Blimey, the 272 is even better than I thought it was...

Take a look at internal photos. The capacitors used in the ps555 are far superior to the ones used in an xps.

The rectifier board is different as well.

Ah, ok so it's down to capacitors and rectifiers. I feel a dunce for asking, but thank you for the enlightenment... Now I understand why Naim simply use price to differentiate quality without going into the nuts and bolts!

Hungryhalibut posted:

I don’t know, because I don’t analyse the sound in that way. What I do know, though, is that the gap between the 272/555 and the 272/XPS is bigger than that between the 272/XPS and the 272 on its own, in terms of pure musical enjoyment. 

Thanks, that’s very useful in helping me make my 272/555 or NDS/555 decision!   It may soon be time to call my dealer to hear what he has to say.

Atherton posted:

Monkadill posted:

Atherton posted:

I'm a 272 user, but not quite in HH's league (yet!). I'm thinking of upgrading my 200DR to a 250DR. Is this upgrade likely to be significant? Is there any other upgrade that I should consider instead for similar ££'s? I'm happy with my PMC 23's. My main source is Tidal. Sorry if this has been already covered elesewhere.

Thanks, Richard

I moved from  200 TO A 250DR, then added a XPSDR. 200 to 250DR is a noticeable and significant upgrade to the sound.

Thanks [@mention:31273966728598883], that's positive and what I'd certainly hope for. Could you also please share your views on the addition of the XPS-DR after having upgraded to the 250DR?

Like many have said, the XPSDR makes an improvement but its not ground breaking, its subtle. If I could only afford one option it would be the 250DR.

 Do I regret the XPSDR? not at all, its an expensive addition considering the cost to improvement ratio but it finishes the trio off.

Monkadill posted:

Atherton posted:

Monkadill posted:

Atherton posted:

I'm a 272 user, but not quite in HH's league (yet!). I'm thinking of upgrading my 200DR to a 250DR. Is this upgrade likely to be significant? Is there any other upgrade that I should consider instead for similar ££'s? I'm happy with my PMC 23's. My main source is Tidal. Sorry if this has been already covered elesewhere.

Thanks, Richard

I moved from  200 TO A 250DR, then added a XPSDR. 200 to 250DR is a noticeable and significant upgrade to the sound.

Thanks [@mention:31273966728598883], that's positive and what I'd certainly hope for. Could you also please share your views on the addition of the XPS-DR after having upgraded to the 250DR?

Like many have said, the XPSDR makes an improvement but its not ground breaking, its subtle. If I could only afford one option it would be the 250DR.

 Do I regret the XPSDR? not at all, its an expensive addition considering the cost to improvement ratio but it finishes the trio off.

A refreshing perspective Monkadill, thanks.

G

Not one that I’d agree with. The XPS is a very significant improvement to the 272, which takes it to another level. In my view it’s not subtle at all. One person’s significant is another’s subtle of course, and as with anything it’s something to try for oneself. 

I use an XP5xs and this gave a very nice lift in performance to my 272, unlocked all power rails and moved the PSU away from the 272.

Yes, I have to agree XPSDR on 272 is a significant upgrade. I will shortly be seeing what a 555 does. XPSDR will be moved across to nDac.

nitrous posted:

Yes, I have to agree XPSDR on 272 is a significant upgrade. I will shortly be seeing what a 555 does. XPSDR will be moved across to nDac.

You might to try the 555PS on the nDAC, too.  It's an awesome combination. 

MDS posted:

nitrous posted:

Yes, I have to agree XPSDR on 272 is a significant upgrade. I will shortly be seeing what a 555 does. XPSDR will be moved across to nDac.

You might to try the 555PS on the nDAC, too.  It's an awesome combination. 

Yes MDS, I may try that, but that may lead to needing 2 555’s! 

Having just moved from a 200 DR to a 250 DR, I am still coming to terms with the step function lift in everything my 272 delivers. Naim never fails to deliver, and frequently surprise, although this particular upgrade is well versed in this and many other threads.

Like HH, I am continuing to use my PMC 20.23’s which appear to have taken to the change in their stride.

