The weakest link ...

Part-exchange your SuperNait for a 282 pre. You already have a HiCap to power a 282, though I would consider swapping it for a HiCapDR. That would make for a wonderfully balanced set up and the 282 is a superb pre.

I must admit however I am not familiar with your speakers so not really sure if they are the weakest link. I am a source first bloke so would always get the best black boxes first before upgrading speakers.

Mitch

My hunch is the Nait but never heard one  ?

Couple of thoughts. 

1. not black box but HiLine ? Or Lunima (amazing cable) and a great improvement. 
2. SuperCap for the Nait. Prepping for later 282 or 252
3. 282 
4. or the amazing 555PS

rob 

Ok, you asked:

"NDX/XPS-DR ->  NDAC -> SuperNait /HC (non –DR) -> NAP250-DR -> NacA5 (4mtr) -> ProAc TriTower

Also CD5x/FC2x (-> SuperNait) but I’m considering moving these from the Fraim due to lack of use as the set-up is used mostly for music cable-streamed from a NAS (ripped CDs -> WAV),....."

My model, if you don't use it, loose it!

Sell CD5X/Flat Cap. $$$$$

Sell Super Nait/HC. $$$$$

Now its just a question of your front end!

A.  Core/Ndac/NDX > SC DR> 282> 250 DR

     {XPS DR} = 7/8 Boxes

B. NDX/Ndac > XPS DR> 272> 250 DR.....

     {PS} = 5/6 Boxes

I don't know, just Guessing!

A. ~ Core Analog server ~ Hard disk

A. ~ NDX ~ meta-data ~ NAS

Enjoy Your Music!

Allante93!

PS. Streaming is, and should guide you!

{Please Correct my flawed thought process, I'm trying to enter into the World of Streaming.}

Thinking plan A. ~ Core!

Thanks In Advance!

The best thing to do is very likely to swap the SN2 for a 282, as others have suggested. A hicap DR is a good idea unless you have a Supercap in your sights. I’m surprised that you prefer the XPS on the NDX. The power supply has only a marginal effect on the NDX when it’s using its digital output. I’d be inclined to trade the NDX and the Dac for an NDS, and later swap the XPS for a 555PS. 

Thank you all for your contributions … yes, it is the NAC 282 pre-amp which I have in my sights … but did wonder if I was missing a trick … could the SuperCap be the better buy?  Of course, I should like both but with retirement pending I do have to consider other uses for my limited pension fund!

Looking at other suggestions:

• I was tempted some time ago to buy the Core’s predecessor (UnitiServe ?) but took advice from other forum members … what was I seeking to achieve?  And the same holds now … I have a large music collection already ripped to NAS so don’t really want to start over with a Core
• I know I should take attention re: interconnects and I do believe this will come but at the moment it’s the black box which attracts me
• 555PS and/or NDS: whilst I can afford (I think!) a 282 or SuperCap I must restrict my buying and don’t want to risk being tempted by the top of the range products … I’m sticking with what Naim used to brand the Classic range.  I’m sure the 555PS and/or NDS should add to the setup but my weakest link theory means that so much other kit would need replacing (including the house for a better listening room!)
• HiCap DR … yes, considered but since the SuperCap may be on the agenda I’m holding off for the time being

Whilst I continue to ponder … I might spend some time adjusting my present set-up.  Its lack of use means the CD5x/FC2x should certainly move from the Fraim (which is overcrowded) and I really should try the test that others have suggested … remove one of the black boxes to see if I can hear the difference.  HH queries my view of the XPS-DR on the NDX so its removal may be the first step.  Others have queried the NDAC ~ NDX.

Perhaps I should go to NDX -> bare SuperNait and see if I can hear any difference.

As for the ProAc TriTower speakers, I’m sure there are better sounding speakers available but we’re very happy with these (which double up for the AV set-up) … they are tall and slim with a gorgeous rosewood veneer … sometimes the aesthetics has the upper hand and, anyway, the room layout would not take bigger speakers.  They may be slim but they have a full, rounded, warm sound with lots of detail.  It’s the AV centre speaker which may require change … but that’s another topic.

