 250 DR..
Foot tapper posted:
""Hungryhalibut posted:
If the 282 is not going to be changed to a 252, and you already have a Hicap DR, I would get the 250 converted to DR spec and leave it at that.
These are wise words and well worth following.""
I tend to agree with HH, just sounds like logical path, but as you know nothing is as it appears, Now it would all be so Simple if the OP, and The Armchair QB, could walk in the Dealership and demo a 250DR, or even take it home for a few weeks, just as you Chaps have done!
But we reside across the pond, Soooooooo!!!!!!
Mango has a good point, the OP resides in the US, not that easy to demo a 250DR.
Also based on the OP’s comments, he has become acclimated to the SQ of the 250.2!
{{“The 282/250.2 is the end game for me but willing to implement these changes if performance gains are valid and eventually incorporating Fraim.”}}
Hence my suggestion was piggybacking off Mango's suggestion of freezing.
Mind you, The Dealer did suggest SCDR, but the OP clearly stated not an option, due to cost!
So once again The dollar enters the equation!
A. MSRP SCDR $7,695 USD
B. 5 year old SCDR $3500
Resale value HCDR $1500
2nd Hand SCDR $2000
C. DR Upgrade $1700
D. DR upgrade and recap $2000
Option D. is Plausible, but evidently Dealer doesn’t have one to demo, Plus he suggested SCDR!
Hence, My Suggestion:
The OP could utilize the 2nd hand market, list his HCDR, and explore for an 5 year old SC or SCDR!
Of course, there’s only Option B. and D. to consider!
Sure would be nice if the OP and The Armchair QB could walk in the Dealer and demo a 250 DR!
You guy’s got it made!
JMHO!
The Armchair QB!
Hungryhalibut posted:If the 282 is not going to be changed to a 252, and you already have a Hicap DR, I would get the 250 converted to DR spec and leave it at that.
+1.
A second HC is an improvement but it's not like going to a SC. If we're talking about the biggest bang for your buck, DR upgrade is it. Assuming you like what DRing does of course.
Allante93 posted:MangoMonkey posted:Neither really. If you love the 282/hicapdr/250 - you might not like the 250 DR..
Foot tapper posted:
""Hungryhalibut posted:
If the 282 is not going to be changed to a 252, and you already have a Hicap DR, I would get the 250 converted to DR spec and leave it at that.
These are wise words and well worth following.""
I tend to agree with HH, just sounds like logical path, but as you know nothing is as it appears, Now it would all be so Simple if the OP, and The Armchair QB, could walk in the Dealership and demo a 250DR, or even take it home for a few weeks, just as you Chaps have done!
But we reside across the pond, Soooooooo!!!!!!
Mango has a good point, the OP resides in the US, not that easy to demo a 250DR.
Also based on the OP’s comments, he has become acclimated to the SQ of the 250.2!
{{“The 282/250.2 is the end game for me but willing to implement these changes if performance gains are valid and eventually incorporating Fraim.”}}
Hence my suggestion was piggybacking off Mango's suggestion of freezing.Mind you, The Dealer did suggest SCDR, but the OP clearly stated not an option, due to cost!
So once again The dollar enters the equation!
A. MSRP SCDR $7,695 USD
B. 5 year old SCDR $3500
Resale value HCDR $1500
2nd Hand SCDR $2000C. DR Upgrade $1700
D. DR upgrade and recap $2000
Option D. is Plausible, but evidently Dealer doesn’t have one to demo, Plus he suggested SCDR!
Hence, My Suggestion:
The OP could utilize the 2nd hand market, list his HCDR, and explore for an 5 year old SC or SCDR!
Of course, there’s only Option B. and D. to consider!Sure would be nice if the OP and The Armchair QB could walk in the Dealer and demo a 250 DR!
You guy’s got it made!
JMHO!
The Armchair QB!
Allante93,
Looking at my original post I can see how you surmised that my dealer picked the SCDR and there is validity in moving the HCDR to free funds for a possible SCDR. However, my dealer is firmly in the camp of former NANA partner Chris Koster that the second HC is superior to a SC in this case. I didn't want to reveal so experiences could flow freely regarding that part of the equation.
Thanks for all the previous and hopefully continuing suggestions and experiences. The 282/HCDR/250.2 is truly a satisfying combination as is but if doable demo pieces within the designs upgrade path that may produce more magic.