New Xps dr or Expensive Hi-fi Rack?

The Strat (Fender) posted:

That level of application/speakers pleads for a XPS to really exploit what the CDX2 can deliver.  

Absolutely agree 

wenger2015 posted:

Drewy posted:

Can you afford Fraim? If you can then just buy it to shut everyone else up if nothing else. 

Joking aside, I've just bought a base and 3 level full fat fraim. It's a lot of money but I'd just keep on itching if I'd bought anything else. Cry once and all that!!!

 

I'm actually beginning to think that buying a Fraim is probably the best option, swallow hard and pay the money......my only problem is I definitely want an xpsdr as well......maybe I'm  just going to have to get both

No peer pressure at all..:.

I'm not effected by other peoples opinions.....yes I am....no I'm not.....yes I am.....no I'm not.....

Nor affected?

You're being brave! I'm always accused of being pedantic when I point out people's spllg mstks.

As with consideration of anything of significant cost, an audition is in order- and indeed that should be XPSDR on your rack, and your gear without XPS on Fraim. Only then will you know for certain which is better to your ears in your overall system. 

Its not a good idea to comment whilst using anusol, I'll try not to do it again 

Innocent Bystander posted:

As with consideration of anything of significant cost, an audition is in order- and indeed that should be XPSDR on your rack, and your gear without XPS on Fraim. Only then will you know for certain which is better to your ears in your overall system. 

Agree

I recon a 282 is when a FFFraim is worth considering but a 500 system on a Lite is not unknown, at this level the cost of FFF becomes moot.

Anusol has been used in the film industry to sort out lagging eye bags apparently. I would recommend putting the Naim boxes on some onions. Or shallots for a more low profile.

TOBYJUG posted:

Anusol has been used in the film industry to sort out lagging eye bags apparently. I would recommend putting the Naim boxes on some onions. Or shallots for a more low profile.

Brilliant 

wenger2015 posted:

TOBYJUG posted:

Anusol has been used in the film industry to sort out lagging eye bags apparently. I would recommend putting the Naim boxes on some onions. Or shallots for a more low profile.

Brilliant 

Why be so low key? Go for bright tennis balls - they are sufficiently fraim (or is it firm - I never know), yet bouncy

TOBYJUG posted:

Anusol has been used in the film industry to sort out lagging eye bags apparently. I would recommend putting the Naim boxes on some onions. Or shallots for a more low profile.

Anusol? Well, you know what you can do with that!

I thought that was what it was for.

Wenger2015,

I agree with advocates for the importance of the rack in a good HiFi system, and that the rack you are using deserves improvement.  It sounds like you are beginning to consider this as well.  Presumably the cost of doing both a Fraim and XPSDR exceeds this years budget.  If a proper audition comparing the two alternatives (rack or power supply) is not practical or possible, then perhaps you have these alternatives:  

1)  Choose either rack or power supply now (based on your recently informed intuition), then get the other as next step in due time.  

2)  Get a used XPS2 (non DR), and also a Fraim now, then upgrade (and perhaps service) the XPS2 in due time.

Cheers,

Charlie

Had to google Anusol. I reckon there's more of us on here using that stuff than you'd think after a visit to our local Naim dealers. 

CharlieP posted:

Wenger2015,

I agree with advocates for the importance of the rack in a good HiFi system, and that the rack you are using deserves improvement.  It sounds like you are beginning to consider this as well.  Presumably the cost of doing both a Fraim and XPSDR exceeds this years budget.  If a proper audition comparing the two alternatives (rack or power supply) is not practical or possible, then perhaps you have these alternatives:  

1)  Choose either rack or power supply now (based on your recently informed intuition), then get the other as next step in due time.  

2)  Get a used XPS2 (non DR), and also a Fraim now, then upgrade (and perhaps service) the XPS2 in due time.

Cheers,

Charlie

Hi CharlieP,

Suggestion 1 seems good to me, I've heard the difference an xps dr makes, and I definitely want one, so that's probably going to be purchase no 1, then it's find a Fraim bargain later in the year 

Drewy posted:

Had to google Anusol. I reckon there's more of us on here using that stuff than you'd think after a visit to our local Naim dealers. 

 

I usually apply just before I pay the bill, and then just before I mention how much I've spent to SWMBO 

You actually tell SWMBO - brave man!

nigelb posted:

You actually tell SWMBO - brave man!

I always and accidently of course,  take a zero off the end of any amount I spend.....it's a handy tip 

Corry posted:

Allan Probin posted:

I do like this setup. Plonked on a bench and the boxes not even aligned!

That is the redoubtable DJ Colleen "Cosmo" Murphy, the driving force behind Classic Album Sundays, and a self-described "audio diva":

https://www.dustandgrooves.com/colleen/

I hope she's not reading this forum ...

Corry,

wow!  Thanks for that link!

Charlie

Wenger, I'll throw my two bob's worth in again. Keep Your Rack, look at Audio Tekne website Japan. They specialize in gear worth more than most of Naim's range, it's very well made and regarded. Anyhow, the bonus is they sell carbon blocks (not steel) for use under as many components as possible , Mr Imao explains about vibrations on the site. The blocks are dirt cheap compared to the likes of Chord Silent Mounts and the like, yet I have them AND have tested them with a laser vibrometer and frequency testing. Put them under your kit, take off the castors and put them under your rack (if possible fill legs with sand, and put blocks under speakers. They work!  That is a cheaper option and it will benefit you, Get the XPSDR perfect power yields better sound, if YOU can hear it.  I have no affiliation with Mr Imao, I have spent the best part of a year trying different options and I am now happy. This is only my opinion and not meant to stir the pot.

Frankly, I enjoy the pot stirrers here. Many lessons in life to be leaned along the way and conformity is so mundane.

Seriously, I really know my onions. Use 3 per box, one under and near the transformer, another under and near any output stage and another to balance or near any input stage. Try Googling the said box for any images on the web without the sleeve.

AussieSteve posted:

Wenger, I'll throw my two bob's worth in again. Keep Your Rack, look at Audio Tekne website Japan. They specialize in gear worth more than most of Naim's range, it's very well made and regarded. Anyhow, the bonus is they sell carbon blocks (not steel) for use under as many components as possible , Mr Imao explains about vibrations on the site. The blocks are dirt cheap compared to the likes of Chord Silent Mounts and the like, yet I have them AND have tested them with a laser vibrometer and frequency testing. Put them under your kit, take off the castors and put them under your rack (if possible fill legs with sand, and put blocks under speakers. They work!  That is a cheaper option and it will benefit you, Get the XPSDR perfect power yields better sound, if YOU can hear it.  I have no affiliation with Mr Imao, I have spent the best part of a year trying different options and I am now happy. This is only my opinion and not meant to stir the pot.

Thanks for suggestions Aussiesteve, will have to investigate Audio Tekne. By the way the rack I have is of a solid construction so no need to fill with sand.