Upgrades
Posted by: hank on 29 November 2015
Hi all im back again after an intensive pocket emptying upgrading, iv now got a cd2x with xps, 282 with hicap dr (new), still have the nap 150x and the s400 ovaitors, BUT still not happy, it lacks a little something that my 5 series set up had, am feeling its not been worth the cost at the moment, will nap 250 cure it or poss a cds3, any advice for a penniless hi-fi fan would be appreciated before i sell it n buy a Walkman lol
Good luck.
Yes i hoped the 150 would be ok till funds allow a 250 to be added but it appears not
Go for the Nap 250!
BUT still not happy, it lacks a little something that my 5 series set up had, am feeling its not been worth the cost at the moment,
Hi Hank
You seem to have made quite a big change recently - did you hear the system as a whole before you acquired the new bits? If so, how did it sound then that was different and better?
I would be inclined to give it a bit more time before you throw more money at it. I would also experiment with speaker placement and system set up to see if you can find what's missing.
I think you had Arrivas before - do you still have them or could borrower them back? If so, as you were familiar with them, it might be worth trying to see if they restore something.
Good luck
Chris
The arrivas went to Latvia lol, i had the s400 and liked them more than the arrivas but i had a dac on a cdx5 which i thought was nicer without the dac with the new speakers, i then added the cdx2 which was nicer in some areas but didnt seem to quite sparkle as the cdx5, then added the 282 and the vocals seemed quieter and pushed to the back somehow and the speakers sounded a little booming, the dr made a difference everywhere bar the vocals then adding the xps to the cd seems to have brought the vocals back to the front but its still not quite there, i live in the sticks at least 40 miles from a dealer and most of my kit is pre owend due to the cost so demo's arnt really possible
Sorry it was a cd5xs not cdx5!!!
The hicap dr is new
Hank,
How old are the 282, XPS, CDX2?
What are your cables and equipment supports.
Xps 2003 cdx2 2008 282, 2002
Nac 5 cables heavy pine stand( fine with my old system)
The XPS may be due for a service. The 282/NAPSC possibly, though NAC's not as critical not withstanding the NAPSC.
p.s.Doesn't address your issue, just a reminder. How old's the NAP150?
150x is a 2005
150x is a 2005
Almost ready for a service.
Box positioning and cable dressing can impact on the sonics.
Check the usual suspects.
Everything is sited in the same place as the equipment it replaced, have replaced a short speaker cable, moved speakers around but to no avail, think im going to look for a 250
Everything is sited in the same place as the equipment it replaced, have replaced a short speaker cable, moved speakers around but to no avail, think im going to look for a 250
I had a 250.2 with a 282/Hicap. A good combo only bettered by fitting a S.Cap. 
Some say the HiCapDR is it's equal though.
I'd be very careful. Did you try other speakers before deciding on the ovator? While a 250 is an ideal match for the 282, you may find that you get one and still don't like the sound. So make sure that you try the 250 at home first.
I'd be very careful. Did you try other speakers before deciding on the ovator? While a 250 is an ideal match for the 282, you may find that you get one and still don't like the sound. So make sure that you try the 250 at home first.
He's right !
Trouble is home demo is not possible with pre owned, tho i dont think a dealer would woud travel the two hrs each way to my house to poss sell an amp, so you have to sometimes be guided in some part by like minded peoples opinions, hence posting on here
Hi,
Was the 5 series set: CD5XS, Nac122x, Nap150x and Arivas? If so, I wonder if anything would be gained by removing the XPS and HC-DR from what you have now?
Chris
Hi,
Was the 5 series set: CD5XS, Nac122x, Nap150x and Arivas? If so, I wonder if anything would be gained by removing the XPS and HC-DR from what you have now?
Chris
Chris,
He's running a 282. Don't think he can take out the HiCap ; and I think he tried the CDX2 before adding the XPS.
SheffGraham,
Nap150x will power a Nac 282.
I was questioning the audio benefit of adding an unserviced 12yo XPS to the cdp, as you do.
My suggestion was to attempt to simplify, to more approximate Hank's earlier 5 series system, only with better individual components.
C.
you have to sometimes be guided in some part by like minded peoples opinions, hence posting on here
I appreciate that your position is not ideal re. auditions, but I don't think this is a solution. I think it is an unsound approach to rely on other peoples' ears and opinions. How can anybody else possibly be you? And it doesn't sound like it has been successful. I would make sure positioning and cabling is optimised and give it a month. Just try to sit back and listen to the music not the system.
Naim dealers tend to be highly professional and helpful. Have you tried any? It is possible that a dealer (some dealers) will help and support you in exchange for possible future custom. Again, it's a process you can't rush and may be worth a few inquiries? Chucking more money at it on the advice of strangers does not seem to be resolving your issues.
Good luck with it.
Yes that was the 5 series i had plus a dac , this seems to have improved during today, the hicap was installed on Saturday and the xps last night so prob warming up, though iv noticed a slight hum from the xps