Taking XPS off 272 makes little difference

Harty - by all means try the DR version. On the other hand, if you already enjoy what you've got, save the money, treat the wife and buy more music 

james n posted:

Harty - by all means try the DR version. On the other hand, if you already enjoy what you've got, save the money, treat the wife and buy more music 

Wise words James.

I can only comment on my own set-up but for me there was a big step up in performance when adding an XPS-DR to the 272, and not a subtle difference at all.

I use the XPSDR with powerline, it instantly adds more focus with a detailed open transparent sound which has a smoother top end with more detailing and greater dynamics overall along with a more tuneful bass which has a better grip, the soundstage opens up in width and depth also, so all in all quite a step change.

It would seem something is amiss somewhere, maybe your XPS is due a service? I know the DR version of the XPS like all DR products form Naim are a big improvement on the originals or maybe there is just better synergy with the XPS-DR/272 although I would still think the XPS should give an uplift in overall performance but not having listened to one I can`t say with any certainty.

Hope you manage to get it all sorted and if at the end of the day your happy with the standalone 272 then just stick with it, its all about what you like and it`s your money.

Happy Listening!!

ATB

Rob

I

I thought that the difference was massive, with a bigger more authoritative and greater realism and engagement, and have said before that it takes the 272 to a different level. That was a DR version of course, and I've not tried the non-DR XPS. 

But if you are happy with the 272/250 as it is, then that's fantastic. Upgrading is not compulsory.

One person's perception of a "maaive" improvement can be perceived as "Slight" by another person in the same room.

There are very few "rights" or "wrongs" at this level..

persevere with the home demo, but if the improvement doesn't justify the extra cost.........don't buy.

Has anybody tried Deezer on a 272 , I know its a different topic but I am deciding on my new pre amp , only stream through an apple I pad , but quite like it

In my setting, the addition of a XPS-DR did bring a positive difference to the 272. It instantly seemed less congested and as others here have stated, a greater sense of detail, dynamics and bass. I also just added a Powerline to the XPS yesterday evening and initial impressions are smoother high, better soundstage and added details.  Feel like both are worthwhile upgrades.

I'm not sure what people are looking for with these upgrades. I never think about bass, treble, detail and all that malarkey, but about whether it sounds more real, more interesting, whether I'm drawn more into the music, whether my feet tap and my head nods, whether it makes me want to dance (not a pretty sight). These are the improvements I get from the XPS. If people are looking for 'Hifi' improvements they may be disappointed. It's very interesting how perceptions can vary so much. 

However one decides whether to splash the cash, what matters is whether the individual feels the difference justifies the cost. It matters not a jot if someone else says that component X is the best thing since sliced bread, if it don't sound posh, don't part with your dosh (sorry, NigelB!)

Just after posting, I found a 2.5 year old 555DR for similar price to new XPS, just down the road from where I live. The price includes a power line.

I have just returned home with a blistered credit card and have set the 555 up - on the understanding I can return if I don't feel it does the job.

Initial thoughts are (given its cold and just out of the box) that it sounds very good indeed.

Will report further for those who are interested.

Hungryhalibut posted:

I'm not sure what people are looking for with these upgrades. I never think about bass, treble, detail and all that malarkey, but about whether it sounds more real, more interesting, whether I'm drawn more into the music, whether my feet tap and my head nods, whether it makes me want to dance (not a pretty sight). These are the improvements I get from the XPS. If people are looking for 'Hifi' improvements they may be disappointed. It's very interesting how perceptions can vary so much. 

However one decides whether to splash the cash, what matters is whether the individual feels the difference justifies the cost. It matters not a jot if someone else says that component X is the best thing since sliced bread, if it don't sound posh, don't part with your dosh (sorry, NigelB!)

Hi Nigel, 

I agree entirely that these upgrades should lead to more grinning, head nodding and foot tapping - and for me, it has been about sounding more "analogue" (whatever that means!!). But I also am considering what the upgrade is doing to bass control / detail/ sound stage etc, when listening.

For what it is worth, the 555DR already sounds more like what I would expect a PSU upgrade to do for the 272 (and more in line with the various comments forum members have made on their experiences). It may well be there is an issue with the XPS I have been trying.

Harty

Well, the 555PS is the bee's knees of power supply upgrades, and should certainly get the 272 dancing. I was scared to try it, but if you can get it for the price of a new XPSDR, and if you like what it does, you should be a happy bunny. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

you should be a happy bunny. 

It's not easy - hopping about, whilst grinning, nodding and tapping feet in time to the music !! 

Agree with both your comments regarding the foot tapping and head nodding, if not the bunny dancing. I also share though an enthusiasm for some of replay characteristics that can come with a more analytical ear, cymbals ringing out longer and so forth.

Be interested to hear your 555DR thoughts as I am in the same 272 territory and will be looking at XPS and 555 so your thoughts , for both engagement and perhaps analytically will be well appreciated.

Hungryhalibut posted:

However one decides whether to splash the cash, what matters is whether the individual feels the difference justifies the cost. It matters not a jot if someone else says that component X is the best thing since sliced bread, if it don't sound posh, don't part with your dosh (sorry, NigelB!)

Ahh, to be quoted on the forum, fame at last!

