SL Cables or NAP 250DR

Defo NAP250DR .......... can't comment on speaker cables....but I have heard very positive reports SL Cables...

If you get the 250, will you then swap the SN for a 282? I'm not convinced that the SN preamp is ideal for the 250 in the longer term, but it's fine as a stepping stone. 

250DR by a few country miles.

I tested the SL cables, but the effect of 250DR is massive in terms of enjoyment and sheer improvement.

Hi Kevin , looking at your system I would get the 250DR , It works really well with the SN2 as I have found . Yes it may be as HH points out a stepping stone but its a very  good one . As you already have a Hicap DR you could look out for a 282 as and when .

Kevin Richardson posted:

Given the context of my current system

--> NDX [PowerLine] [StillPoints]-> DC1-> Berkeley Alpha DAC [PowerLine] [Still Points] -> ArSound Lunar -> SN2 [PowerLine] [Still Ponits]

--> HicapDr [PowerLine] [Still Points] --> NACA5 --> S400 + REL G2

Which upgrade is likely to produce the greater positive impact on a per $ basis?

1.  SL speaker cables 3m 3,500$

2. NAP250DR + additional stand level 7,500$

(I am completely unable to audition any Naim products prior to purchasing)

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.

Between SL and the NAP250DR, I would say without even thinking that the NAP250DR will give a better gain in sound. 

On a related note, I wonder if adding an XPS-DR instead would be a worthy third consideration ?

282 with the HCDR & 200(non-DR) is a significant upgrade over the SN2 into S400 in my recent experience. Less redundancy and probably a bigger audio lift than strapping a more powerful engine to the (already DR) SN2 imho.

G

How's this for an idea: get the 250DR, sell the NDX, DAC, SN2 and Hicap, and get a 272 and a used XPSDR. Fewer boxes and better sound. No extra Fraim required. Various leads and Stillpoints to sell, which can be reinvested in the Super Lumina speaker leads. 

And I would start with Super Lumina - the effect is.... well.. illuminating.

GraemeH posted:

282 with the HCDR & 200(non-DR) is a significant upgrade over the SN2 into S400 in my recent experience. Less redundancy and probably a bigger audio lift than strapping a more powerful engine to the (already DR) SN2 imho.

G

 

would agree with GraemeH on the above - 282/HCDR/200 really works - but 250DR another step up

Hungryhalibut posted:

If you get the 250, will you then swap the SN for a 282? I'm not convinced that the SN preamp is ideal for the 250 in the longer term, but it's fine as a stepping stone. 

Agreed. However I don't think the SL speaker cable will disappoint (my latest purchase) over the NACA5. I'm not sure how well the plugs on them integrate with the S400's. Maybe someone else could advise.

IMHO, a cable change should not have precedence over any component upgrade. 

cat345 posted:

IMHO, a cable change should not have precedence over any component upgrade. 

Any reason why? The SL speaker upgrade from NACA5 has been the equal of many of my component upgrades.

sheffieldgraham posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

If you get the 250, will you then swap the SN for a 282? I'm not convinced that the SN preamp is ideal for the 250 in the longer term, but it's fine as a stepping stone. 

Agreed. However I don't think the SL speaker cable will disappoint (my latest purchase) over the NACA5. I'm not sure how well the plugs on them integrate with the S400's. Maybe someone else could advise.

 

The plugs on SuperLumina fit very well into the Ovators S-400.

sheffieldgraham posted:

cat345 posted:

IMHO, a cable change should not have precedence over any component upgrade. 

Any reason why? The SL speaker upgrade from NACA5 has been the equal of many of my component upgrades.

I believe what you say Graham but on the other hand you already possess some of the best Naim components. Although I have no significant experience with the best of what Naim has to offer I still think that going from Nap300 to Nap500 would make way more difference than a SL speaker cable upgrade.

Hungryhalibut posted:

How's this for an idea: get the 250DR, sell the NDX, DAC, SN2 and Hicap, and get a 272 and a used XPSDR. Fewer boxes and better sound. No extra Fraim required. Various leads and Stillpoints to sell, which can be reinvested in the Super Lumina speaker leads. 

This sounds like a good plan.  In response to OP,  Kevin can start with the 250DR first.  Enjoying that for a while gives you time to think about the N272.  When the N272 is in place and the rest is sold, voila, you have the SL cables as well.  I confess I have not added up all the numbers on cost.

Kevin, do you have a dealer who would allow return of the N272 if you were not pleased with the sound?

Charlie

cat345 posted:

sheffieldgraham posted:

cat345 posted:

IMHO, a cable change should not have precedence over any component upgrade. 

Any reason why? The SL speaker upgrade from NACA5 has been the equal of many of my component upgrades.

I believe what you say Graham but on the other hand you already possess some of the best Naim components. Although I have no significant experience with the best of what Naim has to offer I still think that going from Nap300 to Nap500 would make way more difference than a SL speaker cable upgrade.

