Speakers choice for 282/SCDR/250DR pt.2
Posted by: Adam Zielinski on 18 April 2016
An update and a heartfelt thank you for all that posted their replies and suggestion to my original post.
As you may recall I've decided to follow NigelB's recommendation and 'work' on the sources prior to upgrading the speakers.
I took it on faith, not really believing it....
Today was a big day - a friend came over and we've moved a LOT of boxes around.
* Speakers tested: Monitor Audio GX300 (incumbent to my living room) vs Ovators S-400 (residing permanently in the music room).
* Boxes tested: NDS, NDX, XPSDR, 555PSDR
* Interconnects: HiLIne vs SuperLumina
* System unchanged with: 282/SCDR/250DR/PowerLines, SuperLumina speaker cables and Chord Signature DIN-XLR
* Room size: approximately 40 sqm
I think we must have done most of the feasible permutations.
Some preliminary conclusions:
1. SuperLumina DIN-DIN is absolutely fantastic. Tightens the bass, smoothes the treble and really opens up mid-range. And that's Irrespective of the source. It's a keeper.
2. NDS + 555PS vs NDX + 555PS vs NDX + XPSDR.
Oh well... NDS + 555PS it is.
SL DIN made it really sing. My plan is to get there in stages - first get the 555PS for my NDX.
3. Monitor Audio GX300 are more than up to the job. Given the room size, Ovators were starting to struggle to move the air. Humble MA simply cruise in that room. Strange, but true....
4. As to the speakers... I'm not in a hurry anymore. Strange given the subject line of my post 
So I started this particular journey, thinking I need new speakers. But I never realised until today, what a hidden gem those humble Monitor Audio GX300 are. In order to better them, I will surely have to think big.
With the new sources and PSU I've discovered layers and layers of music were still hidden inside the recordings I knew so well. If I ever doubted a 'source first' theory, today was the day that I really understood it.
Best,
Adam
nigelb posted:Adam, simple.
You : 'Darling, Focal have just launched a range of speakers in the very latest piano black - an even better match to the sofas.'
Then wait for a response from the CFO before saying anything else.
That might work.
If I go very quiet on the forum, it will mean it didn't quite work and I am no longer... 
Adam Zielinski posted:A short update on a project... still no new speakers....
NDS has been installed several weeks ago and it's permanent 555PS arrived today. Needs to burn in... Also - rather than upgrading speakers, I decided to change my pre-amp. 252 was duly installed on a rack today.
Despite a new power supply things sound amazingly good already.
Perhaps those humble Monitor Audio's are not so bad after all....
Wow! Adam I'm in the US, I forgot the post, but Jon honeyball Invited me to listen to his Classic 6 pack 135's I think, but anyhow, I responded if I'm out that way, he would be on my short list!
DB: Statement Active Ovators
HH: 4 box wonder
Tonym: Active DBL's
Jon Honeyball: Active 135's
and Adam; He adds to his system monthly! buy the time I get to Germany, who knows you might have a Statement!
Congratulations, I told my self, I would stop at the 282, but eyeballing a SCDR this very moment, you know what that means!
Right, if the right deal comes along, swap out the 282 for an 252.
Just look at the back of an 282, fine piece, but lacks the burndy out, that is fixed with the 552, which is powered by Naims best PS!
The 252 which is powered by the same SCDR, but with the Burndy and probably, utilizes the SCDR additional railings !
Start a new post, and let us know the difference between your lively 282 and that more refined 252!
Out!
Allante93!
My dear Allante - I think there were so many threads on 282 vs 252, that I am not sure what else I could add that hasn't been written already.
Overall: yes - it is a better pre-amp. No two words about it 