Best three box system for c. £10k
Posted by: hungryhalibut on 16 October 2015
This topic has come up a few times in a number of threads, and the idea of a dedicated thread has been mooted, so I thought I'd start it off.
I've invested recently in a 272/XPSDR/250DR, but there are other options too: NDX/XPSDR/Supernait 2 and NDX/282/200 come to mind.
I chose the option I bought for a number of reasons:
- minimal redundancy
- it only needs two mains plugs (I have only a double socket on my spur)
- no need for a hi-line
- I like the volume control on the 272
- it cannot be easily upgraded
Both NDX options come with more flexibility, and I have heard it said that the option with the 282 has ultimately the best sound quality.
What do others think?
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by analogmusic
Hi Nigelb.
I have the 282/HCDR/200 driven by a chord Hugo.
interesting comments on the 250 DR, trying to save the money and not buy one, but ..... hard not to, these positive comments on the forum about the 250 DR are so much temptation.
Anyway my system is positively singing with massive PRAT ever since I got my NACA 5 terminated at the amplifier end. I can feel zero listening fatigue now and no discomfort at all. strange how the smallest details end up making such a difference.
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by hungryhalibut
That's a four box system and therefore disqualified.
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by nigelb
Analogmusic,
All I want to know is who is the massive prat singing with your system and how did he get in your house?
Seriously, nothing wrong with the 282/Hicap/200 I had for a while fed by a NDX. I suggest if you are happy with this them don't demo it with a 250DR unless you have funds in place.
I have already been told off on here for tempting others to spend more. I know my place.
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by hungryhalibut
You have clearly learned your lesson!
Owning a 250DR as I do, and agreeing with you as its general wonderfullness, I'm sure it's a major contributor to the overall performance of the 272/XPS option. Having heard both a 200 and Supernait, it's very clear that the 250DR is in a different class altogether.
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by HiFiman
Mines 6 boxes but it could fit on 3 shelves 
72/UQ 192
Hugo/HiCap
Nap110/Nap110 (mono's)
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by analogmusic
did you get the misterC6 110 monos? those are supposed to be really nice
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by Lionel
If it does not have to be naim, which is by most standards expensive, then any CD spinner, DAC with pre-amplifier (and usually headphone out) and active speakers would give you a killer system for 10K or less.
only 2 boxes too.
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by HiFiman
Originally Posted by analogmusic:
did you get the misterC6 110 monos? those are supposed to be really nice
built by the man himself and yes they do sound awesome 
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by analogmusic
it's ok, that is what the forum is really all about, to get people to upgrade
Originally Posted by nigelb:
Analogmusic,
All I want to know is who is the massive prat singing with your system and how did he get in your house?
Seriously, nothing wrong with the 282/Hicap/200 I had for a while fed by a NDX. I suggest if you are happy with this them don't demo it with a 250DR unless you have funds in place.
I have already been told off on here for tempting others to spend more. I know my place.
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by analogmusic
I asked him to build me some too, but he says he has retired from this kind of work
Originally Posted by HiFiman:
Originally Posted by analogmusic:
did you get the misterC6 110 monos? those are supposed to be really nice
built by the man himself and yes the do sound awesome
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by MangoMonkey
I've gone from the NDX/SN2/HiCapDR to 272/250DR. A nice upgrade all around.
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by Harty601
Agree with Mango I had a 272/250 (non DR) on home dem for 3 weeks whilst also having an NDX on the end of my SN1HC. Whilst both systems better each other in different areas, on balance I felt the 272/250 had the over all edge. Now I have a new 272 and 250DR and believe it is a huge step up.
I might try an XPS for the weekend but worried they'll be no going back and not sure I can get that past the boss having just bought the other 2 boxes..... Where there's a will there's a way ��
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by Dan43
272/250DR due in a week, I am going to try SL cables and want to keep it at two boxes and leave XPS out for now.
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by Harty601
Is that SL between 272 & 250 Dan?
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by Dan43
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by nickpeacock
HH - 282 doesn't count as it requires that wretched NAPSC!!
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by hungryhalibut
Originally Posted by Dan43:
Surely you'd be better with the XPS. Cheaper too.
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by Harty601
Originally Posted by Dan43:
To steal a wonderful line from Blackadder; "I have to admire your balls!"
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by Harty601
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:
Originally Posted by Dan43:
Surely you'd be better with the XPS. Cheaper too.
HH, how much improvement did you get with the Hatpin? I tried a chord signature between the 272 and non DR I had on test and it didn't seem like a £700+ upgrade to my hears. I appreciate the hatpin costs significantly less than that.
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by Dan43
XPS is cheaper, ex-demo SL cables are out there, I take your point and will try both, but trying to avoid that extra box want to keep it to two boxes, but it would be a good test XPS v SL as that last upgrade.
I tried SL vs a 2nd PSU on another system and the SL was better value and better upgrade, but for this build you could be right, but would love to try out both.
Originally Posted by Dan43:
Surely you'd be better with the XPS. Cheaper too.
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by hungryhalibut
Originally Posted by Harty601:
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:
Originally Posted by Dan43:
Surely you'd be better with the XPS. Cheaper too.
HH, how much improvement did you get with the Hatpin? I tried a chord signature between the 272 and non DR I had on test and it didn't seem like a £700+ upgrade to my hears. I appreciate the hatpin costs significantly less than that.
The Hatpin is good. £120. Well worthwhile.
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by nigelb
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:
Originally Posted by Harty601:
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:
Originally Posted by Dan43:
Surely you'd be better with the XPS. Cheaper too.
HH, how much improvement did you get with the Hatpin? I tried a chord signature between the 272 and non DR I had on test and it didn't seem like a £700+ upgrade to my hears. I appreciate the hatpin costs significantly less than that.
The Hatpin is good. £120. Well worthwhile.
+1 The hatpin is a bargain and a jump in SQ over the bog standard Naim wire worth more than £120 IMHO
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by nigelb
Disclaimer:
Let's be clear I am not encouraging anyone to spend £120 if they can't afford it or have decided they want nothing more to do with endless upgrades.
Phew!
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by Zeny
I vote for 272/300. This is also a circa 10k system.
Posted on: 16 October 2015 by cat345
Nait 5si, Chord Mojo, Klipschorns
