Upgrade quandry

Posted by: al9315 on 13 May 2016

In a little bit of a quandry, I am trying to get a clear point to aim at:-

Have traditionally always played LPs – still do BUT:

Recently got NDX – copied all CDs to QNAP – it sound better than my CD2 – which does not totally surprise me (but I am pleased !) – I think it has a bit more to give – perhaps XPS2 / 555........ ?

See profile – where would you head now ? – Speaker upgrade / XPS or 555PS (I have read on here – some people do not think 555 is a good match with NDX) – but 555PS would – longer term – be the more versatile / saleable item.

I will not be buying a new XPS or 555PS – out of budget

I can get a 2^nd hand XPS2 for around £1.6k – or am I better looking for a used 555PS ?

Speakers : they would have to be near back wall – cannot be 1m out from wall (not allowed !) - so far I have heard Dynaudio Countour Floorstanders (but a bit over budget - but I liked !) - possibly consider up to around £2k

Re: LPs – I will probably get turntable serviced and new cartridge fitted at some point, but will not be going down the Radkial........... route – may try Kore audition.......

Getting older – so quite like (so far) NDX

I have always believed – source 1^st – so is my NAC82 in need of replacement (not really thinking of an old 52) before any other ideas, I believe 282 is not huge improvement ?

My theoretical plan :

Get 2 x 135 serviced

Perhaps change 2 x Hi-Cap to 1 x Supercap

Buy XPS2 soon (get DRd eventually)

Hopefully get some advice from the forum re: above thoughts and order,

Thanks for any advice

Posted on: 13 May 2016 by naim_nymph

al9315 posted:
Speakers : they would have to be near back wall – cannot be 1m out from wall (not allowed !) - so far I have heard Dynaudio Countour Floorstanders (but a bit over budget - but I liked !) - possibly consider up to around £2k
Thanks for any advice
Al

SBLs: seek out a nice carefully pre-owned pair, get them serviced up to spec [ may need new x-overs and tweeters ] and carefully set up against your brick wall, will cost a lot less than £2k and will take a lot more money to better, and will allow you to spend more money on turntable and amp upgrades.

Radikal is a fab idea, buy one with a Urika and save 500 quid in the buy together deal. Consider a Chord Sarum Super Aray RCA-DIN to go to your chosen pre-amp.... 52 / supercap / 135s is a really good plan imo : )

Debs

Posted on: 13 May 2016 by The Strat (Fender)

Hi - Deb's advice is good but XPS2 transforms NDX.

Posted on: 13 May 2016 by hungryhalibut

This is what I'd do: get a Supercap and a nice late model 52, and service the 135s. Get some SBLs or SL2s. Get an XPS2 for the NDX. Then do what you will with the LP12.

The 282 is little better than the 82, and you'd need a phono stage. This way keeps all the amps olive. But it won't match the NDX, but that doesn't seem an issue for you

Posted on: 13 May 2016 by Marksnaim

If putting a supercap on an 82 is anything like as significant an upgrade as it is on a 282 then I'd definitely recommend that. A serviced olive SC probably wouldn't be that expensive (relatively speaking of course rolleyes ) and IMHO would be a good value upgrade. Also sets you up for 52 ownership should you later decide to take the plunge.

Posted on: 13 May 2016 by Pcd

When I purchased my 82 new about 25 years ago I was originally using a Hicap the Supercap made an incredible difference and as others have said sets you up to move up the pre amp ladder.

I'm also using a NDX into a 82 and it does sound good.

Posted on: 13 May 2016 by Noogle

I'd vote for a s/h XPS-2 for the NDX. As for speakers, how big can you go? A s/h pair of Ovator S400s would take some beating but they are big beasts (certainly in comparison to Kans ). I used to run mine about 30cm from the back wall and they sounded sublime.

Posted on: 13 May 2016 by ChrisSU

I agree an XPS would be worth a try. Just don't get an olive one, it won't work.

Posted on: 15 May 2016 by antony d

recently ugraded to 282 with HCDR - with NDX and love it, also have LP12 so mix vinyll and NDX delightled with system,

at demo had NDX bare - NDX with XPS and then into 555 - , my view was bare NDX worked beautifully and with 555 - stunning! - XPS well i was n't sure

Antony