Where's my bottleneck

The Stageline imo...

I would also say the stageline there are so many better phono amps around for that money I would get a Rega MC Phono amp, Rega MC Cartridge - Rega arm - Rega Deck - Rega MC Phono amp makes sense.

Didnt think of the stageline tbh as 90 percent of my listening is now via ndx

If that's the case try a XPS dr on the NDX major improvement.

NAC252 calls for NDS, I read here.

C.

What do you think could be improved?

The GB1i speakers will eventually become a bottle neck (and i say that as a very attached owner) as you move further. Saying that, they are fine speakers that are very capable of showing improvements up front so if they still work for you and work well in your room then i'd look elsewhere.  DR'ing the 250 and Supercap would be worthwhile and as suggested above, take a look at the NDS (orif if floats your boat, a Chord Hugo, fed by the NDX).

Food for thought 

Tbh not sure. Am happy with the sound but am not sure the ndx or the speakers are getting the most out of the 252 sc 250 combo.

Supercap being dr'd in august. 250 is only a couple of years old. So dr later. 

Rather than ask which component is the weak link,try to describe what you think can be improved upon,maybe by each source or if it is on everything. The general question you are asking is more like asking members to help you spend your money (granted alot are willing to offer up an opinion so - ez when it's not their own money). If you are happy with the sound as it is, don't be so anxious to succumb to upgrade-itis (as most of us have- myself definitely included)

How much have you got to spend? What's the problem with what you've got? 

There is absolutely no problem with what I have. Suppose just looking for reassurance that the 2k speakers are up to the job. Sometimes think that the pmcs are a bit edgy I suppose a bit harsh only very very occasionally. Ndx source at times also seems a bit digital.  

Budget reckon around  the 2.2k mark

True Blue posted:

There is absolutely no problem with what I have. Suppose just looking for reassurance that the 2k speakers are up to the job. Sometimes think that the pmcs are a bit edgy I suppose a bit harsh only very very occasionally. Ndx source at times also seems a bit digital.  

Budget reckon around  the 2.2k mark

XPS on the NDX. 

If you still like the PMC signature, have a listen to the new 25.23. I am very happy with my beautiful oak pair, but I understand the 25 series is somewhat controversial here... And when the new Hugo is out, I would also give it a try. I am not so sure about the NDS -- purely because of speculation that the Uniti platform might spill-over very soon. If you don't like the Hugo, I would then rather wait for the NDS2 -- and first improve the speakers...

Definitely the NDX analogue output stage on that setup, try either an NDS or a third party DAC like a Hugo on the output of the NDX (NDX in transport mode)

S

Simon thanks for the response. Very similar systems we have

If digital is your main source, than NDX analogue output stage might be holding you back.

Two options:
Option 1: get an external DAC (a 3rd party DAC or Naim's own nDAC + power supply -  555PS is the best choice)
Option 2: get an NDS + 555PSDR.

If you don't mind many boxes an NDX + nDAC + 555PS is a very fine streamer. Up there with NDS + 555PS.

With regard to your analogue side: I actually think that a Rega phono stage (Aria) would be a better match for your Apheta. Aria is optimised for a relatively high gain needed to run Apheta well (gain needs to be somewhere in a range of 63 dB or so).

I imagine the NDX is pretty weak in your system. After buying an external DAC, I can't listen to the NDX DAC on my meager SN2 system. The Hugo was great until my battery died. I replaced it with a Berkeley Alpha and found this combo perfect for my ears. Why spend 8,000$ on a power supply when the new improved Hugo2 is only 2,500$?

IMHO your speakers.

Try lots of others and you will be amazed how good your system can sound.

Ray

why not try superlumina interconenct cable between NDX and 252?

what sort of music do you listen to?

Music is very varied from country and prog rock. To rock, pop and heavy metal. Depends on my mood.

After you do the SuperCap DR, try an XPS DR, then SuperLumina interconnects. You'll hear a box like upgrade at each step. A lot to enjoy along the way. 

True Blue posted:

Suppose just looking for reassurance that the 2k speakers are up to the job.

I ran a pair of £1.1k speakers off 552/300 for about a year. They loved it. They never sounded better. In fact they sounded better than a lot of prospective upgrade candidates because they matched so well with the room.

analogmusic posted:

why not try superlumina interconenct cable between NDX and 252?

You really need the XPS on the NDX to reap the full benefits of the S/L interconnect between the NDX and 252.