How to choose and how to match

Posted by: Patrick Lam on 13 December 2016

Hi folks,

May I seek your advice about how to choose and how to match of the following devices?  I am very interested in NAC272 and knew that many existing users gave a positive impression to it.  However, May I know the quality of the streaming of the NAC272 when it is compared with a naked NDX if the naked NDX is paired with 202/HC(Non DR)/200(Non DR) while the NAC272 is paired with NAP200(Non DR).  Will the performance of NAC272/NAP200(Non DR) is superior to NDX/202/HC/200 or vice versa?  Second, for the same combination of two systems, which one (in terms of quality of pre-amp) will perform better if it was paired with a CDS3/XPS2 ?

Actually, I will not consider the NAP250 to match the NAC272 if it was the winner in the comparison.  Well, my last query is that how about the inclusion of XPS2 to both systems?  Do I get much benefits or enjoyment from the NAC272/XPS2?  Which part of the NAC272 get most benefits from the XPS2?  The pre-amp section or the streaming section?  

Any advice is highly appreciated.

Cheers,

Patrick

Posted on: 13 December 2016 by hungryhalibut

Everything asked here has been discussed many times, and for some of the questions there is no answer, it's all just opinion. Perhaps some time spent searching and reading existing threads would be helpful. 

 

Posted on: 13 December 2016 by Pcd

I would agree with the above you should also take some time to demo the combinations if possible nothing like hearing it for yourself.

Posted on: 13 December 2016 by Adi Stefan

I don't see the speakers...Naim works well with Naim

Posted on: 13 December 2016 by Solid Air

That's a lot of questions. I doubt anyone other than a dealer has heard all those combinations in any kind of comparison, and certainly your best bet is to go to a dealer and hear them for yourself. For what it's worth, all of your options seem perfectly sensible as far as I can see. Generally, you get what you pay for, so that might provide a guide.

Posted on: 13 December 2016 by antony d

agree with all other views - really only you can choose, find a good dealer who is happy to help and get you to where you what to go - take lots of time on demo and if pos demo at home

it will be an interesting journey - Enjoy it

 

Posted on: 13 December 2016 by Emre

200s and ndx are good deal if you buy used otherwise they are the same price of 272/250 which makes the 272 combo better deal with a better SQ in my opinion, I sold my 200s,hicap,nd5x and opt for a 272 based solution, better deal better SQ and VFM

PS difference is very obvious on pre section because my cd2x sounded better , maybe the streamer section as well but you have to test it separately in order to tell that, which I did not

In my opinion based on my ears and my budget 

Lots of pages to read on the subject as our valuable and more experienced members mentioned before me

Why buy NDX and 202 when you can get the pre for free in 272?

Posted on: 13 December 2016 by Roadie Simon

You've really got to have a listen.

However I would guess that the pre of a 272 will be "better" than a 202 but an NDX will be "better" than the streaming part of the 272. A 250 will be a "better" power amp than a 200.

I had a similar conversation last week asking about streaming possibilities and 272 and was advised to stick with my 282 and get as separate streamer because it would probably be preferable to have separate boxes....BUT I was advised that I need to demo to decide...I would anyway because it's the only way to be sure