From 250/72/hc to sn2

Posted by: leni v on 04 November 2018

I would  appreciate comments from members who made this change.what did you gain and what did you loose in SQ and control.

Posted on: 04 November 2018 by leni v

No one went  this rout?

Posted on: 05 November 2018 by cheeselet

I did that.

OK if your speakers like it, but didn’t last for me very before I ...

Upgraded the preamp from 72 to 282 as my Neats were ok with SN2, but happier with 282 HC 250. Your experience may differ.

Are you trying to reduce box count with your change to SN2?

Posted on: 05 November 2018 by Tim Jones

God, it's ages since I posted here....

I've just gone from an SN2/HCDR to an 82/HCDR/250DR. This was partly because I bid for the 250 and then expected to be outbid (which, er, didn't  happen), and then finding a very good late model Pots 8 82. 

The difference is not subtle. 

I've gained in both musical and 'hifi' terms. I've lost on increased box count. 

Posted on: 05 November 2018 by Loki

Leni V, why would you?

Posted on: 05 November 2018 by leni v
cheeselet posted:

I did that.

OK if your speakers like it, but didn’t last for me very before I ...

Upgraded the preamp from 72 to 282 as my Neats were ok with SN2, but happier with 282 HC 250. Your experience may differ.

Are you trying to reduce box count with your change to SN2?

Thanks. What i would like to know was the move from to the olive kit to the sn2(by the way with or without hc dr?) an improvment or did you loose SQ .I want to reduce box count and i was waiting for Naim to come out with a better integrated which is not likely to happen i m afraid. My main problem is that the combination of the olive kit and the cdx2 lacks smoothness  with choral and orchestral classic music . I hope the sn2 hcdri is a  good  solution. I  think i answerd also  your question Loki

Posted on: 05 November 2018 by leni v
Tim Jones posted:

God, it's ages since I posted here....

I've just gone from an SN2/HCDR to an 82/HCDR/250DR. This was partly because I bid for the 250 and then expected to be outbid (which, er, didn't  happen), and then finding a very good late model Pots 8 82. 

The difference is not subtle. 

I've gained in both musical and 'hifi' terms. I've lost on increased box count. 

Thanks.Glad you found sonic bliss.By the way what did you miss with the sn2.

Posted on: 06 November 2018 by cheeselet

My change to SN2 achieved little as I preferred the extra welly of the 250. Upgrading the preamp is more effective.

So where Naim is concerned, the extra box generally reaps sonic rewards.

But if your preference to reduce box count is overriding then needs must ...

BTW what speakers do you have?


 

Posted on: 06 November 2018 by Ardbeg10y

I more or less know both setups and in my humble experience the represent different worlds. I'm a bit surprised by the pairing of the CDX2 and the NAC 72 - I have not heard this combination myself. I have heard a few times the SN/CDX2 combination and that really 'rocks'. I'm less sure about Orchestral and Choral music on SN/CDX2 (tho it works).

Personally, I would look after my source. Here I stop since I don't know the higher range CD players of Naim but I would not be surprised if the answer is there.

It would be nice if @Adam Zielinski replies here, I believe that he has both these setups more or less - or had them.

Posted on: 06 November 2018 by leni v

KEF 104.2 reference. First owner.Maybe it is time to change.

Posted on: 06 November 2018 by Foot tapper

Hi Leni, given the symptoms/objectives that you describe, I would be tempted to change the CDX2 to a CDS3, while keeping the amplifier.  The CDS3 is ridiculously good value these days and will give you very, very much more musical insight on large orchestral works, while also being significantly more refined than the CDX2.

And yes, I gave enjoyed both players.

Hope this helps, FT

Posted on: 06 November 2018 by leni v
Ardbeg10y posted:

I more or less know both setups and in my humble experience the represent different worlds. I'm a bit surprised by the pairing of the CDX2 and the NAC 72 - I have not heard this combination myself. I have heard a few times the SN/CDX2 combination and that really 'rocks'. I'm less sure about Orchestral and Choral music on SN/CDX2 (tho it works).

Personally, I would look after my source. Here I stop since I don't know the higher range CD players of Naim but I would not be surprised if the answer is there.

It would be nice if @Adam Zielinski replies here, I believe that he has both these setups more or less - or had them.

250/72/hc with cdx was a common combination.cdx2 is naim top player this days for a better one you have to go elsewhere. Sad.The same goes with the sn2.

