NAC 282 and which NAP?

I loved my 282 with a SupercapDR but only had it with a HIcap (non DR) previously so can't say how it sounds with a Hicap DR. Some say this is all you need.

As far as a NAP for the 282 is concerned, only one answer - 250DR.

My 282/SupercapDR/250DR was stonking!

Have fun.

Thanks!

I agree, for the 282 with SuperCap and 250. A legendary combination. It will be magic. If the budget is there go for the DR versions. If not a few bargains in the non-DR versions are to be had.

+1

282/SCDR/250

Given an appropriate front end then yes NAC282 / SupercapDR / NAP250DR is a superb combination and very good value for money v performance imho.

I HicapDR would be fine but I think the extra on the SupercapDR is fully warranted 

feeling_zen posted:

+1

282/SCDR/250

+2

282/SCDR/250DR

SCDR, makes a lot sense, who knows you might run into a super deal on a 252.

I went against my own advice and went HI Cap DR, 2014 Model great deal, but if I had to do it over again, it would be SC DR! 

The natural partner of 282 is the NAP250. They sound fantastic with HICAP. With SC they are even better.

I found 282 and 200 to work very well together. But to get the very best out of the 282, avoid the RCA inputs at all costs and use the Din inputs, and get RCA-DIN cables for that from Naim

If you can afford a 250, fine, but I am very happy with 282HCDR/200.

I have a 250DR now, but could easily go back to 200.

to avoid confusion, the 250DR is much better than the 200, for instance but limited in the bass control and output, completely ink black background, smoother and more lifelike vocals, less glare, so better overall so it is a matter of affordability, but yet still I do like the 200 a lot.

SC DR if you can afford.   As for NAP 250 DR is the obvious choice but 200 and 300 work really well 

Thank you for all for your suggestions.

A clear favourite seems to be a combo of 282 / SuperCapDR /250DR.

Sources: NDX and LP12 with Urika/Radikal.

Assuming digital source is more than just a convenience add-on here, before spending big money on the Supercap and NAP250, I would put some of that budget towards the front end - at least an XPS2 DR on the NDX, better a 555PS, or perhaps even Naim DAC + XPS2 DR. If it means going for just a NAP200DR on the NAC282, so be it.

Richard - thank you for a valuable insight.

The NDX I run in the room, where 282 will be installed has an FM / DAB module (which I actually use). So an only upgrade will be with an external PS.

A combo I can therefore imagine would be: NDX + XPS, HiCapDR, 250DR or 200DR if budget is tight.
Essentially 282 will be fronting my home-theater set up. And since it's a living room quality music playback is vital

My other room (library / music room) already has a SuperNait2, with nDAC fed by NDX and CDX2.2 (both via DC1), fronted by Ovators S-400 via SuperLumina. DAC is powered by XPS and SuperNait2 with HiCap.

An alternate view, is leave the NDX native and indeed focus on upping the preamp / preamp PSU. I find the NDX is fine, sure can be changed/improved with a PSU, but bigger gains IMO come from focussing on the pre.

at least in my experience.

I think the thoughts have already been expressed now in Richards and Simon's post. In that setup it's best to first concentrate on the front end of the kit. By either concentrating on the NDX through PSU or NDAC/PSU combination. The other option is to concentrate on bringing a supercap to the 282 and maximize it's performance. While the 250DR is of course a fine machine, the 200 can also be a very nice amplification and I think first investing in the front side is a better use of your money.

Simon, in principle I 100% agree. And the NDX tends to get underrated a lot recently due to other more recent components (like the Hugo) stealing its thunder a bit. Doesn't change the fact that the NDX is a superb digital source as is.

But in this context it's a tough call. If I had to choose to up the source with an XPS and use a HCDR on the 282 vs. bare NDX into a Supercapped 282, I'd put the money on the XPS. I've tested both scenarios and as amazing as the SCDR upgrade was, the XPS on the NDX was better.

I'm using a HCDR on my 282 with two 250.2s. Sounds pretty good to me. Can anyone describe what type of improvement the Supercap or Supercap DR bring to the party? 

Marksnaim posted:

I'm using a HCDR on my 282 with two 250.2s. Sounds pretty good to me. Can anyone describe what type of improvement the Supercap or Supercap DR bring to the party? 

