Next step?

Bob,

Are you currently without a transport for your DAC?

Since you've gone and mentioned the 202 + 250 as a possible endpoint be prepared for 272 suggestions

Bob,

Just looking ahead, I'm not sure a 202/250 is a well balanced combination, based on some reports I have read here on the forum.

282/250 or 202/200 may be a better option?

Ian.

Joe and AM -

Thanks.  I'm using a cheap and old Sony DVD player as transport to the 263.  I'll get around to streaming someday, but for now I have way too many CDs. 

I know the 202/HC/250 isn't the most "balanced," but it is an amazing sounding combination and I'll be able to build to it piece by piece.  Used 202s show up frequently; 282s not so much.  And once you've heard the difference from a 200 (or 180) to a 250 there is simply no going back - the 250 is simply on another plane. 

The 250 might be on a different plane, but that doesn't alter the fact that the 202/hicap/250 combination is not a happy marriage. 

Hungry - Thanks. 

Of the three possibilities, which would you suggest?  DVD5, FC2, or Meridian 563?

A used CDX2 into your Nait 5 could give you joy. It would also see you right if you eventually go to 202/ 200 etc.

Chris

A CD5 with Flatcap 2 would match your kit perfectly. Flatcap 2 socket A for the amp and socket B for the CD5. The DVD5 is a bit of waste of funds IMO, and synergy is key. The CD5/Nait5/FC2 may also suffice for longer than you thought..... but if you really want to end up at your proposed system, you may really need to consider what source you want to use now, be it CD player, turntable or streamer, and get that in as soon as possible before messing with amps.

Bob Edwards posted:

Hungry - Thanks. 

Of the three possibilities, which would you suggest?  DVD5, FC2, or Meridian 563?

If you want Naim synergy, I'd discount the Meridian, as it sounds quite different. And I certainly wouldn't get a DVD5, as it takes bloomin' ages to load a CD. I'd probably go for a CD5x, which is a lovely machine. Later on, a flatcap 2x would give a nice boost to both the CD player and your Nait 5, which is also lovely. The CD5x is a bit more upbeat than the CD5, but if you can get one for a good price then it too would be ideal. 

For what it's worth, there are very few situations where a 202/hicap/250 would beat the simpler 282/200. This is why it's considered an unhappy marriage. One of those would be where you have really rather difficult to drive speakers, and the other is where you're attempting to couple to a very large room (e.g. 8m2). I see no mention of changing the speakers so presumably you're sticking with the Helixes (Helices? Whatever...).

Now, if you were at that level of amplifier, the matching CD player would be the CDX2. Adding a HiLine would be the icing on the cake. Try to obtain a CDX2 with the switchable digital output in it. This is the latest model so it should last you longest and has the easier to use puck without the rubber o-ring legs. If you are contemplating streaming then replace CDX2 with NDX. If all this is a bit rich, consider the even simpler Supernait as a solution. A CDX2 (or NDX)/Supernait is a brilliant combination and can drive a number of well received speakers. There's also the 272/200 or 272/250 combination if streaming. 

Hope this helps!

Frank.

Well, lucked into a Flatcap2 for $180 USD.  So my original question is (somewhat) resolved.  I'll keep my eyes open for a used Hicap2, and then move on from there.

Whilst I appreciate everyone pointing out that a 202/NAPSC/HC/250 is not the most "balanced" sounding, I have the advantage of having heard them driving my very own speakers, and it was, quite simply, stunning.  With different speakers (my old ProAc R2.5s) I have no doubt the 282/NAPSC/HC/200 would be better (and that a 52/90 or 252/100 would be even better). 

And yes, I don't plan on changing speakers for the simple reason that it makes infinitely more sense to me to keep them and to upgrade what goes into them.  I could give a long list of what Helix 2s don't do, but I like them. 

Bob,

Great post above. Nice too hear you're letting your ears be the final arbiter.

For the price of the FC2 I assume it hasn't been serviced, but hopefully will provide a beneficial boost in sound for the time being. Even better if it came with the ICs to connect to your Nait 5.

Bob,

Over the weekend I moved part of my system into the lliving room to watch the Glastonbury coverage and also took the opportunity to give an Olive 250 I have a bit of a run out connected to a 202 and non Naim psu driving Guru QM10's and after the negative reports such a combination has recieved on this forum I was pleasantly surprised at how good it sounds so to me your end goal does not sound too bad at all., the proof of wether its better, worse or different will be when I reconnect the 200 on Monday. I was always planning on upgrading to a 282 with my 200 I'm now wondering if a 282/250 might be the way to go.