In this case I wouldn't disagree, although I have no experience of it. I was just a little puzzled by your statement, which seemed to imply all   component upgrades should take precedence. I must say it's only after auditioning the SL speaker cable that I hold this view.

I have the 272  250 combo and it is great....so definantly think this is the way to go....  my 250 is being dr modded. ...can't wait to get it back!

HH makes some very good suggestions although I have not tried the 272 at home. I have however used NDX (later upgraded to NDS/XPS)/282 (later upgraded to 252)/HICAP non DR (later upgraded to SupercarDR)/250.2 (later upgraded to 250DR)/NAC A5 (later upgraded to SL speaker cables). A bit of a tortuous route but the 250DR and SL speaker cables arrived at the same time and, as the saying goes, took my system to another level. There is definite synergy between the DR'd power amps and SL speaker cable IMHO.

So in summary I would go for the 250DR first as long as the SN's preamp was a stepping-stone to a 282 (or 272 ditching the NDX) and then SL speaker cables. As previously mentioned I can't comment on the 272 although there are many on here who have said very good things about it and it is surely the most cost-effective solution. What I can say is that NDX/282/HICAP (preferably DR)/250DR/SL speaker cables is a cracking system, balanced and synergistic!

I realise you will not be able to home-demo before you buy, but if you love the Naim signature, you won't go wrong with the above. More of the same with knobs on! Sorry for getting technical, but I am sure you know what I mean.

Good luck, and have fun!

N

The 250DR definitely.

It's a bigger improvement in sound quality per £££ and............

..........super-douper cables are still in their infancy. Both Chord and Naim are still developing in this area. I doubt whether the 250DR will be replaced/improved anytime soon, but new or better cables.............anybody's guess !

Hungryhalibut posted:

If you get the 250, will you then swap the SN for a 282? I'm not convinced that the SN preamp is ideal for the 250 in the longer term, but it's fine as a stepping stone. 

 I suppose I might be able to trade the SN2 for a new 250DR and then try to buy a used 282.

I really like the 272/250DR two box solution but am wary as I would no longer have the ability to use a third party DAC. But....  It would remove several wires, couple 1000$ worth of stillpoints and power lines.

I hate having to make decisions without proper auditions.  Seems rather ridiculous give the expense involved.

CharlieP posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

How's this for an idea: get the 250DR, sell the NDX, DAC, SN2 and Hicap, and get a 272 and a used XPSDR. Fewer boxes and better sound. No extra Fraim required. Various leads and Stillpoints to sell, which can be reinvested in the Super Lumina speaker leads. 

This sounds like a good plan.  In response to OP,  Kevin can start with the 250DR first.  Enjoying that for a while gives you time to think about the N272.  When the N272 is in place and the rest is sold, voila, you have the SL cables as well.  I confess I have not added up all the numbers on cost.

Kevin, do you have a dealer who would allow return of the N272 if you were not pleased with the sound?

Charlie

No.  Apparently I am the only person in the entire State with a Naim system.  They only "stock" UnitiLite and Muso level equipment.

If you're thinking about replacing the Berkeley Alpha DAC with the one in the 272, I shall be forced to resurrect the audio psychiatrist.

Jan-Erik Nordoen posted:

If you're thinking about replacing the Berkeley Alpha DAC with the one in the 272, I shall be forced to resurrect the audio psychiatrist.

Never... But...  I might need additional therapy as I've some how logged into this site (after an extended period of upgrade abstinence) to report some technical problem with my streamers only to find myself 48 hours later trying to decide between an expensive piece of wire and an even more expensive / redundant box.  I mean... I must be insane since I only ever listen to three of the hundreds of albums I own.

I think I need a hobby.

Don't fight it.... Not worth it.... Upgradiatis always wins.... 

Kevin Richardson posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

If you get the 250, will you then swap the SN for a 282? I'm not convinced that the SN preamp is ideal for the 250 in the longer term, but it's fine as a stepping stone. 

 I suppose I might be able to trade the SN2 for a new 250DR and then try to buy a used 282.

I really like the 272/250DR two box solution but am wary as I would no longer have the ability to use a third party DAC. But....  It would remove several wires, couple 1000$ worth of stillpoints and power lines.

I hate having to make decisions without proper auditions.  Seems rather ridiculous give the expense involved.

The 272 is excellent for the money, but it's not not going to sound better than your NDX, although it would be a good cure for upgradeitis, especially as you couldn't use it with your DAC - which you could then sell to fund an XPS!!

If you're considering a 282, you might need to make sure you have a plan for connecting your sub, as you would no longer have the sub-out that your Supernait has. You might be better off if you can run them high level from your speaker terminals (maybe you already are?) but then you need to make sure this will still fit in with your SL cable upgrade!!!

Of course, with all these upgrades under your belt, you will no doubt be looking at a speaker upgrade next, perhaps to something that means you don't need the sub any more.....spending other people's money is so much fun