Streamer upgrade - philosophical musings

Maughan67 posted:

After recently ripping my entire CD collection to FLAC and starting to stream, I have posted a few questions regarding my options for a streamer upgrade (Sonos ZP90 to ND5 XS). I have of course received lots of interesting and useful information and opinions. 

I have been sitting here most of today listening to music (still via the Sonos).  I expect that it might well all be improved (a little? a lot? who knows?) with an upgrade to a Naim streamer. I have the inclination and the funds to buy. But...

I have spent most of my listening time today grinning, amazed at how brilliant and exciting everything sounds. I have recently upgraded pre and power amps, and tweaked my general set-up, and I am sure the ripping and streaming process doesn't hurt the music fidelity either. So, if I love it so much: why bother upgrading?

How good can good be? How much additional grin can I muster? What is enjoyment?!

Or is this all just pointless posturing before the inevitable streamer upgrade this week...?

M

You'll have to try it out and make your choice. I do not know how you control your current system but, apart from sound quality, a Naim streamer or DAC could also bring better system integration. Does it have to be a streamer? For the price of a new ND5 XS you could also get a very good DAC and a good network player. Perhaps a more flexible alternative? Best, nbpf

Sounds like good news Maughan67, simple choices!

If you are loving it as is, you should stick. But if you have a doubt, the only way to find out is to go and have a listen to the options or better still borrow one from your dealer :-)

The same holds true if the forum 'noise' about the App gives you cause for concern (as per the previous thread), only way to satisfy yourself is to check it out.

I started with the original Uniti with a Sonos plugged in in the early days of streaming services and via various upgrades over time ended up with NDX/XPS2DR/SN2, mainly using Android version of the App for control. I wouldn't wish to go back to Sonos now even if it does have the slickest app in town, but that's my personal opinion!

If you are happy, just enjoy and don’t change yet. You will automatically start hearing the limitations of every setup when you are very familiar with your system. And yes even the best statement based system also has it’s weak spots. Only when you get to this point you are ready for the next upgrade @- up till that point you might not enjoy what the upgrade will bring.

As you have already asked the question, it seems there is an itch that needs scratching.

I'd suggest to try an NDX....

I’d try a 272. Better preamp than a 202, and fewer boxes overall. 

This is a technology that is moving and improving so fast that I would never spend more than a £1000 on any solution I'd just buy a decent dac from there, there are lots of very good value network streamers.  Personally I wouldn't bother with a Naim streamer especially a 272 it is touted as a low box count end game 'I've had enough of upgraditis'  solution that as far as I can tell leads to a 555 psDR and very expensive cables.

I would be looking at getting a 282 trade that 202 in and then you would have truly excellent amp not that a 202/200DR isn't because it is but a 282/200DR is better stick a network player connected to a decent dac on the front and you will be smiling.

You may be right, though with ‘only’ an XPS the 272 is capable of an extraordinary level of quality. Naim’s only mistake was to price it too cheaply. 

since the 272 has been mentioned, so too must be the Chord Hugo 2. just pipe the bits in from your Sonos with an optical cable.

Naim do make some great amplifiers. 

.sjb

Sloop John B posted:

Naim do make some great amplifiers. 

.sjb

Yes they do it is what they do best IMO.