New XPS DR Experience

Posted by: Ricto on 01 December 2017

SO I waited nearly 8 weeks for my new XPS DR I am going to give my thoughts so far.

System Naim NAC 272 Naim 250 DR New XPS DR Focal 1028 BE speakers with naim nasa speaker wire.

Plugging in and listening to the first song I couldn't tell any difference. After 10 songs I started to notice a very slight difference but nothing to put my finger on apart from the bass was cleaner. 

After 2 hours I listened to Eric Clapton Tears In Heaven MTV edition  now this was completely different in every way from stereo separation, individual instruments could be heard better I also noticed the volume was slightly higher.

Over all on the first night of about 3 hours it was better but not yet £3,600 better, my listen quest continues tonight.

 

 

 

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Ardbeg10y

The real test is when you have listened to it for a few months, and you take it away. If you miss something then, it is good.

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Ricto

Just A thought any on get instant satisfaction from the xps?

 

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Japtimscarlet

AHH there was your first mistake

You needed to buy a 555ps to get a bl***y moment

Sorry ... trade it in while you can...

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Ardbeg10y
Japtimscarlet posted:

AHH there was your first mistake

You needed to buy a 555ps to get a bl***y moment

Sorry ... trade it in while you can...

Nah! This is unfair :-) Spoiling someones happyness.

There is some hype going on on the 555PS now, but the XPS exists for a reason. I would say that XPS / N272 / 250 is a well balanced system. A giant killer. Doubtless the 555 is better, but there is a price difference and it is not sure if the focals show the difference all the way.

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by audio1946

the future of new power supplies from anyone is questionable ,  sales are dipping..  surely new customers want the best out of one box  ie  the new uniti range  excellently done naim

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by hungryhalibut
Ricto posted:

Just A thought any on get instant satisfaction from the xps?

 

Just give it time. Don’t worry about so much about stereo separation and hifi stuff, but see if the music becomes more natural and engaging. That, to me, is what these power supplies bring to the table. They make the music more real. I’ve had my new power supply for a few weeks now, and the sound is still improving. The initial impact was similar to what you have noticed - more detail and a spaciness - but that changes to give a more solid and together sound. The 272/XPS/250 is a great system, which you will discover more and more as the days and weeks pass. 

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Japtimscarlet
Ardbeg10y posted:
Japtimscarlet posted:

AHH there was your first mistake

You needed to buy a 555ps to get a bl***y moment

Sorry ... trade it in while you can...

Nah! This is unfair :-) Spoiling someones happyness.

There is some hype going on on the 555PS now, but the XPS exists for a reason. I would say that XPS / N272 / 250 is a well balanced system. A giant killer. Doubtless the 555 is better, but there is a price difference and it is not sure if the focals show the difference all the way.

It was tongue firmly in cheek

250dr xpsdr 272 is exactly my system...

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Ricto

Ok another 2 hours in definitely sounding better so phewww however so far if I had to value probably 10% better

instruments sound singular, separation good, stereo imagine very good

ardbeg what speakers you using? Ps they have to look good and s400 just not my cup of tea looks wise

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Ricto

The other possiblilty is the music recording I listen to have no more to give?

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Ricto

I am hoping for a 20% improvement just for the record which would be good

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Ricto

Another question no music waves are going through the power supply itself so surely wants it’s warm it gives its best?

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Ricto

Japtimscarlet the 555 is out of my marriage/price range 

 

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Ricto

What is noticeable is better low volume clarity

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Ricto

Best so far improvements for me cost effetive

1 cinnamon Ethernet cable

2 marble chopping boards under speakers

 

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by wenger2015

Congratulations on your xpsdr, it will come good In time.

When I purchased a New one back in January, it took an age to really start singing. You will notice subtle differences initially but give it a couple of months and you will be smiling for sure.

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Ricto

Thank you Wenger

 

just playing 24 bit download on nas drive sounding really good but I’m on demo music so will keep it post updated

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Alan Willby

XPSDR was obviously better than the non DR from the first moment when I changed it on my CDX2 a few years back. It took me by surprise actually as I had part of a foot in the 'can it really make any difference' camp. Has it carried on improving? No idea - I just know I really enjoy popping CD's into the tray and sitting back for a listen. I do not switch everything off very often - but when I have I have never noticed any 'wobbles' in the SQ as it all warms up.

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by themrock

I added a XPS DR two days ago to my NDac, i expected a little improvment, but was overhelmed how big the improvement is.

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Owen Davies

I have just got an XPS DR too for my 272 and was delighted with the initial results, so much more space and generally warmer sound.  I also upgraded to Super Lumina speaker cables, everything is a little bit too warm now even a little muddy with mids seemingly suffering a little.  I guess I need to give it a little time...

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by hungryhalibut

You’ll get that muddy, murky phase. Just give it time. I’m running in a power supply, power amp and SL leads, and there have been ups and downs. Now, a month on, it’s becoming much more consistent, and rather wonderful. 

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Ricto

Is it safe just to pull the mains lead from xps to 272 without disconnecting lead between them to compare obviously turning power off to both but leaving xps to 272 lead intact so I can compare the two?

 

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by No quarter

When you unhook the XPSDR,there should be a plug to go in the 272.

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Japtimscarlet

Yes that's right

You will need to remove cable to put the plug back in at the XPS end

Then put the mains lead back in the 272

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by hungryhalibut

By swapping around you’ll just get confused. Just sit back and enjoy it. 

Posted on: 01 December 2017 by Bob the Builder

I would say let the XPS run in for a bit first but I for one would be very interested in a comparison.