Speaker upgrade

hilz posted:

charnik posted:

I would put in my shortlist  Naim Ovator,Totem Forest,Dali Epicon 6 and maybe something from Dynaudio (as you already did)

I don't think Ovators are available in all finishes, from information given from a high profile member of HQ, what is left by way of cabinets in the factory is all that will be made, Ash has run out already.

Hilz

Are you saying that the Ovators are being discontinued? News to me.

Thanks for these - the Audiovectors appear distinctly possible. I may have to avoid hearing the Sopra 2s just in case...

Another question - largely as this is the first time I've purchased individual hifi equipment at a price where it seems reasonable to expect the dealer to do a fair bit of work - how wide a range would be normal to expect them to be able to demo (say in store for simplicity)? When they list a (small) range of speakers on their site is that likely to be all they can get in, or would they obtain others as long as they've at least some relationship with the manufacturer/distributor?

I realise I could ask them, but English reserve etc... I've a good relationship with them, they're geographically convenient and they've helped above the call of duty in the past with used equipment not from them etc so I'm keen to use them - but their declared range (on website) is pretty small. 

Don't avoid the sopras!!!!! 

The bank manager disagrees with you!

With a little haggling you could get the sopra2's for about top of your budget, I've never paid full price for anything yet.....you must hone your haggling skills....lol.  Make your dealer sweat a little....

re Wenger2015's comment above, I too rather like the sound of the Sopra 1 and Sopra 2, but on the end of a 272/XPS/250DR (or 300DR).  I have not heard them with a Supernait 2, so question whether they would be too revealing of the SN2.  As always, would need a demo to be sure.

Best regards, FT

A1 mullet alert. 

Foot Tapper, I've been driving mine with the SN, with excellent results...having said that the Nac 282 and Nap 250Dr with Hi capdr are due to be delivered this week.....

wenger2015 posted:

Foot Tapper, I've been driving mine with the SN, with excellent results...having said that the Nac 282 and Nap 250Dr with Hi capdr are due to be delivered this week.....

Excellent! Yet you stay with a CDX2 as your main source?  The Sopra 2 is more than capable of laying the CDX2 bare, ruthlessly bare.  

Wow, that's brave!

Or have you supercharged your CDX2 in some way?

wenger2015 posted:

Foot Tapper, I've been driving mine with the SN, with excellent results...having said that the Nac 282 and Nap 250Dr with Hi capdr are due to be delivered this week.....

Ooh. Exciting. Join the club, although my 250's aren't DR'd yet.

Currently saving for a supercharger for my cdx2 

No Foot Tapper, nothing has been supercharged yet,  I think the the cdx2 is an extremely good piece of kit........that has been working really well but I am planning an xps Dr as the next purchase ....I think possibly one or two are assuming something doesn't work, although more then likely  have never heard the configuration for themselves....

Thanks MARKSNAIM,

I hope their isn't an anitiation into the club? Lol

wenger2015 posted:

No Foot Tapper, nothing has been supercharged yet,  I think the the cdx2 is an extremely good piece of kit........that has been working really well but I am planning an xps Dr as the next purchase ....I think possibly one or two are assuming something doesn't work, although more then likely  have never heard the configuration for themselves....

Hi Wenger

Indeed.  I owned a CDX2 for circa 4 years and listened to mine without a PSU, with an XPS and with a 555PS, all before the days of DR, let alone Sopra speakers.

If it works for you, then wonderful.

Foot tapper posted:

wenger2015 posted:

No Foot Tapper, nothing has been supercharged yet,  I think the the cdx2 is an extremely good piece of kit........that has been working really well but I am planning an xps Dr as the next purchase ....I think possibly one or two are assuming something doesn't work, although more then likely  have never heard the configuration for themselves....

Hi Wenger

Indeed.  I owned a CDX2 for circa 4 years and listened to mine without a PSU, with an XPS and with a 555PS, all before the days of DR, let alone Sopra speakers.

If it works for you, then wonderful.eeme

Hi Foot Tapper, yes it has been working surprisingly well....I probably wouldnt have purchased the Sopra2's before the other boxes had it not been for a 'too good to miss opportunity' from my dealer ....it was only going to be  temporary.....but I have delayed my latest purchases due to the fact it worked with the SN so well....as previously mentioned the xpsdr is next on the list....although I was wondering if an upgrade from hi cap dr to Supercap dr should come before the xps dr? 

Any thoughts would beappreciated?

Hi Wenger

The 282 is a very good pre-amp and will improve further with a SC DR over a Hicap DR, good as that combination already is.

However, I found the effect of an XPS on the CDX2 to be not just better but transformational.  Others have found the difference to be less marked.  For me, it transformed a CD player that I was not keen on at its price to one that I thought was frankly very good value at twice the price of the bare player.  The difference was that marked.

So I would (and did!) go for the XPS without a moment's hesitation.

Note that this was before the days of DR, so the XPS DR should be even more beneficial for you.

Enjoy the demos to decide for yourself!

Best regards, FT 

Thanks Foot Tapper, you have confirmed my initial thoughts, appreciate your imput

How about Eclipse TD712z Mk2 they should challenge a few prejudices.