Adding XPS-DR or upgrading NAP 200 to NAP-250DR Which more bang for the buck?

Posted by: DUPREE on 24 February 2016

i can do one of two upgrades. My system is a NAC-N 272, NAP-200 (2014 ish, non-dr), Linn Majik 140's, LP-12 etc. Would adding a XPS-DR power supply to the NAC-N 272 or upgrading the 200 to a 250DR be the best route to travel. I think the system sounds pretty great as it is, but generally do one upgrade a year. 

Posted on: 24 February 2016 by Chag...

As I keep reading and hearing feedback on the amps' DR upgrade, I would go 250DR. It is contrary to common wisdom of source and pre first but this upgrade appears to be special. Also the 272/250DR seems to be a great combo in itself.   

Chag -

Posted on: 25 February 2016 by hungryhalibut

When I got my 272 is got a 250 at the same time. A few months later I added an XPS and the improvement was huge: it takes the 272 to a new level of involvement and reality. My instinct - having never heard the 272 with a 200 - is get the XPS. 

Posted on: 25 February 2016 by engjoo

I would say go for XPS.

Posted on: 25 February 2016 by ChrisSU

Another vote for XPS first here. I'm basing this partly on your stated interest in English hifi, as your Scottish source would obviously not benefit from it.

Posted on: 25 February 2016 by Bert Schurink

That's easy, I would also vote for the XPS.

Posted on: 25 February 2016 by nitrous

I would also go with XPS first 

Posted on: 26 February 2016 by JWM

Without question, XPS.  Improving upstream is never wrong and can only improve the signal (or really, degrade it less). Improving downstream first can only magnify the signal it is fed from upstream.

i currently have a 202. I auditioned the 272, bare, with my speakers, Kudos C10s. What I learned was that I wouldn't be swapping to a 272 unless and until I could afford an XPS at the same time.