Two Options at Similar Cost...Which One For System Balance?

Although I put a SupercapDR on my 282, I would suggest that a HCDR is possibly the optimal match for the 282 (certainly in terms of VFM) and I certainly wouldn't consider replacing it with a Supercap non DR. Also the 250DR is waaaay better than the 250.2 and is waaay, waaay  better than a 200 - I know from personal experience.

So number 2 - if you will pardon the expression. I have owned this very system (without the NDAC) and it is wonderful and no reason why it couldn't be a keeper.

The usual caution though - home demo as much of the the kit you are contemplating.

If it don't sound fantastic, don't flash your plastic!

I think the best 'bang for your buck' will come from a 250DR.

A 250dr will give you a nicely balanced system try a home demo first.

One of the nicest combo's i ever owned was a 282/SC2/300, not a DR in sight. Just saying.

I'm a big fan of the SuperCap (both non-DR and DR) on the 282, Graeme,  but since you describe this next step as 'a resting place' it would make sense to think about this move in relation to where you might go after that. In other words a bit of future-proofing now might put off that 'itch' for longer and save you money later. For that reason I'd be inclined to go for option 2 over option 1.  Under 1 you lose the one piece of DR kit you've got and buy two which you are likely to want to upgrade to DR status later (perhaps earlier than you currently think ).  Under option 2 you will likely have the comfort of knowing that a 250DR is a 'keeper' and you already know that the 282/HCDR is a fine combination.  

Late last year I demo'ed a 250DR against my 250.2. While I ended up going for a 300DR, the 250DR was clearly better than the 250.2 so I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed by it.

Mike   

Graeme:

Up to about a month ago I had a 282/SC Nap 200 and thoroughly enjoyed it.  The 200 is a tremendous piece of kit.  Then I traded it up for a 250DR and even though the 250DR hasn't fully opened up yet the differences between the 2 are rather remarkable.

The 250DR brings so much more authority to the music .. a crispness to the notes.  One can almost imagine seeing the speakers standing a little taller and stiffer as the 250DR grips them .. 

Anyway, put my vote in the "Get the 250DR" column.

John

Righto...this seems unequivocal!

Thanks folks,

G

As many of us say, option 2.

250 DR... no question in my mind.

Another vote for a 250dr. The 200 isn't remotely close. I made the same change last year and haven't looked back it really is a marvellous upgrade. You will notice the difference in a few bars of listening.

I only use an NDX bare, with your NDac and ps in toe the difference will probably be even greater.

Richard

Thanks...Now the waiting is painfully more acute

...an...tici...pation

Dammit!

G

GraemeH posted:

Thanks...Now the waiting is painfully more acute

...an...tici...pation

Dammit!

G

Yep, I'll have to throw my hat into the 250DR ring. I'll be sticking with the HCDR on my 282. Not least due to current rack space constraints.

I ordered a 252,Supercap dr, XPS dr and a 250 dr last week and was told delivery would be about 3 weeks which was a lot quicker than I thought it would be so hopefully it shouldn't be to long.qq

Not sure about system balance. You've a pair of speakers that will perform decently with a NAP200. Why not control the NAP with a NAC252 and SC? Is it on the money with the sale of your existing NAC and HC?

Chris

Christopher_M posted:

Not sure about system balance. You've a pair of speakers that will perform decently with a NAP200. Why not control the NAP with a NAC252 and SC? Is it on the money with the sale of your existing NAC and HC?

Chris

I would also make this suggestion. The 252 would bring you on a different level all over.

For what it's worth, the 250DR would be my choice without a doubt. 

Christopher_M posted:

Not sure about system balance. You've a pair of speakers that will perform decently with a NAP200. Why not control the NAP with a NAC252 and SC? Is it on the money with the sale of your existing NAC and HC?

Chris

Thanks - having previously owned a 252 I think I'd skip it this time round. If the opportunity ever arises I'll jump to a 552.

G

Yeah, but in different circs, no?

C.

I think the DR introduction has made the biggest step-change, so it seems to make sense to stick with the HCDR on the 282 and add the 250DR to get where I want to be. The listening room is quite big and voluminous too so I suspect the 250DR will exert more control at even moderate levels.

Decision made - Thanks for all the input folks.

G

I think you're right about the DR. It seems to have synergy with other DR boxes in the system. You're going to have a great time with that system, Graeme. I know you'll keep us all posted.

Mike

Cheers Mike!

G

Definitely the 250 DR Graeme , we've had quite similar systems over the last couple of years and the biggest upgrade on my path has been the 250DR . 

I agree that 250DR is the obvious choice.....but if you sold your NDX and DAC, you could possibly stretch to an NDS. Just a thought.....

ChrisSU posted:

I agree that 250DR is the obvious choice.....but if you sold your NDX and DAC, you could possibly stretch to an NDS. Just a thought.....

Then the itch for a 555PS would set in to 'balance' the system...

G

GraemeH posted:

ChrisSU posted:

I agree that 250DR is the obvious choice.....but if you sold your NDX and DAC, you could possibly stretch to an NDS. Just a thought.....

Then the itch for a 555PS would set in to 'balance' the system...

G

...and then for a second 555PS to balance it still further.