Cheers,

Mitch

 I‘ve heard a SN and a 282 is what you need. Save the poncey cables for the end game, get the system balanced first and on a rack that suits it.

Yep, totally agree with Yeti here .....

Blimey we normally recommend defaulting straight to a 552 in these circumstances 

SN - replace it with a dedicated pre-amp. Anything from 282 upwards.

And put tat XPS on the NDX.

Adam Zielinski posted:

SN - replace it with a dedicated pre-amp. Anything from 282 upwards.

And put tat XPS on the NDX.

I think the XPS is pretty good!

nigelb posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

SN - replace it with a dedicated pre-amp. Anything from 282 upwards.

And put tat XPS on the NDX.

I think the XPS is pretty good!

Mee gut Engish write, no? Blimey... that spelcheck on my iPad....

Adam Zielinski posted:

SN - replace it with a dedicated pre-amp. Anything from 282 upwards.

And put tat XPS on the NDX.

Adam, Simon,  you no I have no Streaming experience, what do you think of my suggestions? 

I know, no Hugo!

"Now its just a question of your front end!

A.  Core/Ndac/NDX > SC DR> 282> 250 DR

     {XPS DR} = 7/8 Boxes

B. NDX/Ndac > XPS DR> 272> 250 DR.....

     {PS} = 5/6 Boxes

I don't know, just Guessing!

A. ~ Core Analog server ~ Hard disk

A. ~ NDX ~ meta-data ~ NAS"

?????????????????????????????????

{DRed}

Core>Ndac>NDX>XPS>SC>282>250

8 boxes ~ Napsc

What I'm I missing?

Allante93!

Allante93 posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

SN - replace it with a dedicated pre-amp. Anything from 282 upwards.

And put tat XPS on the NDX.

Adam, you no I have no Streaming experience, what do you think of my suggestions?

"Now its just a question of your front end!

A.  Core/Ndac/NDX > SC DR> 282> 250 DR

     {XPS DR} = 7/8 Boxes

B. NDX/Ndac > XPS DR> 272> 250 DR.....

     {PS} = 5/6 Boxes

I don't know, just Guessing!

A. ~ Core Analog server ~ Hard disk

A. ~ NDX ~ meta-data ~ NAS"

?????????????????????????????????

 

{DRed}

Core>Ndac>NDX>XPS>SC>282>250

8 boxes ~ Napsc

What I'm I missing?

Allante93!

Hi,

a bit too many boxes and some redundancy.

Your A example: you have two sources here: Core and NDX going into an nDAC. I would personally set up a NAS and use NDX + nDAC as a source.

Your B example: you have two sources: NDX and N272 - both stream. I would go for: N272 + XPSDR + NAP250DR. That’s 3 boxes. You will need a NAS to store the music.

It you treat Core as a stand-alone source, then all it needs is the best DAC one can find. nDAC + 555PS would be that dac.

282 + SCDR + 250DR = very capable combo.

Adam

Adam Zielinski posted:

nigelb posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

SN - replace it with a dedicated pre-amp. Anything from 282 upwards.

And put tat XPS on the NDX.

I think the XPS is pretty good!

Mee gut Engish write, no? Blimey... that spelcheck on my iPad....

Adam, that was naughty of me.

Let's put it this way, your English is superb and my Polish is non-existent!

nigelb posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

nigelb posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

SN - replace it with a dedicated pre-amp. Anything from 282 upwards.

And put tat XPS on the NDX.

I think the XPS is pretty good!

Mee gut Engish write, no? Blimey... that spelcheck on my iPad....

Adam, that was naughty of me.

Let's put it this way, your English is superb and my Polish is non-existent!

I think it was actully quite funny  

And I felt the thread need a word ‘blimey’ introduced to it, so you gave me a perfect opening