Second-hand 202 or 82
Posted by: Amer on 11 April 2016
Hi, I haven't got the funds to go new ones, but would like your advice on whether to go for a secondhand 202 or 82. They seem to come in at around the same price. The 82 will probably be cheaper as it would have phono boards fitted, whereas I would have to buy a phono stage for the 202, increasing the box count as well. But what would be a better upgrade? Current amp : 102/Hi-Cap DR/250.2. Thanks
Best wishes Amer
82/282 is the 250's natural partner. 82 is the better sounding preamp imho and as many mates say here 202/250 is not 'ideal' combination soundwise.
The 82 is a lot better. Get that, though make sure it's a Pots 8 version. This is the last version made, and it's better than the others. Pots refers to the volume and balance knobs, and the board attached to the front panel will have Pots 8 written on it in felt tip pen.
What HH said.
Hungryhalibut posted:The 82 is a lot better. Get that, though make sure it's a Pots 8 version. This is the last version made, and it's better than the others. Pots refers to the volume and balance knobs, and the board attached to the front panel will have Pots 8 written on it in felt tip pen.
Or if you note the serial number of the 82 and ring Naim support, they will tell you whether it has had the Pots 8 upgrade. Either way, I would certainly take an 82 over a 202.
best
David
82 is a brilliant pre amp mine has given nearly 25 years of service and still sounds good.
Can't comment on the 82 but my 282 trounced my 202 when I upgraded. I hadn't been looking to do that as, contrary to the popular position, I was enjoying my 202/HCDR/250.2. My dealer brought round a part exchange 2 year old 282 and it was immediately apparent how much of an improvement it was. The only other consideration of course will be would the 82 be in need of a service which may need to be factored in to the cost comparison.
I was considering these options a while back and found the search facility reveals extensive posts on the subject - so worth a trawl.
G
Thanks for the comments and advice on the serial number. I can now search for the right version. Best wishes Amer
I purchased a s/h (Pots 8) 82 last Fall. It was manufactured in '98 and had never been rebuilt prior to my purchase. Sounded much better than the 172XS I had before, which in and of itself was a very nice performer. Just had Chris West apply his magic, who did a full rebuild several weeks ago. Sounds even better, especially the upper frequencies, which seem to improve overall attack and transient speeds.
Got a good price on the 82 initially, and even after a full rebuild, compared to purchasing a 202 new or certainly a 282 new, tremendous VFM. Chris also mentions that Olive era gear can sound better now, after a rebuild than when initially manufactured, due to tighter tolerancing in the individual parts.
I have a CB HC, but am quite tempted to get a HCDR as my next move. Like the others have said, with your system, I would think the 82 to be the best move VFM, even if you have to turn around a few months later and do the rebuild.
Aric
has anyone compared an 82 to a 282?
analogmusic posted:has anyone compared an 82 to a 282?
Most of these folks:
https://forums.naimaudio.com/se...ueryString=282+vs+82
G