Going Streaming

Consider 250 DR based system, at least, for ProAC D40R.

I would actually add an NDX to your system and keep CDX2 for now. Being a 'source first' guy I prefer to focus on sources first.At a later stage you may consider adding a HiCap to your set.

Having said all that.... it's a lot of boxes.

So perhaps: N272 + NAP250DR and at a later stage XPSDR is the way to go.

Regardles of which path you decide on - speakers should be the last component to be changed.

Adam

Adam Zielinski posted:

 

Regardles of which path you decide on - speakers should be the last component to be changed.

I'd say go for Proacs! The biggest impact comes from there imo.

There are certainly many talented speakers out there. The reason for suggesting the OP may want to leave the speakers for the last, is that it's good to have a system decided / finalised. Then put a finishing touch, which voices it - the speakers.

You would be mad to sell your CDX2.. it's one of the best Naim sources. Sure use a streaming source,  but have your CDX2 as well as a preamp input... that player just seems to gel wonderfully with some discs... and stream everything else..

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

You would be mad to sell your CDX2.. it's one of the best Naim sources. Sure use a streaming source,  but have your CDX2 as well as a preamp input... that player just seems to gel wonderfully with some discs... and stream everything else..

'Unfortunately' I agree with Simon I was actually 'insane' enough to buy a new CDX2.2. Love the way it plays  jazz, blues... (I actually keep all my ECM CDs out so that I can play them from my CDX2)

Well, for me going streaming is like going digital in the old days (vinil to cd).

You sacrifice some for comfort.

Browsing the library vs searching&picking&putting the cd.

So, CDX2 has to go...

Maybe NAC272 + NAp250DR + Proac D40R is the way to go, but this way ahead my budget.

My old NAP200 has to cope... serviced or not.

NDX is a option, but is one more box,old is 50% of price of new NAC272, so in the end NAC272 appears as a solution.

Loudspeaker wise, maybe I left the subject to the end.

What do you think ?

For many of us who do actually stream, we perhaps don't see it like you do... if you rip CDs its just another CD transport with the added benefit of being able to play downloadable media as well. So consider it as a source type. I have yet to hear a streamer / DAC that sounds like the CDX2 however. I use both like Adam does.

if you do decide to sell it there will be certainly be a very fortunate new owner waiting somewhere...

Luis@Lisbon posted:

Well, for me going streaming is like going digital in the old days (vinil to cd).

You sacrifice some for comfort.

Browsing the library vs searching&picking&putting the cd.

So, CDX2 has to go...

Maybe NAC272 + NAp250DR + Proac D40R is the way to go, but this way ahead my budget.

My old NAP200 has to cope... serviced or not.

NDX is a option, but is one more box,old is 50% of price of new NAC272, so in the end NAC272 appears as a solution.

Loudspeaker wise, maybe I left the subject to the end.

What do you think ?

 

 

 

 

 

a very bad idea I reckon to replace a better preamp with a great psu and a great source for a lesser preamp and source. OK sell the cx2 and replace it with a used NDX ,service NAP 200. Don't spend any money on speakers at this stage.

Forget about streaming

Sell the lot amp boxes

Buy a Supernait 2

Keep the CDX2

Keep the speakers

I think you have omitted the most important thing from your post ... *WHY* are you thinking of upgrading.

You mention components and is is so easy to get drawn into that area (I do it myself) and you have left it to us to infer from other comments as to the why ... perhaps this is because you haven't quite worked it out yourself?

My advice is to first sit down and ask yourself what you are trying to achieve and where you would dlike to be say in 2 years time

... for example, I infer from your comments that you want ease of use in accessing your music;

... what are you prepared to spend over the next 2 years or is this a one-off purchase?

... are you prepared to compromise absolute sound quality over ease of use?

... how many component boxes are you prepared to put up with?

... what might your ultimate system look like?

... are you after detail at low listnening levels or do you want to play louder?

... etc etc.

The alternatives you provided are at either end of the system and if this is your only purchase then that is really a a question of whether you want ease of use via streaming or a different/better sound via your loudspeakers - no-one can realy help with that decision, it is ultimately personal to you.

If, on the other hand, you are on a a path ffor the future then you are looking at where you want to be and how to get there.

