To DR or not to DR

In the context of your system the 300DR may improve performance, but I strongly suspect you will get a lot more from upgrading the Pre. As an alternative at least convince yourself that a 252 does not do more for you. The old 300 and 252 do have a synergy that may work well in your system.

The 300DR really belongs with a 552 from the brief demo I had - and also sounded rather good with Statement S1 Pre, but we are then in silly money upgrades.

DB.

Source first--The 300 you already have is seriously underfed.

Hi Acred,

I've just traded in my 300 in favour of the DR version.

It's only been up and running since yesterday, and I was warned that it wouldn't necessarily sound that great straight out of the box.

I have to tell you that if there's improvement yet to come, then I'll be a very happy bunny indeed.

All the old cliches, I know, but the noise floor has gone down compared to the non DR version, if that's possible, with more "space" round the instruments, all very subjective, certainly, and it's early days yet.

Chat with your dealer about the figures involved in trading up, rather than having your present 300 upgraded, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Hope this helps,

Dave.

Mullet I say!  *bangs gavel*

I'd bet you'd swap your system for his though Sneaky?

Just curious, from top to bottom: 555 PS /Cdx 2 /SC 2 DR /282 /300 PS/ 300 / = 6 Black boxes?

Yep that's the lot. The Supercap is not DR though. 

Acred

Yep that's the lot. The Supercap is not DR though. 

Acred

I  know, it's hard, but I would sit on it. You will get a lot of advice on how to spend your money, but follow your first thoughts. I suspect, that's 552 territory, in which case it's best to prepare for that.

300 DR, Fraim/lite, SL full loom, then when the opportunity presents itself, swap out the 282/SC for second hand 552 combo.

Just my thoughts, meanwhile enjoy your gear, and buy some good recordings.

XRCD 24, etc....

Sure, if he had a 300DR...

does the CDX2 have a digital output?

Not sure that spending 1500 GBP on upgrading the 300 to DR is the best use of money.

In any case the CDX2/555PS can be traded in for a number of alternatives, and then maybe 252 or DR on the SC if you want to keep the 282. There are quite a few NDACs and you can even use the PS555 on the NDAC if your CDX2 has a digital output. the NDAC also then opens up the world of streaming, there are a number of streaming options.

I heard the 252, but for me from 282 it would be an upgrade to 552, they do come up sometimes.

I would echo some of the remarks already heard. In your scenario I would concentrate on source/pre-amp first, while also for you the DR upgrade will be an audible upgrade.

CDX2 does not have a digital output - nor does it need it really.  Better to upgrade to a (2nd hand) CDS3 or NDS.  Certainly the OP shouldf also try a 252 but if not upgrading the 300 to DR spec woluld be very worth it from what i've heard.

As good as 300DR is, I think getting the balance in the system hierarchy right will give larger rewards.

Every time I upgraded my Pre it sounded like I had a more powerful power amp!

A shame if the OP can't get a demo of the different options of spending his money will give, as it will be rather obvious then.

G.

Know what you mean DB - it's the increased soundstage.  That said having had in my sysetem non DR 200 and 250 and now DR250 I do think the latter has provided one of the most significant upgrades I've ever experienced.

I  agree with the vast majority, that OP would benefit most with source pre amp upgrade. However, if his end game is 552 territory, it might be best to bypass the 252, and dress his system with the 300DR for now.

As far as the Source goes, we all know the CD555 & 552 are a perfect marriage.

OP system two years from now: 

555PS/CD555/555PS/552/300PS/300DR = 6 Black boxes upon a Fraim!

Acred enjoy your gear 

I  know, it's hard, but I would sit on it. You will get a lot of advice on how to spend your money, but follow your first thoughts. I suspect, that's 552 territory, in which case it's best to prepare for that.

300 DR, Fraim/lite, SL full loom, then when the opportunity presents itself, swap out the 282/SC for second hand 552 combo.

Just my thoughts, meanwhile enjoy your gear, and buy some good recordings.

XRCD 24, etc....

Hello Acred,

Well, plenty of enthusiastic advice for you!

I've heard the NAP300 many times and the 300DR on several occasions.  It's a genuine step change improvement and well worth doing if it was my money.  

However, as others has indicated, it would not be the first step that I would take.

Good though the CDX2/555PS is, and I know it well from owning this combination for several years, for very little money indeed (circa £500 or so), you can swap your CDX2 for a CDS3.  And that is a much more significant step.

The 300DR sounds awesome on the end of a 272/XPSDR, so to criticise the 282/SC may be a little harsh. Your pre-amp is considerably better than a 272/XPSDR (a combination that I also like a lot.)

However, it is fair to say that the 300DR is worthy of an even better pre-amp.  The tricky question is which one.

After auditioning a 282/SC (which I like), a 252/SC (which I've never heard sound engaging, sorry), a 52/olive SC and a 52/SCDR, I am very happy indeed with a 52/olive SC.

My personal route on pre-amps from your start point would be either 52/SC or 552 (which is awesome and a whole lot better than the 52, 252 or 282, as it should be).  Others however sold their 52 for a 252 and have been delighted.  So on pre-amps, I would not choose a 252 without auditioning first, to find out if you prefer its much more civilised, polite style of presentation.

Hope this helps, FT 

I apologies for not saying thank you to you all sooner. Shortly after my post I came down with a viral infection in my neck and throat which has made it difficult to swallow and it's made me extremely tired. My diet for the last 12 days has been soup, porridge and ice cream but not all at the same time! I've not been interested in anything and the system has reminded silent for two weeks. 

I'm getting some strength back now and may even play some music over this weekend. 

Thank you to those who have posted above. The knowledge and insight has certainly made me re-think what I might do next. Based on the replies I've decided not going down the 300DR route for the time being. The system sounds great after it was dismantled about 6 weeks ago to allow a new carpet to be fitted. Re-building the stack has enabled me to properly dress the cables and it's sounds better than ever. The SL cables were a new addition earlier this year so I think I'll sit back and enjoy what I've got.

Thanks again, your efforts a really appreciated.

Acred