possible upgrade to ND555 and separate preamp

I have no doubt that the 272 will be updated ..... as it is a logical route to bring people to the classic series...

I am much more hopeful,  the next version has not been given a thumbs down by Naim. Nigel enquired when the forum visited Naim, he had his discussion with Trevor about a new 272 . It was acknowledged that not everyone wants or can have the space to take multiple boxes. As usual we have to be patient.

Gazza posted:

I am much more hopeful,  the next version has not been given a thumbs down by Naim. Nigel enquired when the forum visited Naim, he had his discussion with Trevor about a new 272 . It was acknowledged that not everyone wants or can have the space to take multiple boxes. As usual we have to be patient.

......what 37% sure then?

Oh Nigel B , you are a complete rotter. If I have to put my bet in, it would be at 100% based on body language and the acceptance that there is a market for this product. But Naim being Naim may change a few things, as they always do things their way.......no clues here by the way.

Gazza posted:

Oh Nigel B , you are a complete rotter. If I have to put my bet in, it would be at 100% based on body language and the acceptance that there is a market for this product. But Naim being Naim may change a few things, as they always do things their way.......no clues here by the way.

Only teasing.

Judging by the success of the 272, the desire from many for low box count, the leesons Naim have learned regarding shielding components/PCBs within streamers with the new Uniti and and streamer range and the advances made with the new streamers, I think they would be missing a trick if the 272 wasn't replaced or upgraded.

I am plumping for 63.5% sure.

nigelb posted:

I am in awe of these guys who can put a percentage on how much better a component (or even a combination of components) is over another, sometimes on a component that hasn't even been heard or launched! How do you guys do it?

One more question, what is the percentage actually a measure of?

Yours, in admiration.

I can simply say it sounds better.... if this makes you feel,  say ....25% better  !    ;-)  

hungryhalibut posted:

The small downside to Musicfan’s analysis is that while streaming from an NDS may sound 20% better than streaming from a 272, the result would be 100% worse as the OP would then need a preamp, which goes back to the original issue. I have the same electronics as the OP, and am constantly surprised by how good it can sound. I’ve pondered a ND555 and a 552, but £33,000 less the trade in of the 272 is an awful lot of money. Then there are more shelves, more burndies, extra mains sockets, an SL interconnect. I’ve had a 552 before and it was brilliant, but the 272/555, while derided by some, punches far above its weight. I’m hoping a replacement 272 appears in due course and that it’s a sufficiently big improvement to make a change worthwhile. Even better would be a 372 with no inbuilt power supply and twin power supply sockets. I’ve been thinking that a new streaming preamp might be the box that fills the yawning price gap between the NDX2 at £5,000 and the ND555 at £13,000. A 372 for £8,000? I’ll take it!!

I said “at least “ 20% better but to some the experience could be 50% better . Hard to say  .... But I have heard a 272 and an NDS/555Dr combo and the NDS is a much better musical experience! 

hungryhalibut posted:

The small downside to Musicfan’s analysis is that while streaming from an NDS may sound 20% better than streaming from a 272, the result would be 100% worse as the OP would then need a preamp, which goes back to the original issue. I have the same electronics as the OP, and am constantly surprised by how good it can sound. I’ve pondered a ND555 and a 552, but £33,000 less the trade in of the 272 is an awful lot of money. Then there are more shelves, more burndies, extra mains sockets, an SL interconnect. I’ve had a 552 before and it was brilliant, but the 272/555, while derided by some, punches far above its weight. I’m hoping a replacement 272 appears in due course and that it’s a sufficiently big improvement to make a change worthwhile. Even better would be a 372 with no inbuilt power supply and twin power supply sockets. I’ve been thinking that a new streaming preamp might be the box that fills the yawning price gap between the NDX2 at £5,000 and the ND555 at £13,000. A 372 for £8,000? I’ll take it!!

Do you have an “in” at Naim to have this happen ? 

Fall of 2019 we migh see a 572 and  272 2/172 2 in line with streamers

1/2/3k£ more expensive respective streamers...

That’s I would do to keep it simple and competitive

172/200 - nac200

272/XPs/250 instead of nac282 or 555/300 for 252

572/555/500 for 552

After the hard core fans buy their separates than it Is time for new comers and value for money fans...

That’s hoW I would shape the line but I am just a fan boy....

I've had the chance to compare a 272 with a 282 in my own system playing Vinyl.

The 282 was considerably and audibly better than a 272 as a preamp....

will it be worth it to upgrade to a 552 / NDS...... yes.

analogmusic posted:

I've had the chance to compare a 272 with a 282 in my own system playing Vinyl.

The 282 was considerably and audibly better than a 272 as a preamp....

will it be worth it to upgrade to a 552 / NDS...... yes.

Yes I think you are correct Analogmusic. 

I went from 272 to 552 NDS upgrade ... it is worth it but expensive especially considering you definitely need a super lumina interconnect.....doh.... the whole thing is eye wateringly expensive.....

Richieroo posted:

I went from 272 to 552 NDS upgrade ... it is worth it but expensive especially considering you definitely need a super lumina interconnect.....doh.... the whole thing is eye wateringly expensive.....

Was the enjoyment in listening to music from your system increase ?  Did you find you got an extra thrill from it?  

Richieroo posted:

I went from 272 to 552 NDS upgrade ... it is worth it but expensive especially considering you definitely need a super lumina interconnect.....doh.... the whole thing is eye wateringly expensive.....

I imagine it does sound fantastic and very thrilling . Nice set up. What do you have for speakers Richieroo? 

PMC 20.21. As disclosed in the profile. 

If that’s an office system he can’t be getting much work done.

yeti42 posted:

If that’s an office system he can’t be getting much work done.

Maybe he never leaves the office.

analogmusic posted:

I've had the chance to compare a 272 with a 282 in my own system playing Vinyl.

The 282 was considerably and audibly better than a 272 as a preamp....

will it be worth it to upgrade to a 552 / NDS...... yes.

Analog,which power supply was being used on each preamp for this test?

JSAUDIO,

"would you do it if you could handle it financially?", "happy...always looking for an upgrade". It's really down to you. I don't mean in the obvious sense that its your choice. You will know best if you are an addicted upgrader or a enough is enough person.

I have no experience of the 272, I moved up the ladder before this came out. A 252/300 combo is excellent. If your aspiration is the 552 then do it. Going 252 to 552 is a major step but I can't give a percentage change estimate. So 272 to 552 with be a bit of a jaw dropper.

The 552/330 is also a great place to stop. Again if you are hankering for 552/500 then that is the natural sumit for the 500's. Buying second hand can ease the guilt. Also, if possible, avoid a small step if you can take a leap, straight to 552 if this is your goal. Admit to yourself where you want to stop.

With 552/300 or /500, your amps are done and you can play with sources as you wish, knowing you are hearing them accurately. Let us know what you decide.

Dave

Good advice,Bodger, thanks. Will wait a while to see what Naim does with possible streamer/preamp updates and possible analog preamp updates over the next year or so. Would hate to buy a 552 only to have a new model come out.