Recommendations for improving hi-fi setup...

Hi Keith, not able to find "US site" offering that combo...at risk of breaking etiquette of forum (still a newbie on here...) can you say which site exactly?

Audiogon dot com can be a good option, but like eBay, or any other used site, you have to proceed with caution.  Make sure, as a starting point, that you can verify the real world contact info for any seller, then google for references and/or war stories.  There's lots of good, honest sellers...and a handful of ripoff artists as well.  

Buying used/demo from a Naim dealer removes all risk.  It's up to you to decide what peace of mind is worth to you.  Good luck.

Hook

Thanks Hook.  Will focus on Naim dealer if I go the demo or second hand route for the piece of mind factor.

Have taken the plunge and for the NAC282 / NAP250.2 combo.  Complete system will be

NDX --> 282/NAPSC/HiCap --> 250 --> 804S

Can't wait..!!  If the demo auditions anything to go by looking forward to working through my music collection and really hearing the music full extent of the music!

Now the impatience wait for the new pieces to arrive begins...

PS Later down the road will add PS to NDX...and may be a second HiCap or Supercap for the 282.

Okay...so I was on the verge of the order...then made the mistake of going back into the dealer and heard a supercap playing on the 282. Wow...

Fast forward a week and now have spec'd out a 252/supercap/250.2. Gulp...

As good as it sounds now questioning the decision of jumping straight into the deep end! Currently have an NDX playing through an AV amp...any preamp / amp combination will sound better than current setup! Should i learn to walk first and stick to the 282/hicap/200 combo? 

Expense is palatable (as much as that price tag can be!), just a question of what is sensible! Upgrades inevitable...252/supercap/250.2 or 252supercap/300 the target end game.

With a Ndx I really wouldn't go beyond a 202/200.

You should get a XPS-2 if you're thinking of going to the 282/250. 

I wouldn't either!! Various reasons:

- Source first rules, meaning at 252/SC/250.2 level you should ideally partner it with an ndac/555ps or NDS/555PS but NDX/XPS2 minimum.

- a lower spec but balanced system tends to sound better than a mullet

- 282 vs. 252 divides opinions, you should take your time finding out, which one you prefer for real, same for 200 vs 250. 300 is more in line with the leaner 200

- better take your time to get a feel for Naim and what you like sonic wise, rather than splashing out big right at the beginning at the risk of over stretching yourself

- NDX/XPS2/282/HCDR/200 can be a very satisfying system, even as an end goal, if to your taste

- Don't underestimate a SuperNait/HCDR with a maxed out source such as ndac/555PS or NDS/555PS or even NDX/XPS2. It should drive those 804 just fine and will sound superb.

Good luck!

And remember, you can't just throw money at this problem...

From my listening would think with NDX front end a Supernait Plus HiCap DR would present a more balanced system if there is such a thing. Unless you are prepared to hanker for NDS before too long.

HiCap DR makes a suprisingly substantial upgrade to the supernait add Hi Line and in time power supply for NDX and you have a very tidy system . I can well see that driving the 800D's you would look to the extra power of the 282/250 but supernait gives you similar clout. This solution gives you a very good insight into the Naim sound and you can then ponder whether to go for seperates down the line or perhaps go for NDS first Strongly recomend though you audition with your speakers in your room if you possibly can as I hear 800D's can be a little fussy over amp matching.

I am a bit curious as to how a 202/200 would sound as compared to my Nait XS.  I just need to wait for Shiv to tire of his 202

I have spent the past month demo'ing the various Naim intergrated amps and separates, and preference for the separates.  

Mistake I made was not saving no to listening to the next level up in the upgrade cycle.  Biggest difference in SQ (defined as sound I liked at least...) was 3 fold:

1) Pre-amp...202 to 282

2) HiCap to 2xHiCap to SuperCap - last was a very noticeable jump up, even to my 'novice' hi-end hi-fi ears

3) Powersupply on source...had NDX with a 555PS attached

The one leap of faith is the 252 over the 282 and worse case I'll end up trading in for a 282.  I there is a quantum difference in presentation between the 282 to 252 but every step that took me closer to, dare I say it, the 252 'type sound', wider soundstage, separation of instruments, more detail, was to my liking...  The key will be understanding that source and setup will make a big difference as it presents the sound in a natural, untainted and pure manner.  Source and set up will be key to getting it 'singing'! 

Aiming for 252 / SC2 / 250.2 as the core of the system.  Currently with a bare NDX but will look to add a PS near term (either new XPS DR or a used 555 PS).  

Improvements / upgrades will be as follows:

1) Fraim

2) XPS DR (or used 555PS)

3) HiLine

4) 300 or 803 Diamond

Realize this may not be the path of common wisdom but I'm blown away by sound I've heard to date and VERY excited to get the new equipment.  You only live once!!

Thank you for all you comments and thoughts, all very helpful, and have spent hours reading through the forum - extremely helpful.  Passionate would be an understatement...

Will post again when I receive it for first impressions and then a few months later (post burn-in phase).  Then you may not hear from me for a very long time as I will be too busy listening to the music!!! 

Thanks again...

A good dealer relationship is wonderful and it seems you found that.

The most important thing is how it sounds to you. The 282/super is a great place to start and then go from there. I wouldn't say there is a huge difference going to 252 (unlike going from 202 to 282) but once you appreciate the 252 and it's more natural and detailed sound, hard to live without. But some people think it's "too laid back" so they don't like it. Again, trust your ears.

Did you try the 252/282 with a 200? Your speakers are fairly efficient so you might prefer the voicing of a 200 and save a few dollars. Just a suggestion.

Once you get to this level, things start getting expensive. You want to get the most out of your system so look at dedicated line (if possible), racking, room etc. Sometimes it's better to have "lesser" electronics performing optimally.

I believe in source first within reason so I'm going to suggest you look at the NDX sooner rather than later once you have your amps sorted. I think a NDS would be more to your liking.

But get what you can comfortably afford so you don't lose money on upgrading. And please do report back...if you can get away from the music

Arun

Thanks Arun.

On reflection and further reading coupled with additional demos, will likely go in the following order:

1) Fraim

2) 555PS DR

3) NDS

4) B&W 803 Diamond

5) NAP 300 

Will aim to get 2) and 3) in next 6 to 12 months, depending which pops first with a good s/h deal!

Target system: NDS/555 PS --> 252 / SC --> 300 --> B&W 803

All I need to do is stay away from listening to a 552 and this forum! Steering clear of reading the various temptations the posts of well known and regular members (you know who you are...) on the forum !!

This is an expensive forum to follow...but a lot of fun!

Waiting for 252, Supercap DR and 250.2 to arrive...delay Bon delivery time.

in the meantime secured a second hand Fraim, base and 5 shelves to allow for upgrades!

have my eyes open and ears to the ground for a DR power supply for the NDX.

What about a nice valve amp instead?

I find thatthe combination of good HD material with an excellent DAC going into a valve amp hits the spot for me :-)

I am very fond of unison research

Preludio or Symphonia are rather awesome and in your price range.