However, this has lead to a tricky choice for the New Year next step. Simple choice - add an XPS DR to the 272, or, as I do like to spin CD’s as well, add a CDX2, possibly while still available?

As ever, thoughts, opinions and brickbats appreciated.

BTW HH, really pleased to hear your recovery continues, your help with my original SU and your insights into the ‘two box solution’ was what probably set me off on this path !

KR, J

My suggestion on cd front would be to find a well looked after cds3 and forego the new experience of a cdx2.

Peter

A new CD player will boost CD performance, an XPSDR added to your 272 will boost ALL your sources.  And with Naim dropping 2 of their 3 players (although all 3 still appear on the Products page) I think the writing is on the wall that the future is streaming.

Monkadill posted:

Atherton posted:

Monkadill posted:

Atherton posted:

I'm a 272 user, but not quite in HH's league (yet!). I'm thinking of upgrading my 200DR to a 250DR. Is this upgrade likely to be significant? Is there any other upgrade that I should consider instead for similar ££'s? I'm happy with my PMC 23's. My main source is Tidal. Sorry if this has been already covered elesewhere.

Thanks, Richard

I moved from  200 TO A 250DR, then added a XPSDR. 200 to 250DR is a noticeable and significant upgrade to the sound.

Thanks [@mention:31273966728598883], that's positive and what I'd certainly hope for. Could you also please share your views on the addition of the XPS-DR after having upgraded to the 250DR?

Like many have said, the XPSDR makes an improvement but its not ground breaking, its subtle. If I could only afford one option it would be the 250DR.

 Do I regret the XPSDR? not at all, its an expensive addition considering the cost to improvement ratio but it finishes the trio off.

The addition of an xpsdr to your set up should be significant,  don’t take this the wrong way but I would suggest your cables and speakers could be the issue?

wenger2015 posted:

Monkadill posted:

Atherton posted:

Monkadill posted:

Atherton posted:

I'm a 272 user, but not quite in HH's league (yet!). I'm thinking of upgrading my 200DR to a 250DR. Is this upgrade likely to be significant? Is there any other upgrade that I should consider instead for similar ££'s? I'm happy with my PMC 23's. My main source is Tidal. Sorry if this has been already covered elesewhere.

Thanks, Richard

I moved from  200 TO A 250DR, then added a XPSDR. 200 to 250DR is a noticeable and significant upgrade to the sound.

Thanks [@mention:31273966728598883], that's positive and what I'd certainly hope for. Could you also please share your views on the addition of the XPS-DR after having upgraded to the 250DR?

Like many have said, the XPSDR makes an improvement but its not ground breaking, its subtle. If I could only afford one option it would be the 250DR.

 Do I regret the XPSDR? not at all, its an expensive addition considering the cost to improvement ratio but it finishes the trio off.

The addition of an xpsdr to your set up should be significant,  don’t take this the wrong way but I would suggest your cables and speakers could be the issue?

NAC a5 cables n S400 speakers, id say there is no problem there..

As stated, one mans significant is another’s subtle, no offence taken.

Dr_J posted:

Having just moved from a 200 DR to a 250 DR, I am still coming to terms with the step function lift in everything my 272 delivers. Naim never fails to deliver, and frequently surprise, although this particular upgrade is well versed in this and many other threads.

Like HH, I am continuing to use my PMC 20.23’s which appear to have taken to the change in their stride.

However, this has lead to a tricky choice for the New Year next step. Simple choice - add an XPS DR to the 272, or, as I do like to spin CD’s as well, add a CDX2, possibly while still available?

As ever, thoughts, opinions and brickbats appreciated.

BTW HH, really pleased to hear your recovery continues, your help with my original SU and your insights into the ‘two box solution’ was what probably set me off on this path !

KR, J

Thank you for your kind comments. As for the CDX2 - why on earth would you get one if you have a 272? Spend the money on something that will improve your steaming source, or spend it on something even better, like wine. We are drinking a rather lovely Pinot Noir, from the Wine Society. And it’s from.... Bulgaria, who’d have thought it?

Hungryhalibut posted:

 

Thank you for your kind comments. As for the CDX2 - why on earth would you get one if you have a 272? Spend the money on something that will improve your steaming source, or spend it on something even better, like wine. We are drinking a rather lovely Pinot Noir, from the Wine Society. And it’s from.... Bulgaria, who’d have thought it?

