Next Upgrade Advice
Posted by: AngloWelsh on 22 February 2016
Good morning, I am new to this forum and would like some advice please. As I approach retirement I will have an opportunity for a modest upgrade to my present system which is CDX2.2, XPS (non DR), 152xs,155xs and FC2xs and PMC 23 speakers. Music taste rock, jazz and all types really apart from choral and opera.
Should I look to upgrade my pre amp to NAC 202 or upgrade my XPS to DR for biggest improvement. Realistically, I am reaching where I can afford to be with my system, so for a budget of £2000 maximum what would you suggest. One dealer suggests DR another the pre amp. I will listen/demo before committing, but any suggestions from non retails would be welcome.
Thanks
Hi - your source is fine I would leave the DR on the XPS for later. If you can look to see if you could move the 152/FC on for a 2nd hand 282/HC.
Regards,
Lindsay
Your pre-amp is now on a level lower then your source. So while the DR upgrade for the XPS is also an attractive upgrade I would go for a pre-amp upgrade.
I would be looking at a used 282, Hicap DR, 200. If that's too much a Supernait 2 might fit the bill.
upgrade preamp.
Thanks, you all seem to be suggesting the pre amp is the best way forward. Was looking at 282/Hicap on e bay yesterday but it went for a lot of money so will look for a slightly older one. Advice much appreciated. David
David, I agree with the others, preamp. A HC is not essential to power a NAC282 since you already have a FCXS. It's also possible that you may prefer a 282 powered straight from your 155XS, ie. with no *cap at all.
Chris
282 from a FC is a bit less relaxed than from a HC but worth trying, I ran and enjoyed mine like this into a Rega Maia for a couple of years until I could afford a HC and later a 250.
Using both sides of the FC2x on the 282 focused the sound but shrank the scale, I prefered just one feed which still uses all the primary so it's a bit more than half a FC.
Another vote for a used 282. It works really well with a CDX2 and gives you the option of the full range of power supplies at a later stage. It will give you so much more than a 202. This is one of the best examples of where it pays to skip a level in the Naim hierarchy.
Thanks again, your advice is appreciated and there is definitely consensus towards a used 282. Sometimes these are hard to come by via retailers unless someone trades up to a 252 or better. Will keep my eyes peeled on the usual places and retailers offers and hope for a decent one to come up. Have seen a 3xxxx serial number 2011 model with NAPSC at £2450 which looks a good deal. Regards David
AngloWelsh posted:Thanks again, your advice is appreciated and there is definitely consensus towards a used 282. Sometimes these are hard to come by via retailers unless someone trades up to a 252 or better.
David - I'd like to say that my upgrade to a 552 is imminent alas...........................................
Sorry,
Lindsay
The Strat (Fender) posted:AngloWelsh posted:Thanks again, your advice is appreciated and there is definitely consensus towards a used 282. Sometimes these are hard to come by via retailers unless someone trades up to a 252 or better.
David - I'd like to say that my upgrade to a 552 is imminent alas...........................................
Sorry,
Lindsay
One day perhaps. Keep doing the lottery!! David. Second thoughts keep saving, forget the lottery!!
If the 282 is a struggle the 202/200 combo should be more than enough - used the pair is approx the cost of a 282 as well. It will give a perfectly matched/voiced/balanced system with the cdx2. A napsc (cheap) and hicap (optional) are all that's left. Look at the final price tag and ask yourself if the price is right.
Thanks Hastings, I was put off the 202 by some comments on previous posts but I haven't heard one yet. I think I may be able to get a one owner older 282 with newer hicap for a reasonable price and then sell my 152 and FC to reduce my outlay. I have a few irons in the fire at present so will be able to do something I think. Will keep you posted at what I do and the outcome sonically!
Aha - has it ever been done 202/NAPSC/HC/200 vs 282/HC/155? If the speakers weren't too demanding might the 2nd be the better solution?
The speakers are PMC 23's which are not too demanding. I currently listen at 9 o clock to 10 o clock on the volume control. I could always look out for a used 200 if the need arose. May be a few about following the DR ones being out now? Think the 282/HC/155 sounds the most likely at present?
Apart from the Supernait2, which I own and like, I have not listened to any of the other components for more than a few minutes. Having said that, where/how far do you want to go in the near future? If you really like the 282, getting one now and the NAP later will be easier on your pocket than going for the 202/200 now and upgrading further after a short time.
When I had the 23s, putting a 250DR up them was a massive difference over a SuperUniti. I think you'd be surprised at the improved drive and control you'd get with a 200.