N272 with 250 DR
Posted by: Calum F on 01 August 2016
I've been scared off changing from 200/202 to 250 DR/202 as nobody on here thinks it's a good idea. I weally, weally want a 250 DR but don't want a 282 so, how does 272/250 DR stack up ? Pre and power almost same price has a certain appeal and I can get decent trade-in on 200/202. I also have CD5XS/DAC/HCDR/NAPSC, thanks
ChrisSU posted:Maybe it's for the benefit of 202 owners who have bought a NAPSC before upgrading to 282?
YES
But Calum, you have gave your reasons well, you like the 250DR, because you feel you can use the extra power. Mind you Naim's strong suit is not their power.
Nap 200 = 70 WattsNo DR technology.
Nap 250 = 80 watts, its not the power, it's the Statement DR technology, and the Hype!
Nap 300 = 90 watts
Nap 500 = 140 watts
But and excellent choice, and as far as the magic wand, I think Naim is one of the Serious Manufactures, that Call it like it is!
""Paired with a 200, 250, or even a 300, the 272 is an ideal choice for those seeking the convenience of a single box streaming system with iOS and Android app control, but that crave hi-fi separates performance. ""
If you're not one for Streaming, Right it's not for you!
The 552, can be paired with an 500, 300, or even an 250, but it's natural partner is the 500.
That's what Naim is saying, the Natural partner for the 272, is the 250, but a 300 will work, a little more balls, and a 2 box component vs the single box casing of the 250. And who knows, years later if you decide to upgrade to our Marque Separates, the 552, 252, or even an 282 can extract more out of that 300DR.
And Finally, if one does desirer the Convenience of Control from 1 box, But Craves hi-fi separate performance, the 272 is for you!
So when experienced gents, who have lived with 552s, 252s, and 282's say the SQ between an 282 & 272 is so close, it really won't matter, that's what Naim is alluding to!
No magic wand, Naim just telling you like it is!
So in your Case it's looks like an 2nd hand 282, which will save you some cash!
250DR, From all the Hype, an Excellent Amp. Mind you the 250.2 ain't Bad!
And some say, the HCDR is all you need for the 282, and going the SCDR route, is only setting you up for an 252, which does not require the Napsc, like the 282.
Well, looks like you are on the right track!
It's sure fun, spending someone else's Cash!
Good Luck!
Allante93!
NAP 300DR is a "dual mono" amplifier and has its own PS
greekspec2 posted:NAP 300DR is a "dual mono" amplifier and has its own PS
Yes, you own one!
Naim's Hierarchy
500/500PS = 2 box
300/300PS = 2 box
250 = 1 box
200 = 1 box can't be Dred!
Allante93!
Allante93 posted:greekspec2 posted:NAP 300DR is a "dual mono" amplifier and has its own PS
Yes, you own one!
Naim's Hierarchy
500/500PS = 2 box
300/300PS = 2 box
250 = 1 box
200 = 1 box can't be Dred!
Allante93!
Pissy
greekspec2 posted:Allante93 posted:greekspec2 posted:NAP 300DR is a "dual mono" amplifier and has its own PS
Yes, you own one!
Naim's Hierarchy
500/500PS = 2 box
300/300PS = 2 box
250 = 1 box
200 = 1 box can't be Dred!
Allante93!
Pissy
Don't understand Pissy, but it doesn't sound nice!
Enjoy your Music, and forget about the how.
Sorry if I offended you in any way, not my intentions.
Your System is very Nice!
Out!
no offence was just stating a sarcastic fact
Allante93 posted:Antonio1 posted:Nowadays 250DR is the most fashionable pièce of kit, yesterdays it was one of if the most desirable.
That happened when Naim issued on their page the 272-200/250/300 combos.
A dream ,come true
obviously DR.
Very interesting, Antonio.
Could you please post the link to that combos page!
So Naim, waved the magic wond, and the 272 is worthy of an 300DR.
Now correct me if I'm wrong, that means that the pre amp section within the 272, can controll the NAP 300DR, and at the same time, perfect a balancing act between pre & amp.
272/300/250/200 ????????? Wow!
Allante93!
"Paired with a NAP 200, NAP 250 or even a NAP 300 power amplifier, the 272 is an ideal choice... "
It is a bit intriguing that Naim suggested the NAP 250 and the NAP 300 to match with the NAC N272 but only mentioned the NAP155XS and NAP 200 for the NAC 282 with the NAP250 being the highest recommendation for the NAC282. The recommendation of the NAP300 for the NAC272 suggests that the 272 is higher in quality than the NAC282. However, the pricing of the NAC272 does not suggest that it is a higher quality unit than the NAC282.
Either the description in the 282's page needs some updating, or the NAC272 is indeed higher in quality than the 282?
They implicitly are stating 250 being 282's natural partner as 300 not being mentioned.155xs and 200 are the ones which could just work without any Psu on pre,but not advicing them . As For 272 any can be used ,even155xs could ,but since it's xs range they have not mentioned it.
It's all in the wording!
But, you got where I was heading, and the OP suggested it with the magic wand.
Clever wording, but true.
Example: The 552s natural partner is the 2 box 500 rated @ 140 watts per channel, it's not over powering any room, now the speakers, another story.
But of course, a 552 can controll a 200.
But who's spending 552 kind of Cash with an amp that cost less than the two SL Cables that power it.
But the 272 is an hot product, so Naim pushed the envelope, pair with an 200, 250, or even a 300.
But, they covered themselves very well, buy noting if one is seeking a 1 box streamer, with iOS, and Android, and still CRAVE HI FI SEPARATES, the 272 is for you!
Again look at the cost of an 272, now look at the cost of an 300.
Source/Pre Amp/Amp the Chain!
It's all Marketing, but true words!