I think the HCDR with the 282 and 250.2 is optimal.. I really do. I changed to the SuperCapDR for a while with my 282, it brought a change.. perhaps some added precision and tightness.. it's not what I wanted .. my music was less enjoyable. I went back to my HCDR and kept my SuperCapDR switched off until I later succumbed to the 252  and that ha s been a whole different world..

Thank you all - a lot of alternatives to consider. I am off to prepare a petition to the Budget Approval Department

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

Marksnaim posted:

I'm using a HCDR on my 282 with two 250.2s. Sounds pretty good to me. Can anyone describe what type of improvement the Supercap or Supercap DR bring to the party? 

I think the HCDR with the 282 and 250.2 is optimal.. I really do. I changed to the SuperCapDR for a while with my 282, it brought a change.. perhaps some added precision and tightness.. it's not what I wanted .. my music was less enjoyable. I went back to my HCDR and kept my SuperCapDR switched off until I later succumbed to the 252  and that ha s been a whole different world..

Now, that got me thinking Simon.
I also share your thoughts on NDX sans XPS. To my ears, NDX alone somewhat sounds more musical. I therefore moved the XPS to power my nDAC in the other room and that was fun. So it stays there.

feeling_zen posted:

Simon, in principle I 100% agree. And the NDX tends to get underrated a lot recently due to other more recent components (like the Hugo) stealing its thunder a bit. Doesn't change the fact that the NDX is a superb digital source as is.

But in this context it's a tough call. If I had to choose to up the source with an XPS and use a HCDR on the 282 vs. bare NDX into a Supercapped 282, I'd put the money on the XPS. I've tested both scenarios and as amazing as the SCDR upgrade was, the XPS on the NDX was better.

I agree, I would perhaps focus on the XPS for the NDX if I already had a HiCapDR on my 282. I have not been a fan of the SuperCapDR on the 282 in terms of gain over the HiCapDR.

Also the Hugo has more similarities  with the NDS/CD555 type performance than say a NDX or CDX2. (according to my ears and the many off forum discussions people have had with me  on this).. The NDX is very different as a DAC.. but as a transport into the Hugo its legendary.

Which Nap with the Nac 282?

First let me say I've really enjoy tuning in on the Forum, so much information to be had, Problem is sorting it out.

Thanks to Richard, I now know the following:

"A simple way to look at it is this; there's power (NAP = Naim Audio Power) and then there's control (NAC = Naim Audio Control). And power is useless without control... "

“like 99.6% of power amps out there, the NAP200 isn't a regulated power amp and so when the going gets tough it just lets things slide a bit. A NAP250 isn't allowed to do that, so it has to work much harder (and gets hotter as a consequence). Remember too that there's much more inside a NAP250 - twice the transistor count for one thing.  For all that, unsuitable cabling will get a NAP200 hot.”

Taking the Source out of the Equation, and assuming everything else is equal.

Is it safe to say that the 282 is capable of controlling a 250 DR?

And not taking Richards second quote out of context, that quote was related to overheating problems with the 250.

Is it safe to say that a 250 will out perform a 200, in all areas, once Again, Taking the Source out of the Equation, and assuming everything else is equal?

If the Answer is Yes to the questions above, then it's a no Brainer!

A nice spot to be in your situation might just be 282/SC DR/250 DR

But as Richard Pointed out Money doesn't grow on Tree's!!!!!

Also, from what I gather, the 250 is Naims Intro Amp, if one wants to take advantage of The trickle down technologies from the Statement! 

quick, nimble, lean, quiet, etc..... 

Enjoy your gear Adam! No matter what you choose, I'm sure it will sound great, After All it's Naim! 

And Thanks to the Forum, for the wealth of Information!

The Armchair QB!!!

Joyful summary Allante. But a very accrurate one I must say.
Reflects my current state of thinking about this glorious "problem".

Having owned all the components being discussed I think I would go for a HCDR and a pre  DR 200 which will sound great and not break the bank - be a third of the cost of a new SCDR + 250DR. I would then look at upgrading your source. You have a future option of a 2nd HCDR at reasonable cost. Unlike many I found a 2nd HC added a lot to the 282.

Nap 250 and 2 Hicaps - I much preferred this to the Supercap