N272 upgrades - retread

Sounds like a nice system [@mention:22826037037337414]. If I were you I'd add an xpsdr to your 272 and sit back and enjoy the music! It must sound really good as it is! 

Thanks FINKFAN, I'm just tuning back into the playback and like a lot of other systems it feels like there is a veil over everything (might be me) but yes an XPS could be the key to the door but trying not to spend too much more, done that already :-)

Played newly bought 24bit RATM and it sounded better, more open, but other stuff just sounds closed, so wondering of a little tweak here and there would bring out another little layer or lift that thinnest of veils off the playback.

XPSdr will make a real difference well worth it sort the boxes out before the cables.

Are you using the mains conditioner on your gear? Have you tried it without? 

I will remind the OP and members to please respect and abide by the forum rules - specifically here regarding discussion of 3rd party power supplies. these are viewed as unauthorised modifications to Naim equipment and hence their mention or discussion is not allowed in here. Thanks.

Going back to the mains block, I'd do without it if you can [@mention:22826037037337414]. See if that lifts a veil.

Is Andrew Russell aka Russ Andrews? 

You've got a cracking system there Dan which should give you a lot of satisfaction already - i'd get rid of the RA power block and look at some sort of Hydra arrangement for the power which should work better with the Naim kit.

An XPS would make sense on the 272 and you've got cables to play with if need be, but sort that mains out first. 

XPS.  Keep the mains simple. 

Finkfan posted:

Are you using the mains conditioner on your gear? Have you tried it without? 

Yes it is a RA block, my error on the name (using memory) and will try it without. Thanks.

Richard Dane posted:

I will remind the OP and members to please respect and abide by the forum rules - specifically here regarding discussion of 3rd party power supplies. these are viewed as unauthorised modifications to Naim equipment and hence their mention or discussion is not allowed in here. Thanks.

Richard thank you understood.

james n posted:

You've got a cracking system there Dan which should give you a lot of satisfaction already - i'd get rid of the RA power block and look at some sort of Hydra arrangement for the power which should work better with the Naim kit.

An XPS would make sense on the 272 and you've got cables to play with if need be, but sort that mains out first. 

Hi James,

I will try this first. When I first used the mains filter block it really did open everything out, felt like a real upgrade, but good idea I will remove this for a week or two the plug back in see if any difference can be heard.

It is such a decent tight system that to have that shroud over the output could be just the need to unplug and start over somewhat.

Hi Dan43, Excellent system and excellent taste in speakers, . 

The Xps will certainly be an improvement and lift the veil as you say, but I would also suggest trying some TQ Black speaker cables or TQ Ultra  Black , they work extremely well with the Sopra2's,  I've tried the SL on home dem and they didn't work for me.

Dan43,

What are you using for a rack?  I agree with above consensus that an XPS would do wonders for you.  But at your level of gear a proper rack is necessary to get the best performance.

Charlie

wenger2015 posted:

Hi Dan43, Excellent system and excellent taste in speakers, . 

The Xps will certainly be an improvement and lift the veil as you say, but I would also suggest trying some TQ Black speaker cables or TQ Ultra  Black , they work extremely well with the Sopra2's,  I've tried the SL on home dem and they didn't work for me.

Hi Wenger,

Yes I tried the SL both IC and SC and didn't really get on with them, a really sparkly presentation, they probably calm down after a while but too shrill for me, I prefer warm and well driven tight bass and control of the bass with a sprinkling of top end, I found the SL did too much (and Devialet before I went NAIM)

I'm going to try the TQ Black cables and see what else they do, I'd like a new IC also. Thanks.

CharlieP posted:

Dan43,

What are you using for a rack?  I agree with above consensus that an XPS would do wonders for you.  But at your level of gear a proper rack is necessary to get the best performance.

Charlie

I don't as yet, it is all lined up along a very long floor unit each sexy side by side. I have looked at the very expensive Stillpoints ESS, looks amazing but the price. 

I'm not that keen on the NAIM Fraim system personally, maybe just get some glass isolated plinths for the there main boxes on the current low long unit they sit on?

The speaker I have on small plinths on their spikes, it does appear an XPS is the next logical step. Thanks.

Dan43,

Another possible area for improving system performance, without spending money, is to attend to "cable dressing."  Do a forum search, as there are many threads on the topic.  This will be especially helpful when you add an XPS, as the Burndy cable installation can significantly impact sound quality performance. 

One cannot guarantee the highest sound quality by simply purchasing black boxes.  Performance is sensitive to installation.  Your dealer can be helpful with this - perhaps they will install the XPS for you and advise you on rack issues. 

Charlie

Thanks CHARLIEP, perhaps you have a good point there, like a computer just re-boot, perhaps I should just unplug everything, move stuff around a bit, re-set the cables, unplug the mains filter box, and start over as if just delivered.

Might be that re-sets my brain also thus feeling everything is released somewhat but in truth it is still just the same :-)

A couple of days tinkering is in order, and also ask my local dealer on non-SL cables for testing, the Tellerium look like they have good responses from those who use them.

Funny enough I use their reference system disc (bought as a download) to 'tune' the system, I leave this on during the day time while out for about once every couple of months or so.

The xps DR is a massive improvement. Don't bother with mains uprades