Naim and Sopra 2
Posted by: BPou on 30 September 2016
Hi all, I am new to Naim. I am looking for an Amp and Pre that match well with my Sopra No. 2. I have been checking the reviews and it looks that a combination of 282/300DR would work well. Also intrigued with the 272/300DR since I do a lot of streaming from Tidal. I am currently using an AVM SA 3.2 (Amp) with and Marantz 8802 processor.
I welcome your suggestions for a new system. Thanks in advance,
Suggest the 272/300 Dr combination , would be an absolute winner, or if funds allow then anything above.....either way your sopras will really start to sing...
If you went with the 282/300 you'd also need a power supply for the 282 (Hicap or Supercap) and a streamer, such as NDX/XPS or better. If you went with the 272 and 300 you would ideally add an XPS or 555PS to ensure that the source was up to the amp and speakers.
The best thing to do is to try the options with your speakers to ensure you get what is best for you within your budget.
Hungryhalibut posted:If you went with the 282/300 you'd also need a power supply for the 282 (Hicap or Supercap) and a streamer, such as NDX/XPS or better. If you went with the 272 and 300 you would ideally add an XPS or 555PS to ensure that the source was up to the amp and speakers.
The best thing to do is to try the options with your speakers to ensure you get what is best for you within your budget.
Agree with the above, possibly need to think about some quality cables , the TQ range excellent ultra blacks or Black diamonds or the Super Lumina are highly praised, again it's all budget dependant but if your boxes are at the top end, you really do need good cables to match
If I go 282/300, can I stream from my computer to the 282? There is currently an used 282 and Supercap in Audiogon. In term of sound quality which combination may work better 282/300 connected to computer (tidal) or 272/300? any experience with these two options?
Unlike the 272, the 282 preamp does not have an integrated streamer or DAC so you wouldn't be able to use it to stream music direct from your computer.
You'd want to get a really good DAC if you wanted to stream from a computer, perhaps something from Naim or Chord. Tidal does not sound as good as locally streamed FLAC or WAV files. What source are you actually using? Unless the source is up to it, the best amps and speakers won't sound as they should.
I mainly use two sources: FLAC files stored in my computer ripped from CDs or purchased from HDTracks and streaming from Tidal. The Marantz processor does the digital-to-analog conversion.
N272 + XPSDR / NSP 300 (4 boxes) + Sopra2 and a full SuperLumina loom. And of course PowerLines + a good rack.
You'd be in an aural heaven.
Just make sure you don't waste such a fine system on Tidal.
Ok. I'd suggest you transfer all your stored music to a good nas, then you can take your computer out of the equation. Various people moan at me every time I recommend a 272, so I will stay neutral and let others recommend it, or not.
Adam Zielinski posted:N272 + XPSDR / NSP 300 (4 boxes) + Sopra2 and a full SuperLumina loom. And of course PowerLines + a good rack.
You'd be in an aural heaven.
Just make sure you don't waste such a fine system on Tidal.
Agree with Adam, sit back and enjoy.... And don't worry to much about the ' large gap left' in your wallet'....
Hungryhalibut posted:Ok. I'd suggest you transfer all your stored music to a good nas, then you can take your computer out of the equation. Various people moan at me every time I recommend a 272, so I will stay neutral and let others recommend it, or not.
' moan at HH' really....now that does surprise me...
Erratum to my answer: NAP 300 is what I meant.
Others have advised on the front end options but on the original question I've heard Sopra 2s powered by a 282/SCDR/300DR and it was a lovely combination. The 300 really made the Sopras appear to grow compared to the 250.2/250DR.
Many thanks, gentlemen. I have a NAS that I use to stream files directly to the Marantz. It sounds great. Playing the same files through the computer is also good but it not as pure; there is more echo.
Based on your inputs I will try the 272/xdpsdr/300 dr. A good chunk of money,, hoping is a clear improvement over my current setting. I will post my impressions when I get it, probably in two weeks.
