NAC 202 vs. NAC 272

What source are you using for the comparison? In a dealer dem I thought NDX/202 sounded better than 272 by some margin, but that's as much a comparison of streamers as it is of preamps. 

The 272 preamp is better than the 202. 

ChrisSU posted:

What source are you using for the comparison? In a dealer dem I thought NDX/202 sounded better than 272 by some margin, but that's as much a comparison of streamers as it is of preamps. 

Well right now it is an elite N-50 streamer with NAC 202, which it is surely to beat ... But, I would be comparing the 272 to ND5 XS/202 ultimately. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

The 272 preamp is better than the 202. 

 

This is what I was hoping to hear

Got Hi-Fi? posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

The 272 preamp is better than the 202. 

 

This is what I was hoping to hear

To make that call about the pre you'd need to audition them both using the same external source. Of course, it's more meaningful to listen to a complete system that you might end up with, and you need to consider which power amps and PSUs would fit into that system. Doing any of that without the help of a dealer is hit and miss, and rather subjective.

don't ever sell your 202 as it's really special ,just get the hicap if you still don't have it. 

And an NDX for great streaming.

Hungryhalibut posted:

The 272 preamp is better than the 202. 

 

I'm not saying it's not but in what way is it better - technical spec? Resolution, Definition of bass/treble? Timing?  In what configuration?  Have you done it side by side?  I haven't?  I have with the 282/hcdr and I don't think it's anywhere near as some of you claim.

Antonio1 posted:

don't ever sell your 202 as it's really special ,just get the hicap if you still don't have it. 

And an NDX for great streaming.

I do have a HICAP on it as well ... Actually, I just got a price on the NDX, it is quite a bit less than I had thought it was, like 2K less. So, it looks like I might just go that route after all. 

But in my opinion the NDX like CDX2 really needs an XPS to be at its best - as does the 272!!

The Strat (Fender) posted:

But in my opinion the NDX like CDX2 really needs an XPS to be at its best - as does the 272!!

..and this is the best thing about naim .. There will always be room for the upgrade path

Hungryhalibut posted:

The 272 preamp is better than the 202. 

 

Not really, only ears can tell what you like, but 202+nd5xs is better than 272 if u ask naim, why? Because separates, but again you must buy what you hear.

Got Hi-Fi? posted:

Antonio1 posted:

don't ever sell your 202 as it's really special ,just get the hicap if you still don't have it. 

And an NDX for great streaming.

I do have a HICAP on it as well ... Actually, I just got a price on the NDX, it is quite a bit less than I had thought it was, like 2K less. So, it looks like I might just go that route after all. 

then,  Ndx is the answer.

you'll be glad you keep such a dedicated and capable separate and get a nice streamer.

Each one specialized in its duty.

As you compare the cost of these alternatives, be sure to include the cost of rack levels, interconnects and power cables.  As for the sound, you must audition.  Consider also your future plans, if any, for system evolution.

Charlie

At that price go for it.

I recently swap 202 based system  to 272 system ( ı had nd5xs not ndx) sonra my dilema was go for 282 or add ndx

Nac202 + hicap + ndx  + xps  or nac272 + xps....

The later combo is a  very good value... 

I ama very happy with it

I have just bought a used NAC 272 and unfortunately it's not as good as my current NDAC/NAC 202 setup. However, the star player in this appears to be the NDAC. Here's how I worked it out...

Original system with the NDAC has a fully specced up NAC 202 (with NAPSC, HiCap and HiLine internconnect). I was happy with it but wanted to reduce the box count and hoped the NAC 272 would be SQ upgrade anyway, plus some added streaming convenience would be nice.

Swapping in the NAC 272 for the NDAC, NAC 202, HiCap and NAPSC was underwhelming. Noticeable reduction in clarity and soundstage in particular. Just didn't sound open.

So went back to the NDAC, this time into the analogue input of the NAC 272. Sounds great! All clarity and openness issues resolved. Plus might actually sound a bit stronger than the specced 202 with a bit more bass.

Then tried a convoluted route to isolate the functions of the NAC 272. Used the 272 as a streamer only via digital out to the NDAC from which analogue back into the old NAC 202 setup. Basically sounded the same as my original setup. I could never tell the difference between my NDAC inputs anyway. I think it's designed to isolate the source so they should all sound similar. What does matter though, is the quality of the source file: lossless is essential. Spotify sounds boring but Tidal HiFi sounds awesome.

So in summary: NAC 272 has a great preamp - better to my ears than NAC 202 (complete with NAPSC and HiCap). It's also a fine and flexible streamer. However, I don't think the DAC's any good. I think the NDAC is a bit of an unsung hero. All this talk of the NAC 272 having its DAC based on the NDS is twaddle!

'Based on' is a very loose term.....