My active SL2 set up recently made a vast step forwards with the addition of a pair of DR250's. They are lovely. But, I want to reduce box numbers having a Naim DAC + XPS, Armageddon (LP12), elderly 82 pre + two hi caps, and a SNAXO, and a CD5S. (10 boxes and about a mile of cables). Yes, another Naim nut, with Naim polo shirts!
First the SL2. Running active I cannot find anything I like as much, but passive they are only so so. So the SNAXO, Hi-cap and 250's remain for now. Perhaps later a DR300 and passive speakers which save me two half size boxes.
The 82 is quite old now, recommendation is an upgrade to a 252 + Supercap (Circa £10k). But how about a N272 + re-use the XPS, and sell the DAC? (Net reduction of 1.5 boxes, and just £3.8k) I do not find much commentary on the Naim DAC, certainly no comparison to the N272 onboard DAC. However, when I borrowed it (the DAC) at first it was rather flat, then I added the XPS and didn't go to bed for three days, even via a Sonos/NAS source! One dealer told me it was a bad product from Naim, I have not been back there. So can a N272 + XPS stack up against an 82+Hi CAP, Naim DAC and XPS? And will the 250DR's and active SL2's show up any gaps, they can be pretty brutal.
A secondary problem with the N272 is the lack of a phono stage, but Linn may have the answer if I get rid of the Armageddon and go inboard for power and phono. About a £3k upgrade to the 33 year old LP12!
Help
Posted on: 13 October 2017 by Bob the Builder
I don't think the 272/XPS will stack up against your current 82/HC/Ndac/XPS you will probably have to go 272/555 to better what you have now I have heard a 272/XPSDR many times and don't believe it stacked up against my then ND5XS>>Chord 2Qute/282/HC.
It's about what you are prepared to compromise to lose a few boxes you say the addition of the 250DR's elevated your system I would stop worrying about box count and listen to some music on that fine sounding system you have. As you say the SL2's are only so so passive and one 300 won't help because it's still 2 boxes.
Posted on: 13 October 2017 by ChrisSU
I preferred NDX/282 to 272/XPS when I was deciding what to buy, but a visit to a dealer will allow you to make your own decision on this. A possible way to reduce boxes might be ATC active speakers, replacing the SNAXO, Hicap, 2 x 250 and a bunch of cables.
Posted on: 13 October 2017 by Mark F
Probably true. Yes, I do listen to all kinds of music all day, I am lucky enough to work at home so get to play all kinds of new and old music when my wife is out, not quite so lucky when she is in! As an aside the DR300 is two box, but I could get rid of the SNAXO and one Hi-Cap by going passive, however the passive speakers that I have heard at well over £10k don't seem able to compete, or are so huge they look absurd. I did borrow a Merdian active set up (costing about £28k) but it simply did not engage my brain. Looked nice though and just one box.
I must be getting old, I have used Naim since 1984, nothing else will do, maybe I should hide some boxes!
Posted on: 13 October 2017 by Bob the Builder
Hide the boxes that's what I did I have 282/300 on my rack and my naps, dual cuddly toy, Chord 2Qute, Trichord phono stage and lingo are all hidden all you can see is LP12 and 3 naim boxes start opening cupboards though.............
