152XS for 200 HiCapDR or 200DR?

Hi Eddie - I’m sure you’ve heard this before but ideally the NAP 200 would like a NAC 202 but the 152 will work well enough.  Of your options I would go for a HC which will ultimately give the 152 the best chance to perform. 

Good luck. 

Lindsay

Hi Eddie, The natural partner was the NAP155XS. A FCXS can be added. Good reports have been made of the effect when both its outputs are on the NAC152XS.

Chris

Stick with recommended pre/amp pairs - 152/155 or 202/200.  These pairs seem to have similar cost on the used market (most 202/200s on the market are also older vintage).  Note the 152/155 is now discontinued. 

While the 202/200 is more expensive and should perform "better", I have heard good things about the presentation of the 152/155  and you may actually prefer it.  If you are considering a cd5xs or ndxs as  a source this may sway you to get a 152/155 rather than the "better" 202/200 - you would be taking advantage of the synergy within the xs line.

Thanks for all advice. I found many used 200 in the market but rarely used 155. So I think I will buy used 200 easily than used 155. (i don't know the reason)

To my understanding, NAP200 (DR version) that the DR technology is benefit to pre-amp. Does it mean, if I have NAP200(DR), I don't need HiCap(DR)?

Please correct me if my question doesn't make sense.  

You are right that the 200DR supplies DR power to the preamp only. You should still get better performance from the HicapDR, as this has two 24v power rails to power the preamp, where the 200DR has only one. 

used NAP 200 with either HC or HCDR(way much better)

Thanks for everyone advice. Playing Naim is interesting 

If the preamp section in the 172xs is the same as the one in 152xs, I found the 200 much better than the 155 with my 172, at least for my tastes. Better slam and drive, better everything. The 155 had a sort of creaminess to it that put me off, I thought even Nap 100 was better, and any of the integrateds.

Thanks all Naim folks advice. By your opinion,  I'm bargaining an used HCDR. In case I get HCDR in advance, is it working as below?

source -> 152xs - 5pin-5pin> HCDR - 4pin-rca > non-Naim power amplifier

it is not the final destination and I'm still looking for an used nap200

Good day!

rainsoothe posted:

If the preamp section in the 172xs is the same as the one in 152xs, I found the 200 much better than the 155 with my 172, at least for my tastes. Better slam and drive, better everything. The 155 had a sort of creaminess to it that put me off, I thought even Nap 100 was better, and any of the integrateds.

The preamp in the 172 is completely different to the 152.

The 172 is a more modern design with +/-22V balanced supply rails, the 152 is a +24/0v single ended supply.

Fwiw I found the fc2xs better than the hicap dr as it sounded more open and natural. I thought the hc was a bit forced. I also found sticking with components from the same range produced best results. 

Folks, 172 is in balanced supple but 152 is in single supply. It is really enhance my knowledge!

I believe " sound defined by circuit"

also, I have not compare sound of enhancement between flatcap xs and HiCap DR. To me, HiCap DR is more compatibility for upgrade. Thus, I'm bargaining a HCDR.

i think "soft" or "forced" quite depend on the "capacity" of the speakers.

is it correct?