Downsizing system - which way to jump?!

Hungryhalibut posted:

Well, given what you say about how much you listen to vinyl, selling the LP12 and getting an RP6 could make sense. A Rega cartridge and phono stage is certainly nice and simple and will be more than good enough for the odd listen.  

Planar 6, now.. with Ania - and rather better than for 'the odd listen'.

In fact, when I had a Linn/Aro combination in the late 90s, I got so frustrated with the variations in SQ that it did become an occasional listen. You'd be surprised at how good the Planar 6/Ania is, with the Rega Fono MC (new version). 

Yes, if the Linn goes, the Planar 6 will definitely be on my demo list.

What a nice thread! Recently retired myself and have the time to enjoy my moderately large system with a Linn at it’s heart.

A morning walking the fells (dogs a bonus) then back for music, cooking and a tipple is my idea of heaven! Playing records fits into the pace and vibe perfectly....

Enjoy whatever you decide to do.

Stu

Sounds idyllic. When I retire in 2 or 3 years I am thinking of getting a bigger house in a nicer and cheaper part of the country rather than downsizing. I need a bigger house for the vinyl! Although I too do most of my listening via Tidal or ripped CDs. I like looking at the lp covers.

Thanks, Stu. Yes, a walk on the fells followed by music is a great mix. Just looked at the photos of your system - very nice indeed, especially the Linn! Enjoy your retirement.

Stu, I meant to ask, what rack do you have your Naim boxes on and your LP12? They look good.

Hi Dave,

it is Ash Designs. No longer in production sadly. Naim used them a lot before the Fraim came along. 

Stu

Thanks, Stu. That's a shame, as it looks great.

Best regards.

Dave

Hi Dave

I am late to the party, as usual, and you're got some great advice but I thought I would share my story as I had a similar system to yours before making changes. My primary driver was reducing box count and getting a better working streaming solution.

I had a 282/HC2, 250.2 supported with a nDac/XPS2 and Rega P9. I kept the P9 but traded the 282/HC2/nDac for a 272. The XPS2 now powers the 272, it's an elegant solution. Sound wise (with Allaes) I have a much much better streaming solution (to be far 80/90% of listening) but I lose just a tad when fed from the P9. I found the XPS2 improved the 272 significantly and I think it would've been a much more difficult, if not impossible, sell without it.

Hope that helps.

Jay

Hi Jay,

That's really helpful, thank you. My current dilemma is the recent announcement from Naim re the new streamers. The 272 edged it for me on the demo I had with NDX/SN2 and 272/250. I think the 250 just had a slightly better grip on the PMCs. But I don't want to end up down a dead end with the 272 if Naim decide not to produce a 272 (version 2 - a '372' or whatever). So' 'logic' would dictate that if I do something now rather than wait, I keep the NDX, buy and SN2 and the PMC 25.23 speakers as it gives me the option of upgrading to the NDX 2 in the future. I could live with either system NDX/SN2 or 272/250 but would prefer the 272 route but don't want to end up in a dead end from the streamer perspective. I'm in no great rush, but every time I see a bargain 272 I do get tempted!

Dave

If it helps: I ran an NDX SN2 PMC Twenty.23 for a couple of years.  The 272/XPSDR/250 (Tablette 10) is better a lot better in my experience. 

To me, adding the XPSDR makes a 272 a 372...

G

Thanks, Graeme - that's how I heard it too, albeit without the XPSDR on the 272. I know there's no point trying to second guess Naim's future plans, so it's simply a case of bite the bullet now or wait and see how things develop!