Thread drift alert! But I must second HH’s suggestion as I studiously resist further temptations and enjoy the sound I have while continuing to indulge my other significant discretionary spending on wine. It was Croatian Cabernet last week and just on way home from Liverpool attending a taste of some really fun wines from Franconia. Sylvaner, muller Thurgau Bacchus and Pinot meunier to the fore. Wine and music are a super combination! Great for retirement. Nigel!

Peter

I'm intrigued as to why Wenger would think NAC A5 and Ovator s400s should represent 'an issue'?

I had a 272 and a 250DR but I did then next buy a CDX2 and later an XPSDR. In my case why on earth was because I just like playing CDs sometimes without ripping them, especially if they are borrowed from a friend. 

Fortunately I was in a position to do all that and still drink excellent wine, although personally I would go for South African a Pinotage from  Kanonkop or a Chenin Blanc from DeMorganzen or a Sauvignan Blanc from Klein Constantia rather than a Bulgarian Pinot Noir.....

We are all different, which is good..

best

David

HH your comments accurately reflect the imagined ‘dilemma’; why indeed buy a very expensive disc spinner, other than it might be very, very nice to have one of the very best of the genre before they disappear into history for good. 

But you’re absolutely right (again, bah humbug), there’s no really good, logical or sane reason for doing so. The XPS DR would lift any and all sources through the 272, though not quite as far as your new configuration,  and leave quite a bit over for Sauvignon  .

Head, heart, Mrs Drj and the Bank Manager will have to come to a compromise - never easy, never fast and usually somewhat one-sided if annoyingly correct. 

In the meantime the 272, 250 DR,  20.23’s and some bubbles will soothe the conflicted mind...... Thanks again!

KR, J

David Hendon posted:

I had a 272 and a 250DR but I did then next buy a CDX2 and later an XPSDR. In my case why on earth was because I just like playing CDs sometimes without ripping them, especially if they are borrowed from a friend. 

Fortunately I was in a position to do all that and still drink excellent wine, although personally I would go for South African a Pinotage from  Kanonkop or a Chenin Blanc from DeMorganzen or a Sauvignan Blanc from Klein Constantia rather than a Bulgarian Pinot Noir.....

We are all different, which is good..

best

David

David accurately and exactly reflects my thoughts, he and HH have neatly addressed both sides of the coin I am, figuratively speaking, poised to flip.

Thanks both, I’m minded to pop it back into my pocket for a while and mull, or was that mulled, it over into 2018.

We are indeed all different and thnt’ probably all for the best.

KR, J

Playing Pink Floyd The Wall  through Tidal on my modest 272 -> 200DR ;> PMCTwenty 23's.  Sounds amazing at 50% volume, Slightly less satisfying at lower volume, as the 23's don't deliver bass so well. I'm hopeful a 250DR/XPS-DR updgrade will make a huge difference. This thread has been very helpful in reaching that decision,

David Hendon posted:

I had a 272 and a 250DR but I did then next buy a CDX2 and later an XPSDR. In my case why on earth was because I just like playing CDs sometimes without ripping them, especially if they are borrowed from a friend. 

Fortunately I was in a position to do all that and still drink excellent wine, although personally I would go for South African a Pinotage from  Kanonkop or a Chenin Blanc from DeMorganzen or a Sauvignan Blanc from Klein Constantia rather than a Bulgarian Pinot Noir.....

We are all different, which is good..

best

David

more money spent on SA wine than my Naim kit I think... in my case a lot of Chenin by the likes of Chris Alheit, Pinot from Newton Johnson, loads and loads of Eben Sadie, David Sadie, Mullineux and Porseleinberg - wine purchased in the time of cash flow and will be drunk during retirement. I like your choice of De Morgenzon and Kanonkop. The winemaker's from both estates have very good side projects too.

Peter

Timmo1341 posted:

I'm intrigued as to why Wenger would think NAC A5 and Ovator s400s should represent 'an issue'?

With a 272 paired with 250dr the xpsdr should make a significant improvement. On reflection it could be a room issue, otherwise it’s cables then speakers..