Ariva driven by a Nap 250.2

Posted by: angelodipa on 25 August 2018

Hello everyone

my current system is: MacMini (Audirvana) -DacV1-202 (with HC non DR and NAPSC) - 200 - Ariva with Nac A5

I am very happy and satisfied with my system.

The Ariva return a very natural, non-fatiguing sound. The part of the medium / high is absolutely incredible.

The bass is well present (and I like that) but sometimes I have the impression that it is a bit too mushy, not detailed and a little too stuffy the part of the medium / high

I have the opportunity to buy (with a small difference) the 250.2 instead of 200.

I was wondering if this could bring improvements ... in other words, I have doubts about two aspects:

- The Ariva would reveal the 250 or would they be undersized?

- I have often read on this forum that the 250 would be darker and deeper than 200 (as if it adds even more bass) but I would not want to lose the brilliance that my system now has. That is, I would not want more bass but simply cleaner and more detailed

Thanks as always for your valuable suggestions ...

Posted on: 25 August 2018 by hungryhalibut

The 202/250.2 is not generally regarded as a good combination. If it were me I’d be keeping the 200 and looking for better speakers. How about a pair of Allaes, as you clearly like Naim speakers. They are miles better than the Ariva and should work well.

Posted on: 25 August 2018 by angelodipa

I’m also evalueting this upgrade...

Posted on: 25 August 2018 by Richard Dane

Don't do it. As HH says above, NAC202/Hicap + NAP250.2 is not the best combo. Better by far to stick with what you have or go to a NAC282 with the NAP200 instead.

Posted on: 25 August 2018 by ChrisSU

Another vote for 282/200 here! Then you might consider a DR upgrade for the Hicap. Then possibly even a source upgrade before the 250..