nac282

Johnny, there's plenty written about the 282 on the forum. Have you searched and had a read? What's the rest of the system?

There really is no substitute for listening at a dealer. And to get any decent responses you really need to explain the context, as Richard says. If you just ask ‘what’s it like?’ what response do you expect, other than ‘it’s good’, or nothing at all. 

Cdx2 xps2 hicap dr supernait 2..I will be getting a nap 250 dr soon and was going to use the SN2 as preamp.But I suspect the nac 282 is the way to go

That why I wouldn't ask a dealer they are selling it. 

The 282 would be ideal, yes. 

And after a while you'll be wanting a Supercap.

Then NAP300dr

It's feckin awesome.

In my view the 282 is the best VFM pre-amp in Naim's range. It responds really well to better PSUs, too.

Don’t forget good speakers

The 282 works fine with a HCDR and 250DR.

I haven't bothered to even listen to a Supercap or 300DR as, 282/HCDR/250DR just seems to work so well as a unit.

and I haven't bothered to audition better speakers either.

What speakers are you using? 

Amazingly, it’s in his profile. 

A casual glance at the system picture in your profile had me thinking CDX2/202/200.

If the dealer selling the 282 is willing to play try and listen to the 282 using the supernait power section, the SN pre is its weakest link if the 1 is anything to go by. You’ll need a hicap with a 250 before you can use the 282 but it looks like the sn can power a pre from its power amp in socket.

MDS posted:

In my view the 282 is the best VFM pre-amp in Naim's range. It responds really well to better PSUs, too.

Other than the 272, which does more for less. 

ho hum. I had them side by side in my home.  heard no reason to move from my 282.

If I didn't have a Hicap already though, 272 maybe the more sensible choice if one doesn't have a Naim source already.

Hungryhalibut posted:

MDS posted:

In my view the 282 is the best VFM pre-amp in Naim's range. It responds really well to better PSUs, too.

Other than the 272, which does more for less. 

I haven't heard a 272 yet, Nigel. You're right that the 272 does more, of course, and is a more modern design. As a pre-amp though, how do you think the 272/555PSDR compares to the 282/SCDR?  

Hungryhalibut posted:

Amazingly, it’s in his profile. 

He's in the minority there!

A great vfm preamp, Johnny, with weight and speed. I loved mine with a NAP200 and the right speakers. If you want to sex it up a bit with HC and NAP250 or further, that's cool too. Make sure you have at least a CDX2 at the front end otherwise it's a complete waste of your time and money.

Have fun.

C.

Hold on the OP hasn’t asked about the 272.   Certainly the 272 does more but not as well.     

absent any other considerations: yeah, do it!

Johnny5 posted:

anybody own the nac 282 and what is it like thinking of investing soon.

282>Cdx2>HCDR>3 x (250.2)>Fraimlite

Passive Tri-Amped Briks

Sounds pretty good to me, unfortunately I have never compared it to any other Naim Kits!

But check this out:

https://youtu.be/AFzMuO3K3ZY

Allante93!

PS. Can't be that Bad!

I would agree with few sentiments here on the NAC 282 being the best VFM preamp. Or the 282/HCDR/250DR as a combination. Of course the higher range preamps or systems NAC 252 or NAP 300 DR will have the potential of sounding better but the cost increases almost exponentially. Until one reaches the NAC 552 level whereby there is no argument about VFM since it practically demolishes the rest of the competition, the 282 (or well, maybe 272) does a remarkably fine job at its price point. As usual, all IMO.

Johnny5 posted:

Cdx2 xps2 hicap dr supernait 2..I will be getting a nap 250 dr soon and was going to use the SN2 as preamp.But I suspect the nac 282 is the way to go

It is the way to go. IMO it is the best value pre in the Naim range.

especially since you got the Hicap DR.

I moved from a 202 to the 282 earlier this year, and I am glad that I made the switch. The 282 is far more revealing and I found myself listening to instrument lines in my favourite songs, that I had not really heard before. Of course, that does pose the risk of it becoming bland and analytical. That is not the case, you just feel that much closer to the music and far more involved.