Pre Amp?

The simplest thing to do is to save up until you can afford the 252 and Supercap, if that's what you want. The XPS could then be used to power an NDX - you could swap the 272 for this. Or if the streaming was less important you could keep the 272 for streamer and radio and sell the XPS. Lots of options. In the meantime the 272 is a very good analogue preamp - much better than the 202 and very close to the 282. It will certainly show up improvements to the Linn while you save up. Don't forget also that you can get a used 552 for the price of a new 252/SC, though that's not relevant if you are thinking of a used 252. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

The simplest thing to do is to save up until you can afford the 252 and Supercap, if that's what you want. The XPS could then be used to power an NDX - you could swap the 272 for this. Or if the streaming was less important you could keep the 272 for streamer and radio and sell the XPS. Lots of options. In the meantime the 272 is a very good analogue preamp - much better than the 202 and very close to the 282. It will certainly show up improvements to the Linn while you save up. Don't forget also that you can get a used 552 for the price of a new 252/SC, though that's not relevant if you are thinking of a used 252. 

Thanks HH.

And do you know whether the XPS does anything for the pre amp section (analogue) or does this just be fit the streaming section?

Stu. 

The XPS upgrades everything. As there is no mains connection to the 272, it cannot not do. You can try it for yourself by listening to the Linn with and without the XPS attached. 

Nac  272 is not even close to 202 hhicap Dr,let  alone 282 which trashes it. This latter may be pure magic and all about  you need with your kit . Do ask a good seller to dem both with your LP12 as you going to waste money and/ or time . Thinking the right move would be to keep what you have and waiting for a 252 is  pure no-sense. Unless you really have the possibility to afford such an expensive set-up.

Of course Antonio, you are right as always. And I am wrong. And the moon is made of cheese. 

Antonio1 posted:

Nac  272 is not even close to 202 hhicap Dr,let  alone 282 which trashes it. This latter may be pure magic and all about  you need with your kit . Do ask a good seller to dem both with your LP12 as you going to waste money and/ or time . Thinking the right move would be to keep what you have and waiting for a 252 is  pure no-sense. Unless you really have the possibility to afford such an expensive set-up.

Amazingly decisive statements. I presume you have used and extensively tested all those combinations since you have made such critical and definitive statements. Respect...

It was not that tough task,respect for  a self-powered preamp streamer which is a bargain. And yes uncompromised  naim preamp quality is elsewhere ,sorry.

Hungryhalibut posted:

Of course Antonio, you are right as always. And I am wrong. And the moon is made of cheese. 

No problem whatsoever. I' m not in need for approval. 

Antonio has a point up to a point!     I suspect  a NDX/XPS/202/200 might possibly give a more satisfying musical experience over the 272/XPS/250 but I haven't done that test but I have heard (twice) NDX/XPS/282/hc/250 vs 272/XPS/250 and whilst trashing it is over the top the former is quite clearly the better musical performer - but yes you pay the price. I've also heard NDX/XPS/SN2 and I believe that to be an improvement over the 272/XPS/250.  If then the OP is seeking the best way to exploit a high end vinyl source then it follows that the 282 is the best approach.   But from where he's at now I'd stick with the 272, develop the TT and then re-assess the 282/252/552(!) later. 

Regards,

Lindsay

The Strat (Fender) posted:

Antonio has a point up to a point!     I suspect  a NDX/XPS/202/200 might possibly give a more satisfying musical experience over the 272/XPS/250 but I haven't done that test but I have heard (twice) NDX/XPS/282/hc/250 vs 272/XPS/250 and whilst trashing it is over the top the former is quite clearly the better musical performer - but yes you pay the price. I've also heard NDX/XPS/SN2 and I believe that to be an improvement over the 272/XPS/250.  If then the OP is seeking the best way to exploit a high end vinyl source then it follows that the 282 is the best approach.   But from where he's at now I'd stick with the 272, develop the TT and then re-assess the 282/252/552(!) later. 

Regards,

Lindsay

And that's exactly what I intend doing Lindsay. Sort out (upgrade) one step at time ... TT first. 

Intersting that Linn have moved totally away from purist pre amps. Who knows what's around the corner from Naim. 

Thank you all. 

Argh - to my mind Linn's strategy is bizarre - take a high end analogue source then convert it to digital to convert it back again. As you say who knows where Naim will end up but both the 172/272 do keep analogue inputs as analogue

Have to agree with halibut I have just moved to naim for the first time in November so just running in right now but had an rp10 with alpheta 2 and aria phono wanted to get the best out of the vinyl it was either 282 or the 272 l liked both once I put the xps2 on to the 272 it was up there with the 282 and less box count added sopra 2 now happy also using 300dr amp 

Stu22 posted:

And that's the crossroads I am at Strat.  

My ambition is 252, SC to match my 250dr but that's some way off.  But I am trying by my best to resist the urge to make intermediate jumps. Hence why perhaps a move to Radikal and possibly a Urika could be a good option for now (source first and all that). This route however means me changing carts too .... my cart is mc but needs a mm phono I think? 

If you're considering a Radikal and Urika it would make sense to buy them both at the same time as there is a lower price for that option, but I don't know why you think you'd need to change the cartridge if you already run a mc cartridge. This is what the Urika is designed for. If you can justify it have a listen to the difference between the Akurate and Klimax Radikal units - the audio difference is remarkable, but it's crazy to think that the only physical difference is the case.