272/250DR a journey

wenger2015 posted:

The sopra 2s are definitely a set of speakers that need to be driven, so a nap 250, nac 282 for example, are a minimum requirement, in my experience  that's when they really start to shine...

I too would have thought a NAP200 under-powered for the Sopra 2s. When I heard them they were driven by a 250.2, then 250DR then 300DR.  I would rate them on the 250.2 as good, the 250DR as better and on the 300DR absolutely stunning!

So, Dan, don't be discouraged by the experience of them on a 200. 

Mike

Hungryhalibut posted:

While Dan's journey with the 272/250DR continues, mine has ended. XPS DR, SL speaker cables and finally Din to XLR. With my cheapo second hand speakers that cost me £2,200, it is simply extraordinarily good. The sound is completely out of the speakers in a way I've not heard before; the music is totally engrossing. All really rather good. No Sopras for me!

This is great news HH. Really would love to hear your final set up and compare the Sopra before any hard cash changes hands. Salut to your final destination in your journey, well sourced and well put together, and years of enjoyment to look forward to.

Now all you need is a 555DR for the 272 and Melco ;-)            oh and a set of stillpoints....Ultra SS and Ultra 6 plus the ESS rack then all done.

MDS posted:

wenger2015 posted:

The sopra 2s are definitely a set of speakers that need to be driven, so a nap 250, nac 282 for example, are a minimum requirement, in my experience  that's when they really start to shine...

I too would have thought a NAP200 under-powered for the Sopra 2s. When I heard them they were driven by a 250.2, then 250DR then 300DR.  I would rate them on the 250.2 as good, the 250DR as better and on the 300DR absolutely stunning!

So, Dan, don't be discouraged by the experience of them on a 200. 

Mike

Thanks Mike and Wenger, yes a 250DR is for the next demo, and the dealer did concede he thought the 300DR was, in his words, exceptional partnered with Sopra 2. 250DR should be pretty damn good mind.

Dan43 posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

While Dan's journey with the 272/250DR continues, mine has ended. XPS DR, SL speaker cables and finally Din to XLR. With my cheapo second hand speakers that cost me £2,200, it is simply extraordinarily good. The sound is completely out of the speakers in a way I've not heard before; the music is totally engrossing. All really rather good. No Sopras for me!

This is great news HH. Really would love to hear your final set up and compare the Sopra before any hard cash changes hands. Salut to your final destination in your journey, well sourced and well put together, and years of enjoyment to look forward to.

Now all you need is a 555DR for the 272 and Melco ;-)            oh and a set of stillpoints....Ultra SS and Ultra 6 plus the ESS rack then all done.

 

Dan, pop your email in your profile temporarily and I'll get in touch. Interestingly, Naim will be demonstrating the 272/250 with Focals at the Bristol show, according to the blurb. They wouldn't work in my room - too large and need free space - but I can see why they might appeal. 

By the way HH how long did it take your beloved 272 and 250DR to run in fully?

It's hard to say when running in ends of course - a couple of months probably. They are four months old now. I don't listen for changes, I just plug it in and use it. 

Well this is a nice surprise. Seen the threads on here about power etc. Bought ex-demo Atlas EOS Modular UK plug/power/mains conditioner. £199 down from £299.

Plugged the mains end (wall - EOS) via a Powerline and the 272/250DR running off the EOS with their normal supplied plugs.

And its better, better to my ears. High frequency playback much airier and cleaner, bass more driven/tighter, better overall low/mid/high balance.

For the price this is a nice upgrade, and adding a little bit more over everything, the highs particularly. It is just more pleasing and overall a definitive difference here with this system/room/power etc. Happy :-) Its digging out a bit more too.

So, in a similar position to Dan43 (272/250DR LP12 PMC20.24) I have been looking at upgrade options. Borrowed Fact.8s to try and they are pretty good. Lots more detail and smoothness to the sound but a bit bright compared to my 24s (not run in yet though which my have an impact) I then read the article reviewing 272 with Sopra No2 so popped into my dealer today and had a listen. Very impressive running on a 272 and 300DR with SL cables. Exactly the type of sound I like (a bit warmer than the Facts but still detailed) Dealer delivering them for a home demo tomorrow so will report back.

And yes... I know it is crazy spending that money on speakers to go with a 272 but if it sounds good that is all that matters to me.

Hi Ryder35, will be interested to hear your verdict on your 272/250dr partnered with Sopra2's, I'm in the position of having the sopra2's and deciding what to partner them with, I have opportunity to purchase 300 non Dr or 250 Dr, also 282/hicap....in preference to 272...enjoy the demo

Well just an update (sorry to hijack Dan43's thread) Just ordered a pair of Sopra No2 and SL speaker cables so that tells you all you need to know about how the demo went! Not good at hifi speak so will just say they seemed to be a massive step up from anything else I tried. I was scarred by the fact that my first speakers as a youth were heybrook HB1s and now have a real aversion to bright sounding speakers. These are just what I want, detailed precise but with a warmth and deep bass. Is it a Mullet? Don't really care it sounds fantastic to me! May look at an XPS (have one coming to demo) but am also loving Roon so am looking int a hugo or 2qute...giving me an upgrade path to a 282...never ends does it

To Ryder35,  congratulations on the purchase, welcome to the sopra 2 club...lol

Just had a demo recently, and for the first time heard an xps dr, on the end of a 272/250 combination, it was one of those night and day moments, took everything to another level, i would not have believed it if i wasn't sat in the demo room listening!! its now on my upgrade list...enough said

As you have discovered, the XPS DR does indeed take the 272 to another level entirely. And because the 272 is both streamer and preamp, both bits are improved simultaneously. 

Agree completely HH, it was certainly something that took me totally by surprise, I'd read through plenty of reviews that sang the praises of the xps, in this case I was listening to the xps Dr, possibly that has improved things even more, but absolutely superb piece of kit..

Ryder35,

I have now pushed the button on Sopra 2, sold my Aria 926s already to help with the costs. I will look at SL cable later this year. Can't wait to get them delivered and in the house. Brilliant speakers in my mind

Excellent, I can see a trend starting here

Congratulations on your purchase Dan 43, I know you won't be disappointed...

Thanks Wenger2015. The dealer has really helped on this one, but yes very much looking forward to them. 

Also looking forward during the rest of this year in maxing out the 272/250DR, so this will include Melco (or similar if comes to market), SL SC and IC and lastly XPS-DR, 555 non-DR if cost allows (then DR later) and possibly demo TP XPS replacement PSU, you know the other one. And a simple rack. Phew.....

So Dan 43 it's going to be a busy year for you but also an exciting one...likewise I've just ordered a 250Dr, and a 282, to go with my Sopra2's, then it's an xpsDr to go with my cdx2...so I best not give up the paper round ....lol

Yes busy, but once the Sopra 2 arrive I'm hoping thats it for a good while as the bank account calms down a little or my 'honest it was washed in my jeans' lottery ticket for £33million gets approved :-)