Recommendations for improving hi-fi setup...

One added element, I want an AV Receiver in the set up and using that as an amp for NDX.  Is that wise...realize better getting dedicated pre amp and amp from NAIM but want to limit number of components.

Hi LSNYC, 

bevor you think about the Upgrade Path, you should definetly change the Amp.

You want to limit the number of components, so test the Supernait. After that you can go the Upgrade Path step by step.

555PS to NDX - good.  555PS to DAC to NDX - much better.

But to drive B&W 800Ds I would have thought a minimum NAP300 power amp plus NAC252 Pre would put LSYNC in the right ballpark, and allow him to immerse himself in the music.

Maybe someone with more practical "been there, done that" experience will come in and post...

Would agree with teww. Moved myself from a single SN => SN/Hicap => NAC282/Hicap + SN as Power amp => NAC282/Hicap/NAP250 within 4 years.....so smooth transition when wallet permit and more pleasure each time with a very small loss in term of $  on the SN

Happy upgrade 

Again a setup with a lot of redundency a server Unityserve with upnp functionality and ndx a streamer and a Dac. So if you go for a Supernait another dac in the system. I would if you like the presentation swap the ndx for a Ndac, or maybe wait and see if the Dac1   is the start of a new generation of higher end dacs  from Naim.

Thanks all.

The nDAC add on was a nice to have and pie in the sky thought... reluctant to replace Rotel AV Receiver as use it for watching movies in surround sound.  Can set up dedicated amps and pre amp with the NDX and then feed the front speaker signal from the AV Receiver into the new dedicated amp?  

Hi LSNYC

I used to power my Spendor A6's through my AV receiver and thought the sound was really good. My source is a ND5XS.

I then bought a SuperNait and WOW! A completely different experience and understood what all this "Naim" fuss is about.

There is so much more going on within the music that the AV receiver did not communicate.

I am so in love with my current system and cannot stop playing albums

So I now have the SN for dedicated stereo and then use the AV mode when listening to movies. Hope this helps.

Anton

Okay, decided to ditch the 555PS power upgrade on the NDX.

Instead now looking to take my AV Receiver (Rotel RSX 1550) out of the stereo set up (but keep it for 5.1 surround movie viewing). Been told that replacing it with a pre-amp and amp will be a quantum leap in SQ over adding an upgraded power supply to NDX (through the AV Receiver).

Considerations are the following:

1) SuperNait (@$4,995k)

2) NAC202 / NAP 200 (@$6,590)

3) NAC282 / NAP250-2 (@12,790)

Current thinking:

1) doubling up with the DAC (given DAC in my NDX) but getting a pre-amp and amp as well (3 for 1). I can then upgrade with pre-amp or power amp at a later date. Interim I can save space (less components) and cheapest option. Likely to be much better then using my current AV Receiver as a stereo amp.

2) All money going into pre-amp and power amp in stead in all in one integrated amp option of SuperNait.

3) High quality pre-amp and power amp combo which will blow away the current stereo set up.

or if I'm going to jump into the financial deep end of option 3) above (gulp...), then for that price tag maybe consider the following:

4) XPS-DR (for NDX) and NAC202 / NAP 200 (@$12,285)

All of this is powering a pair of floor standing B&W 804D (not sure I need the power delivery of the NAC282 / NAP 250-2 set up.

I'm leaning towards option 2) unless 3) and 4) is really worth double the cost? Think I'll  be blown away by the SQ of option 2) in any case given current set up.  

Thoughts??? 

Thank you for all your suggestions so far!

Hi, I can only comment on option 1 above but going to the SN will be a serious light/day experience for you. I'm sure other members can comment on the other options.

I have seen many threads here that recommend a ballanced system of:

NDX > SN > HiCap DR

Its not too many box's and I'm sure if you demod this setup it will blow your mind away

Good luck with your journey and please keep us all posted on your findings.

ATB, Anton

Option 3 is more expensive still - you need a separate power supply (e.g. Hicap) to power the preamp - the 250 doesn't do it.

Gavin thanks for the heads up!

Have decided to go pre-amp and power amp route.  Currently opting for a hybrid of option 2) and 3), NAC282 with NAP200 to limit expense a little. Focusing budget on getting the better pre-amp and will upgrade power amp at a later date if needed.

Also have other expenditures to add into the budget to tweak the 'peripherals' on my system. namely, Powerline (for NDX), new stereo wire, speaker stands, and a NAIM approved power strip!!

Good decision, your 804d's really deserve the 282 and you should be looking at that level of preamp for them, otherwise your not really getting the best from them. 282/200 combo is excellent, you won't be disappointed.

Thanks Jason.

Now have a new dilemma...Either buy new NAC282/NAP200 combo or demo version of NAC282/NAP250.2/HiCap from dealer for equivalent price. Any views on whether that is an option I should consider?

If you decide to go ahead with the pre/power amp upgrade, then do consider buying used.  You can save over 50% off new prices right now by buying Naim electronics less than 5 years old from that "US site"  .  You can get the 202/200 combo there right now for 3 grand and a recent 252/SC/250.2 combo went for around 9 grand.  Dealer demo equipment is OK but you pay a hefty price for that 5 year warranty.  Most electronics don't have problems during this time so the warranty is less important than, say, for a CD player.

Keith

Look at the serial numbers and compare them with http://www.naimaudio.com/serial-numbers

to get an indication of age. If a piece of equipment is nearing 10 years or is more than 10 years old it'll need servicing soon - so factor that in.

A/V Options has details on how much it will be to do a service.

Ideally, get something around 4-5 years old for 50% off retail.

another option, if your speakers are an easy load: Just get a NaitXS or a Nait 5i-2.

If you're considering buying new, you should go audition. The 202/200, 282/250 and the Supernait sound different enough and it's just not a question of spending more to get better quality..

Keith - helpful data points. Thank you

Shivoham - thanks. I have auditioned the 282/250 combo and love It. Have asked for serial numbers and will cross reference those, very helpful to determine age (my first concern).  

which ones are you trying to get? The 282/250 or the 202/200?

The 282 is the priority. Choice is now, buy new 282/200 combo or ex-demo version of 282/250.2/HiCap?

Preference for the later but if better decision to go all new will get the 282/200. Both a significant jump from where I am today, so will love both. Pricing is the same so hence the question of which to choose...

My recommendation: Try to get an exdemo, roughly 1-2 year old at 20%-30% off retail. It's almost better than new, since it'll hopefully be nicely burnt in..

I wouldn't pay more than 1100 for a HiCap2 though. It's worth getting a new HiCapDR.

I would suggest you also go for the demo version.

+1 for demo version. I have had a variety of new (102, 180, napsc, supercap), ex demo (cds2) and really rather second hand (250 and 52 both around 10 years old) plus not all that old (xps2, 555ps) amongst other second hand and I don't see any great benefit in brand new - though there are some who prefer 200 over 250-2

So demo NAC 282 is 2004 and NAP 250.2 is 2005, and HiCap 2 (not DR) is 2005 as well. Older than I'd hoped...discount offered is 25%.  In two minds...thoughts appreciated!