Upgraded to CDX2

Hungryhalibut posted:

Don't think about a 202 and 250, it's a bad combination. If you want better than the SN2 it's a 282/200 you should look at. The SN2 is the place to start. 

Once more many thanks HH .

A SN2  is a much cheaper option and definately one that I am interested in .

I just cant get out of my head all the advice I ever received from "hifi experts " when talking about Quad , Harmon Kardon or Naim that a power and pre will usually  be better than an ( similarly priced ) integrated amp.

CDX2 is also a good system with NAC202/ NAP200. Please use forum voices as a starting point for ideas as to what to dem, no more than that. No single forum voice is definitive.

Chris

nickfoss posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

Don't think about a 202 and 250, it's a bad combination. If you want better than the SN2 it's a 282/200 you should look at. The SN2 is the place to start. 

I just cant get out of my head all the advice I ever received from "hifi experts " when talking about Quad , Harmon Kardon or Naim that a power and pre will usually  be better than an ( similarly priced ) integrated amp.

All else being equal, in general it is easier to achieve high quality sound using a seperate amp for low and high levels - however it very much depends on the layout and construction, and does not mean that the same SQ can't be achieven in a single box, just it is harder to do so.

SN2 is a very good amp. You can also try it with a Hi-Cap DR. I like what it did to my SN2. But testing is essential.

As an alternative to an XPS I would suggets a pre-loved 555PS non-DR. 7-8 year old ones can be had for 1/2 the price of a new XPS. I should take your CDX2 to yet another level.

Adam Zielinski posted:

SN2 is a very good amp.

Nobody's saying it isn't. Hopefully the OP is able to get a comparative dem against naim alternatives.....when the time comes.

C.

Christopher_M posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

SN2 is a very good amp.

Nobody's saying it isn't. Hopefully the OP is able to get a comparative dem against naim alternatives.....when the time comes.

C.

I was actually praising it . I really like my SN2.

Congratulations with the CDX2.

Made the same move a few weeks ago and couldn't be happier, it truly is a very musical piece of kit. It also really suits the muscular presentation of the original Supernait, another bargain to be had these days and making a very enjoyable and balanced system.

Adam Zielinski posted:

I was actually praising it . I really like my SN2.

I know that Adam, we all know that. I'm just determined to mention the 202/ 200 as a product for Nick to get a comparative dem against. What you, I, Gary, HH, or anyone else thinks about the relative merits of the SN2 v 202/200 is neither here nor there. The only person whose opinion matters on this is Nick.

C.

nickfoss posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

Don't think about a 202 and 250, it's a bad combination. If you want better than the SN2 it's a 282/200 you should look at. The SN2 is the place to start. 

Once more many thanks HH .

A SN2  is a much cheaper option and definately one that I am interested in .

I just cant get out of my head all the advice I ever received from "hifi experts " when talking about Quad , Harmon Kardon or Naim that a power and pre will usually  be better than an ( similarly priced ) integrated amp.

As others have said, getting the sensitive preamp bits away from the big beefy power bits is always a good idea, and it's a challenge with an integrated amplifier. 

My suggestion of a Supernait is driven partly by the fact that it's really good, and partly by the fact that it's only one box. The 202/200 that Chris mentions is potentially very good and I have owned it in the past. The only reason I say 'potentially' is because in my experience it needs a Hicap and napsc to sound good, so that's four boxes. The 200DR is a different matter of course. The 'correct' approach is always to listen and to use the Forum as a guide. 

SmauG posted:

Congratulations with the CDX2.

Made the same move a few weeks ago and couldn't be happier, it truly is a very musical piece of kit. It also really suits the muscular presentation of the original Supernait, another bargain to be had these days and making a very enjoyable and balanced system.

CDX2 and SN1 is my setup. Sounds great! 

Nick, If we are not boring the a*se off you, in my opinion 202/ Napsc/ 200 is a fine amplifier. The effect of the HC-DR takes it to another level. Audio happiness can be achieved without one. Just my opinion. Hopefully you will be able to form your own.

C.

Finkfan posted:

SmauG posted:

Congratulations with the CDX2.

Made the same move a few weeks ago and couldn't be happier, it truly is a very musical piece of kit. It also really suits the muscular presentation of the original Supernait, another bargain to be had these days and making a very enjoyable and balanced system.

CDX2 and SN1 is my setup. Sounds great! 

I auditioned my SN1 based on forum comments about a year ago, it was paired with a CDX2 in the demo, was fabulous indeed.

If one gets a SN1, a complimentary DAC is included! No special DAC, but does the job - and even more than that - and gives the possibility to connect streaming devices / tv's in digitally.

S/h SN1's trade for about 1500 EUR / GBP (assuming they are almost equal these days).

Maybe this is not what Nick is looking for, but for me it has given every single day a lot of joy.

I really am grateful for all the comments.

The next step ( whenever that is ) will be to demo the CDX2 and my speakers with the SN2 and 202/200.

Until then I am a happy bunny.