Posted on: 06 November 2018 by leni v
Foot tapper posted:

Hi Leni, given the symptoms/objectives that you describe, I would be tempted to change the CDX2 to a CDS3, while keeping the amplifier.  The CDS3 is ridiculously good value these days and will give you very, very much more musical insight on large orchestral works, while also being significantly more refined than the CDX2.

And yes, I gave enjoyed both players.

Hope this helps, FT

Many thanks  FT.

Posted on: 06 November 2018 by cheeselet

I have the CDX2.2 XPS. It’s a great source with classical material so I would be inclined not to change that. For me that would be the last thing to change. 

If there is a mismatch in your system I’d be looking at the 72.

Posted on: 08 November 2018 by bongoman
Tim Jones posted:

God, it's ages since I posted here....

I've just gone from an SN2/HCDR to an 82/HCDR/250DR. This was partly because I bid for the 250 and then expected to be outbid (which, er, didn't  happen), and then finding a very good late model Pots 8 82. 

The difference is not subtle. 

I've gained in both musical and 'hifi' terms. I've lost on increased box count. 

Same with me, but went from SN2/HCDR to 282/HCDR/250DR. I agree there’s a massive difference in terms of musical and hifi gains. I can live with increased box count.

Posted on: 08 November 2018 by Antonio1
leni v posted:
cheeselet posted:

I did that.

OK if your speakers like it, but didn’t last for me very before I ...

Upgraded the preamp from 72 to 282 as my Neats were ok with SN2, but happier with 282 HC 250. Your experience may differ.

Are you trying to reduce box count with your change to SN2?

Thanks. What i would like to know was the move from to the olive kit to the sn2(by the way with or without hc dr?) an improvment or did you loose SQ .I want to reduce box count and i was waiting for Naim to come out with a better integrated which is not likely to happen i m afraid. My main problem is that the combination of the olive kit and the cdx2 lacks smoothness  with choral and orchestral classic music . I hope the sn2 hcdri is a  good  solution. I  think i answerd also  your question Loki

Do not bother any integrated past or future if you re serious about naim ,separates is the answer.

and the one to your main concern  would be ,,little by little  swapping pieces, first hicap dr on 72, then 282 and finally latest  250dr

Posted on: 08 November 2018 by leni v
Antonio1 posted:
leni v posted:
cheeselet posted:

I did that.

OK if your speakers like it, but didn’t last for me very before I ...

Upgraded the preamp from 72 to 282 as my Neats were ok with SN2, but happier with 282 HC 250. Your experience may differ.

Are you trying to reduce box count with your change to SN2?

Thanks. What i would like to know was the move from to the olive kit to the sn2(by the way with or without hc dr?) an improvment or did you loose SQ .I want to reduce box count and i was waiting for Naim to come out with a better integrated which is not likely to happen i m afraid. My main problem is that the combination of the olive kit and the cdx2 lacks smoothness  with choral and orchestral classic music . I hope the sn2 hcdri is a  good  solution. I  think i answerd also  your question Loki

Do not bother any integrated past or future if you re serious about naim ,separates is the answer.

and the one to your main concern  would be ,,little by little  swapping pieces, first hicap dr on 72, then 282 and finally latest  250dr

I own an hc dr.250dr sounds fine but 282 with bare cdx2 and my kind of music is a big no which means 252 which means supercap and that is way out of my budget.So back to my first wish,please NAIM give us a real high end integrated.

 

 

Posted on: 08 November 2018 by ChrisSU
leni v posted:
Antonio1 posted:
leni v posted:
cheeselet posted:

I did that.

OK if your speakers like it, but didn’t last for me very before I ...

Upgraded the preamp from 72 to 282 as my Neats were ok with SN2, but happier with 282 HC 250. Your experience may differ.

Are you trying to reduce box count with your change to SN2?

Thanks. What i would like to know was the move from to the olive kit to the sn2(by the way with or without hc dr?) an improvment or did you loose SQ .I want to reduce box count and i was waiting for Naim to come out with a better integrated which is not likely to happen i m afraid. My main problem is that the combination of the olive kit and the cdx2 lacks smoothness  with choral and orchestral classic music . I hope the sn2 hcdri is a  good  solution. I  think i answerd also  your question Loki

Do not bother any integrated past or future if you re serious about naim ,separates is the answer.

and the one to your main concern  would be ,,little by little  swapping pieces, first hicap dr on 72, then 282 and finally latest  250dr

I own an hc dr.250dr sounds fine but 282 with bare cdx2 and my kind of music is a big no which means 252 which means supercap and that is way out of my budget.So back to my first wish,please NAIM give us a real high end integrated.