Remember back in undergraduate days!
One can read the lines
One can read between the lines
One can read beyond the lines
Glad you caught it Ryder!
Take care!
Enjoy Calum, I think you're on point!
But what do I know! LOL.....
Allante93!
Yes Allante One should be able to read what is NO written Rather than what it IS.
if one craves for separates , then Naim make those separates be possible by allowing 272 technically match any of them But doesn T mean those are all advisable.
one should demo at the dealer's ,and again that is the only advice worth .
When 272 is partnered with a power amplifier other than 200 (250/300)sound does improve on account of having a much better power amplifier in some areas But soundin Thinner and less tonally rewarding.
272/200 doesn T expose that ,balance is more spot-0n
Also A nac202/200 with any streamer is already a much better performer.
I was trying to recall the sequence of events at Naims demo at the Bristol Show. They started with the 272/250 (nonDR) combo then moved up through the gears to a full fat separates system. I seem to recall they went from 250 to 250DR to 300 - all with the 272 doing pre amp duties. If I'm right (???) then it would definitely suggest that Naim themselves believe the 272 is up to the job.
Also a 272 with an outboard power supply is quite a serious bit of kit.
272/250 I think they then added the XPS dr to demonstate what adding an
external power supply could do then they changed to 250 to a dr spec this
with Sopra N1 I believe at this point they changed to Sopra N2. then they
went to the 300 finishing off with the 500 range correct me if I'm wrong.
Regards
Pete
Calum - My Dynas would quite happily take what a 500 provides but that's not the point more how best to further optimize the performance of your system which as I've said is already well balanced.
Seemingly you have made up your mind that you are going to get a 250 DR which is fine - in the words of one reviewer it's one of the very best amps on the planet. However, you have entered the Forum seemingly seeking advice which is if you don'y really want a streamer the best approach would be to at at least audition a 282 particularly as you already have a HC/PSC as in the experience of many this is where you will get the biggest improvement but you are ruling this out on the grounds of aesthetics. This I would understand if we were talking about speakers but for one row of buttons? - which incidentally if you use a Headline are actually quite useful. I don't understand that.
This then leads us back to the 272 which even though you don't particularly require a streamer still presents a very viable option particularly as a way of reducing the box count. Combined with a 250DR and possibly with a XPS DR it might be just what you are after. I personally doubt its performance would be close to your current system with a 282 either with a 250 or 200, or even your 202/200. In the final event forget all this stuff about the Naim hierarchy and although finance is important and the deal the dealer is offering is attractive - it's ultimately about how best to enjoy your music on your system, your speakers in your room - you have to listen for yourself.
Not sure that helps but good luck.
Lindsay
1Hi Pete
I guess Naim didn't do it exactly the same way for every session. In the one I attended it was Sopra N2 all the way through. (I remember being impressed with the grip the 250 took of quite a big pair of speakers in a big room. 80 watts goes a long way if they're the right 80 watts!) You may well be correct about the XPS - alas my memory fails me as to exactly when it was introduced! The rest of it was pretty much just as you say.
Barry
Hi Barry , yes they must of had different demo schedules as during the one I attended they changed to N2 speakers after the XPS add on plus the 250dr was in use.
Like you I was amazed at how well the 250dr drove the Sopra N2 so much so that after the demo I asked the Naim staff the best route to upgrade my Olive system I was using a NDX as the main source.
They suggested the upgrade route but also were very adamant that I should take advantage of the dealer demonstration facilities offered which I did, it turned out to be a very expensive but enjoyable experience.
The new system was installed several weeks ago and is settling in nicely the 250dr is an absoulutly cracking amplifier very very impressed indeed.
I can't quite recall but didn't they go up to NDS/555/552/500?
Naim and Focal partnership is quite evident.
The interest has shifted from how to improve a Naim based system to how to make sing a pair of speakers. Is Naim source approach changing?
Don T know ,,But has affected bias a lot
If ever at Naim they'll really follow this new path I'm pretty sure they won' count me anymore among their customers.
along the way I think if the demo went over time wise it could have
diluted the next one.
Antonio1 posted:Naim and Focal partnership is quite evident.
The interest has shifted from how to improve a Naim based system to how to make sing a pair of speakers. Is Naim source approach changing?
Don T know ,,But has affected bias a lot
If ever at Naim they'll really follow this new path I'm pretty sure they won' count me anymore among their customers.
Anton - I think the evidence is that Focal are now voicing their speakers to match Naim electronics.
Pcd posted:They suggested the upgrade route but also were very adamant that I should take advantage of the dealer demonstration facilities offered which I did, it turned out to be a very expensive but enjoyable experience.
The new system was installed several weeks ago and is settling in nicely the 250dr is an absoulutly cracking amplifier very very impressed indeed.
Looked at your profile, expensive indeed!
However, you were not seeking a single box Streamer.
Nothing like a good ground round hamburger, but sometimes one CRAVES for a fine cut of filet mignon, or Marque Separates!
Nice Kit!
Enjoy your Music, and Remember Marketing is a good thing, if done properly, and I think Naim does a fine job.
Allante93!
Olive 82,Supercap,CDI and 250 system stood me in good ground for nearly
twenty five years and obviously had a bearing on my decision along with the
advise given by Naim and the dealers input showing clearly the differences
between component changes during my demo.
The Strat (Fender) posted:Antonio1 posted:Naim and Focal partnership is quite evident.
The interest has shifted from how to improve a Naim based system to how to make sing a pair of speakers. Is Naim source approach changing?
Don T know ,,But has affected bias a lot
If ever at Naim they'll really follow this new path I'm pretty sure they won' count me anymore among their customers.
Anton - I think the evidence is that Focal are now voicing their speakers to match Naim electronics.
Easier to meet halfaway.