272/200 and 272/250DR

so finally I got the opportunity to listen to 272 at home with my 250 DR with a fellow forum member who will also post his findings 

First of all, I do have a 282/HCDR with Hugo, and I liked the 272 as a standalone unit musically, it was instantly likable from the first song.

We didn't get time to test 272 vs 282, but I know how my 282 sounds, and I think Naim got the numbering very spot on. The preamp is about as good as a 282 to my ears, I really struggled to hear much of these "day and night differences", I think there is very little difference between these 2 preamps.

I could very easily live with 272 as my source/preamp.

So we tried 272/100 then 272/200 and then 272/250DR.

The 100 already sounded very good, but the 200 took it to another level of soundstage, bass control, clarity and musicality

Then the 250 DR was added and for me it was a big jump, in even bigger soundstage, bass control clarity and musicality, but also with added realism and textures. one Piano note it was virtually as if the instrument was really in the room

This was confirmed when the 200 was put back in place, the 250DR is really special.

The 272 sounded like a Naim preamp/source, musical, fast, clear and rhythmic above all. 

I really liked the 272.... Now that I have 282/HCDR I won't sell it to get a 272, but if buying from the start I think 272 is the right preamp and source to buy today. 

I wish this were available when I first bought my 202/200, I would easily have bought the 272/200DR or 272/250DR instead. And eventually added a XPSDR later on.

Seriously impressive musically and sonically.