Will you keep the Marantz, and run it through the Naim pre? For HDMI sources, 5.1 and/or multi-zone?
Nick
i think you made a great choice. i have a 282 and am delighted with it, but if i had a digital-only system, as you seem to do, i'd have opted for the 272.
i would use the Marantz only for AV, if possible.
BPou posted:Many thanks, gentlemen. I have a NAS that I use to stream files directly to the Marantz. It sounds great. Playing the same files through the computer is also good but it not as pure; there is more echo.
Based on your inputs I will try the 272/xdpsdr/300 dr. A good chunk of money,, hoping is a clear improvement over my current setting. I will post my impressions when I get it, probably in two weeks.
where in the states are you located?
I am using 272/300 with great happiness, it is getting better and better! Analog input is very nice as well if you add cd player or turntable one day
I use SL speaker cables with SF cremona m
Planing to add
555Ps
A Powerline for 300
SL xlr/din - not sure about SL here maybe a cheaper solution
Maybe change speakers
And I can for 372! Then wait another 15 years till I get my retirement bonus
BPou posted:Many thanks, gentlemen. I have a NAS that I use to stream files directly to the Marantz. It sounds great. Playing the same files through the computer is also good but it not as pure; there is more echo.
Based on your inputs I will try the 272/xdpsdr/300 dr. A good chunk of money,, hoping is a clear improvement over my current setting. I will post my impressions when I get it, probably in two weeks.
Once it arrives, stream from the nas over the network to the 272, keeping the Marantz out of the loop. This may well be what you are planning already. Connect the nas and the 272 to a switch, and the switch to the router. This keeps the stereo away from other network traffic.
Adam Zielinski posted:N272 + XPSDR / NSP 300 (4 boxes) + Sopra2 and a full SuperLumina loom. And of course PowerLines + a good rack.
You'd be in an aural heaven.
Just make sure you don't waste such a fine system on Tidal.
I put a deposit down on precisely that system last week (plus full Fraim)
Cannot wait for it to arrive.
Reburner posted:Adam Zielinski posted:N272 + XPSDR / NSP 300 (4 boxes) + Sopra2 and a full SuperLumina loom. And of course PowerLines + a good rack.
You'd be in an aural heaven.
Just make sure you don't waste such a fine system on Tidal.
I put a deposit down on precisely that system last week (plus full Fraim)
Cannot wait for it to arrive.
You definitely will not be disappointed.... Congratulations...... ![]()
Reburner posted:Adam Zielinski posted:N272 + XPSDR / NSP 300 (4 boxes) + Sopra2 and a full SuperLumina loom. And of course PowerLines + a good rack.
You'd be in an aural heaven.
Just make sure you don't waste such a fine system on Tidal.
I put a deposit down on precisely that system last week (plus full Fraim)
Cannot wait for it to arrive.
Well done and congratulations!
Few things - apologies if I'm stating the obvious:
- Set-up and cable dressing is crucial: de-stressed burndy, PowerLines not touching a rack
- Run-in time: this will be considerable - up to 3 months.
- XPSDR will sound a bit rough to start with - again up to 8 weeks run-in time may be expected
- Dedicated mains spur will be advantageous
- No power conditioners to be used
Enjoy the music - that is the most important.
Adam
Dedicated mains spur is in and dealer is installing the system.
joe9407 posted:i think you made a great choice. i have a 282 and am delighted with it, but if i had a digital-only system, as you seem to do, i'd have opted for the 272.
i would use the Marantz only for AV, if possible.
Thanks. Yes, I am keeping the Marantz of AV.
greekspec2 posted:BPou posted:Many thanks, gentlemen. I have a NAS that I use to stream files directly to the Marantz. It sounds great. Playing the same files through the computer is also good but it not as pure; there is more echo.
Based on your inputs I will try the 272/xdpsdr/300 dr. A good chunk of money,, hoping is a clear improvement over my current setting. I will post my impressions when I get it, probably in two weeks.
where in the states are you located?
Arlington, Virginia