Sn2 + hc dr + ndx vs. N272 + nap200dr
Posted by: Jumping Jack on 28 November 2015
Any advice on what would be better?
I currently have a Sn2 with HiCap dr and Ndx but have the opportunity to get a N272 + nap200dr for an interesting price. How would these compare?
I also use a Superline, so I would have to keep the hicap dr to power it if I go for the n272 option.
Speakers are pmc fact.8.
I have a 272, XPS DR and 250 DR and it's absolutely wonderful. But if I had the system you have there is no way I'd swap, and certainly not for a 272, 200 DR. One system may be a bit better than the other, but neither is overwhelmingly better. If you want to do anything, get an XPS DR for your NDX, otherwise do nothing.
I would go for a 282 instead, as you already have an NDX I feel it would be a backward step getting a 272. Particularly as you don't have an XPS, as this PSU turns the 272 into a 'quiet room' by taking the internal transformer out of the loop.
The 282 will be better suited to turntable use as well, as it can also power the Superline. And you have a hicap DR, so you could pick up a used 200 non-DR (the DR only really impacts the pre-amp power output on a 200 so you wouldn't be gaining anything having a DR one).
I would go for a 282 instead, as you already have an NDX I feel it would be a backward step getting a 272. Particularly as you don't have an XPS, as this PSU turns the 272 into a 'quiet room' by taking the internal transformer out of the loop.
The 282 will be better suited to turntable use as well, as it can also power the Superline. And you have a hicap DR, so you could pick up a used 200 non-DR (the DR only really impacts the pre-amp power output on a 200 so you wouldn't be gaining anything having a DR one).
Hypothetically, would upgrading from a XS-2+nd5xs+hcdr to a Nap200dr+n272 make more sense? I'm torn between this combo or the outlined above sn2 combo.
Is box count a factor? Y or N and if Yes, what is that limit?
Where are you planning to go with the system in the future?
As you are using Fact 8, a 200 is not going to do them justice with a speaker that revealing. Just my opinion but if I was looking to balance out a system up to the level of Fact 8, I would be thinking about an XPS on the NDX (or even an NDS), a 282 (but probably a 252) and a 250 (or a 300). That is all a different level of expense I know but ... Fact 8. Why hold them back?
A very nice system you have there already! You'll probably take HH's advice for now?
If going to separates from a Sn2 I'd want the preamp in a "quiet room" and preferably powered with a DR psu, as J Saville suggested. Below 252 I'd also want to keep that hcdr on the SLine, as it is quite a bit better than powering from a 282.
I have a 272, XPS DR and 250 DR and it's absolutely wonderful. But if I had the system you have there is no way I'd swap, and certainly not for a 272, 200 DR. One system may be a bit better than the other, but neither is overwhelmingly better. If you want to do anything, get an XPS DR for your NDX, otherwise do nothing.
Solid advice HH, and exactly what I suspected.
Box count does matter, as I can only accommodate three layers of equipment...
I'm not actively looking to upgrade, since I'm quite satisfied with the sound as it is. So I'l happily stick to what I've got!
Thanks to all for your advice,
J.J.
... or rather, in due course, to the 282's successor, which is undoubtedly in the making at naim headquarters...
S.
No can do, as I only have room for three layers (one of which is preserved for the phono-stage and the other for the digital source, in my case the ndx)...
Perhaps an unoriginal response, but have you heard a Chord Hugo or 2Qute? Might be worth adding one to the NDX if space is an issue.
Perhaps an unoriginal response, but have you heard a Chord Hugo or 2Qute? Might be worth adding one to the NDX if space is an issue.
The Fact 8's would thank you for that.
G
so you could pick up a used 200 non-DR (the DR only really impacts the pre-amp power output on a 200 so you wouldn't be gaining anything having a DR one).
WRONG!
have you test this, or you just saying from reading on the net...?
i have tested nonDR 200 vs DR 200 and there is a significant difference, in favour of the DR version. and since it was tested into a 172, the PSU inside was not used so the difference EXISTS at the amp level! please don't post missleading information here on the forum if you had not tried the particular piece!
Is box count a factor? Y or N and if Yes, what is that limit?
Where are you planning to go with the system in the future?
As you are using Fact 8, a 200 is not going to do them justice with a speaker that revealing. Just my opinion but if I was looking to balance out a system up to the level of Fact 8, I would be thinking about an XPS on the NDX (or even an NDS), a 282 (but probably a 252) and a 250 (or a 300). That is all a different level of expense I know but ... Fact 8. Why hold them back?
do not disregard the new 200DR as far as driving capabilities would go. i have tested it on really serious speakers, and it seems really ready to drive tricky loads speakers... but of course, a home demo is recommended, nevertheless...
Hypothetically, would upgrading from a XS-2+nd5xs+hcdr to a Nap200dr+n272 make more sense? I'm torn between this combo or the outlined above sn2 combo.
yes, it will be a consistent upgrade. at least that's what i think...
Hypothetically, would upgrading from a XS-2+nd5xs+hcdr to a Nap200dr+n272 make more sense? I'm torn between this combo or the outlined above sn2 combo.
yes, it will be a consistent upgrade. at least that's what i think...
Thanks Catalinmetal
so you could pick up a used 200 non-DR (the DR only really impacts the pre-amp power output on a 200 so you wouldn't be gaining anything having a DR one).
WRONG!
have you test this, or you just saying from reading on the net...?
i have tested nonDR 200 vs DR 200 and there is a significant difference, in favour of the DR version. and since it was tested into a 172, the PSU inside was not used so the difference EXISTS at the amp level! please don't post missleading information here on the forum if you had not tried the particular piece!
I haven't had the chance to compare the 200DR vs non-DR, but Naim do say on their website that there are other changes to the circuitry in the 200DR. The wording is buried in the product description rather than prominently displayed in the marketing blurb. Then again, you might find the bargain prices on non-DR 200s and 250s irresistable........