What is your kind of music? I wonder if what you need is a different source such as CDX2 withPSU upgrade, or CDS3?

Posted on: 08 November 2018 by ryder.
leni v posted:
Antonio1 posted:

Do not bother any integrated past or future if you re serious about naim ,separates is the answer.

and the one to your main concern  would be ,,little by little  swapping pieces, first hicap dr on 72, then 282 and finally latest  250dr

I own an hc dr.250dr sounds fine but 282 with bare cdx2 and my kind of music is a big no which means 252 which means supercap and that is way out of my budget.So back to my first wishplease NAIM give us a real high end integrated.

Hi there, I've asked this question before about 2 years ago when I was looking to upgrade my 202/200. The Supernait 2 was the obvious answer as it was the top-of-the-range integrated amp at that time (and now too). However, after many contributions by those who have tried or compared, I decided to go the next level up to 282/250DR/Hicap DR instead of the Supernait 2, and this one surely does not disappoint. There are people who favour a one-box solution, for instance Max Bertola who finds the Supernait to be superior to the separates. To each his own I guess. 

Not too sure what's the "big no" with your CDX2/282/250DR/Hicap DR. Perhaps look at your source. We have the same amps (282/250DR/HicapDR). The difference is I use a Chord QBD76 DAC, and obviously different speakers and room. I find great satisfaction in my system and have no more urge to climb the upgrade ladder. 

Posted on: 09 November 2018 by leni v
ChrisSU posted:
leni v posted:
Antonio1 posted:
leni v posted:
cheeselet posted:

I did that.

OK if your speakers like it, but didn’t last for me very before I ...

Upgraded the preamp from 72 to 282 as my Neats were ok with SN2, but happier with 282 HC 250. Your experience may differ.

Are you trying to reduce box count with your change to SN2?

Thanks. What i would like to know was the move from to the olive kit to the sn2(by the way with or without hc dr?) an improvment or did you loose SQ .I want to reduce box count and i was waiting for Naim to come out with a better integrated which is not likely to happen i m afraid. My main problem is that the combination of the olive kit and the cdx2 lacks smoothness  with choral and orchestral classic music . I hope the sn2 hcdri is a  good  solution. I  think i answerd also  your question Loki

Do not bother any integrated past or future if you re serious about naim ,separates is the answer.

and the one to your main concern  would be ,,little by little  swapping pieces, first hicap dr on 72, then 282 and finally latest  250dr

I own an hc dr.250dr sounds fine but 282 with bare cdx2 and my kind of music is a big no which means 252 which means supercap and that is way out of my budget.So back to my first wish,please NAIM give us a real high end integrated.

What is your kind of music? I wonder if what you need is a different source such as CDX2 withPSU upgrade, or CDS3?

Mostly classic and baroque music.

Posted on: 09 November 2018 by leni v
ryder. posted:
leni v posted:
Antonio1 posted:

Do not bother any integrated past or future if you re serious about naim ,separates is the answer.

and the one to your main concern  would be ,,little by little  swapping pieces, first hicap dr on 72, then 282 and finally latest  250dr

I own an hc dr.250dr sounds fine but 282 with bare cdx2 and my kind of music is a big no which means 252 which means supercap and that is way out of my budget.So back to my first wishplease NAIM give us a real high end integrated.

Hi there, I've asked this question before about 2 years ago when I was looking to upgrade my 202/200. The Supernait 2 was the obvious answer as it was the top-of-the-range integrated amp at that time (and now too). However, after many contributions by those who have tried or compared, I decided to go the next level up to 282/250DR/Hicap DR instead of the Supernait 2, and this one surely does not disappoint. There are people who favour a one-box solution, for instance Max Bertola who finds the Supernait to be superior to the separates. To each his own I guess. 

Not too sure what's the "big no" with your CDX2/282/250DR/Hicap DR. Perhaps look at your source. We have the same amps (282/250DR/HicapDR). The difference is I use a Chord QBD76 DAC, and obviously different speakers and room. I find great satisfaction in my system and have no more urge to climb the upgrade ladder. 

I think that the bold presentration of the 280 and the very detailed and clinicel presentration of the bare cdx2 is not a very good match for classic orchestral  and choral music. An extra ps box for my cdx2 is not going to happen.box count is the main reason, and also out of budget.

Posted on: 09 November 2018 by leni v

Thanks  for the many  helpful comments.