I bet Shelly or Keats didn't have to wait this long for their talent to be recognised.

I had non DR XPS for a while (a few days) at home. I was expecting bigger change. But when I took it off I felt some loss of FUN. Sound became smaller and less enveloping. Now I'm waiting for my own DR XPS. Hope it's bit better

nigelb posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

However one decides whether to splash the cash, what matters is whether the individual feels the difference justifies the cost. It matters not a jot if someone else says that component X is the best thing since sliced bread, if it don't sound posh, don't part with your dosh (sorry, NigelB!)

Ahh, to be quoted on the forum, fame at last!

I bet Shelly or Keats didn't have to wait this long for their talent to be recognised.

I have just realised why fame might have eluded me so far, I can't spell. It should of course be ShellEy.

Apologies to the main man!

Olek_K posted:

I had non DR XPS for a while (a few days) at home. I was expecting bigger change. But when I took it off I felt some loss of FUN. Sound became smaller and less enveloping. Now I'm waiting for my own DR XPS. Hope it's bit better

Will be interested to see what you think of the XPS DR - my findings were similar to yours with the XPS I tried - although I found the difference to be very slight.

The 555DR makes a very, very perceptible difference. 

I'm sure the XPS DR will do a great job, every 272/XPSDR owner (and tester) on here swears by them. If I had not found the deal on the used 555DR then I would have definitely tried an XPSDR.

Harty601 posted:

I've just finished another extended home demo of an XPS (non DR) on my 272. The first time I tried one my 272 and 250 DR were brand new and I did not notice a big difference in what the XPS did (contrary to almost every other relevant post on here). So I thought I would try again, now everything has bedded in.

When I put the XPS on I thought I noticed more of a difference than the previous time I used it. However, I have just taken it off the system and I have to say I'm noticing little (if any) change in sound.

I gave the XPS it's own isoblue shelf (i.e. not chucked on the floor or piled on top of something else), dressed the burndy as well as I could - not touching floor etc - so feel I gave it a fair chance.

This may be a stupid / completely random thought - but my listening room is v large (in terms of "air space") - as it is double height gabled ceiling and open plan leading through to the dining room -  I wonder if this could be diminishing the effect of the XPS??

Maybe it is because it is a non DR version - I'd be interested in trying a DR and also a 555. One could argue I should be happy that I'm saving quite a lot of money, but given how positive people have been on what the XPS does to their 272/250DR systems it's a shame I'm nor hearing it.

Any thoughts welcome.

 

Thanks,

 

Harty

 

 

I am very interested in hearing people's thoughts on this topic, as I am in the same conundrum. I have a 272 a NAP 200 and the ever present LP-12 and I am happier with this system and listen to more music now than at any time in memory. I really like the simplicity of the 2 box system and the iPhone/iPad  control+hires streaming. I keep going back and forth whether to complicate more things by adding a PS or upgrading to a 250 or just stay with what is now a super rewarding setup. Would really like to see what people's experience is, have owned a lot of hi-if gear including some complicated setups such as an all aktiv Linn system, this is my first all NAIM system and I think it's pretty great

That's a decision only you can make. In my view the 250DR is miles better than the 200, and the 272/XPSDR is miles better than the 272 by itself. So if you swap, you will have a much better system. But... there is always something better. If you make the change be sure you are not embarking on a slippery slope. 

I'm delighted with my setup, and have added Super Lumina leads and Powerlines in order to extract the best from it. I have also had bigger more complex setups in the past, but my little three box setup doesn't make me want anything better in any way. That may or may not be helpful of course. 

OK, so 24 hours in with the 555DR on the 272 and I'm very pleased with what it's doing.

Music is much more engaging and well recorded concerts feel very much like they are in the living room. 

For those interested in more specific detail - I'll do my best; The sound stage is definitely more defined - not necessarily wider but each instrument seems more clearly defined within the space.  Definitely more detail - I've heard small details in tracks (I know well) that I have not heard before. Bass is tighter and more controlled - especially on very "busy" tracks.

I've also noticed a big improvement on the Gyrodec - I was listening to a very well engineered Sinatra (live) recording and it sounded absolutely sublime. Internet radio has also received a big boost - The audiophile Jazz station  sounded particularly good with great sound stage and detail that I didn't think possible from internet radio (I don't have the DAB/FM module).

Interestingly I have also found that not such well recorded / engineered music that sounded not so good on the bare 272 actually improves with the 555DR. One of my concerns was that the addition of the PSU may have highlighted the short comings all the more - this is not the case. As I would imagine the 555DR has not been used for a few weeks I assume it's still coming on sound and it certainly sounds better tonight than it did this morning. 

Before I went down the 272 route, I listened to an NDS with XPS DR - 282  & 250DR - and much of the characteristics I liked of the natural sounding NDS is here now with the 272/555DR combo.

I don't think it's fair for me to compare these findings to my thoughts on what the XPS (nonDR) did for my 272 as I think they are so at odds with other forum member's opinions that I suspect there is an issue with the XPS I tried (the same unit on two separate occasions).

All that remains is to convince my good lady wife that it's a bargain that can't be passed up!! After all she did wonder through the living room and mentioned in passing that Sgt Pepper playing on the TT sounded better than before.....