I don't have experience of either your CD player or your speakers but other posters have indicated you have a great player so if you are adamant that it has to go then obviously the ease of use is your prime goal and, if box count is also an issue, then N272 is certainly an attractive option.

Personallly I think the 202 is a pretty good pre-amp and, if the speakers are up to it, and if you have a another upgrade in you over the next couple of years, I would be tempted to replace the 200 with a 250DR and then the speakers at a later date - since the CD player is fine and 202 can make music too. Streaming can then be added at a later date when the technology matures a bit more.

Going back to my original point, it all depends on why you are upgrading so that members can focus their replies on your specific requirements; otherwise you will get a lot of different alternatives both in terms of which component you should change and whether box A is better than box B ... fine if you want loads of options but dangerous in confusing the issue and getting away from what you actually need rather than what you want

Allan

why sell cd2x , is an excellent CD player which you won get a very good second hand return. 

I stream with my 272 and also listen CD2X time to time with different kind of music and when i want to enjoy full album.

Also i still like to buy CDs. 

I use Tidal, Streaming my rips, buying downloads,Vinly as well...... all got a different place..

Tidal for new discovery and mixing 

CD for Classical/box sets - box sets are getting bigger and very good value.

Streaming - i dont know where the cd is and i am feeling lazy.

Download - lets hear about 24/96 good value albums - i bought 6-7 DG albums for 6£ for presto. 

Vinly - i listen the best sounding Blue Notes and some other good analog cuts, as well as i try some new stuff like latest bowie album but i can not say that it sound better that streaming. ( i have EAR C-MAJOR/Ortofon Quintet Blue MC / Stageline/Flatcap2) 

So get a 272 use it with 200 and then funds permit get a better power amp.... but enjoy you CD2X!

I think Allan and Emre summarised the current 'state of affairs' quite well.

Over to the OP now

That is true. Asking whether to get a streaming source and sell the CD player, or get some new speakers, is like asking whether to buy a new coat or a hat. It's an impossible question to answer without knowing the motivation behind it. 

Basically ,any change in the chain depends entirely on the speakers he ll match to. If our OP wants to move from Rega Xel to the likes of ProAc d40 this would result in a dramatic improvement to be followed with a througly rethinking of ancillaries. That sort of speaker needs a 250DR at least, if not more. Eventually a 282 to replace the 202. Hicap to keep ,obviously. Cdx2, if not in use, may safely swapped for NDX.

This system could be later be improved  and lead to a superb performance.

In the event he would not choose that sort of speaker but a much lesser one, since his kit will benefit sooner or later from a service, the shift from 202-hicapDR to 272 may have some sense, only if the CDx2 has to stay. But  in no way he must assume the streamer part to be on par with NDX or CDx2 for what it matters. So be careful no way this will lead to the above,superb,  path with satisfaction.

The above post shows the problem with the speaker first approach, it drives you to upgrade the system to deal with the problems revealed by the speakers leaving you dissatisfied with your system in the mean time. Source first is much gentler on you, you know there's more potential but what you have now ain't a bad place to be.

Thks for your inputs, it helped me to understand better the problem. 

It all depends also of the opportunities to buy/sell/trade the components.

Answering Allan:

... for example, I infer from your comments that you want ease of use in accessing your music;

Yes. Music on the NAS, and streaming it on both systems, 202 -200 and Unitiqute2. Starting looking for Hires Music.

... what are you prepared to spend over the next 2 years or is this a one-off purchase?

5,000 € one-off for the next 2 years.

... are you prepared to compromise absolute sound quality over ease of use?

Not much but yes.

... how many component boxes are you prepared to put up with?

Prefer few boxes, 3 boxes for a pre is crazy for me.

... what might your ultimate system look like?

NAC272 + NAP250DR + Proac D40R  (today´s opinion...)

... are you after detail at low listnening levels or do you want to play louder?

detail at low listnening levels

... etc etc.

Ditch those vdh wires asap

Really horrible in a Naim setup

B_LUND, 

VDH cables were recommended by the NAIM distributor (at the time) as an upgrade from the NAIM NACA5 I had on my 1º NAIM system, CD3-72-140. Remember that I don´t have nor liked at the time NAIM speakers. So...