XP5, NAP200 or 272?

Option 3 could be tricky finding a used 272. Why not find a dealer who can take your nd5/152/fcxs and give a good price on a new 272 or even a 172.

If you're in the states I know where you can get option 3. 

272. Then 250DR one day. Or if you really want to reduce the box count trade the current system on a SuperUniti. You'd be quite surprised.

I would seriously consider S/H nDAC on ND5, then XP5 on nDAC. Another alternative could be Hugo.  

Chag -

I would either add an XP5xs to the ND5xs or swap the three boxes for a 272 and the 155 for a 200. Given that you wouldn't need a 200DR, the latter change would not cost much. The question to address is whether you want five boxes when two would suffice. 

HH; key here, I believe, is to improve the DAC section of the combo as source first, unless box count is really the main driver. While an excellent product, the 272 doesn't offer the substantial improvement of SQ that nDAC will at a limited incremental price. 

Chag -

Yes - 2 boxes vs 5 is appealing. I know in my mind what I really want (the 272) so I suppose I'm just trying to justify the decision! Though ndac is also a good suggestion and one I haven't considered.

Spurrier: thanks but I'm in the UK. 

I've seen a couple of ads recently for used 272s so it looks like they are slowly making their way onto the second hand market. Ideal scenario for me would be to find a dealer with an ex-demo 272 who would be willing to take my kit as part-ex!

Thanks. 

I don't get why anyone would settle for only two boxes if you can have FIVE 

wrc posted:

Yes - 2 boxes vs 5 is appealing. I know in my mind what I really want (the 272) so I suppose I'm just trying to justify the decision! Though ndac is also a good suggestion and one I haven't considered.

Spurrier: thanks but I'm in the UK. 

I've seen a couple of ads recently for used 272s so it looks like they are slowly making their way onto the second hand market. Ideal scenario for me would be to find a dealer with an ex-demo 272 who would be willing to take my kit as part-ex!

Thanks. 

If that's what you want, that's what you should get. The option with the nDac may ultimately be a better source, but at the end of the day it's what works best for you that matters. I went for the 272 option because I was fed up with all the boxes and wires, but as Chris points out, many people like loads of boxes... They certainly look more impressive when your mates come round. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

They certainly look more impressive when your mates come round. 

Mates ???? 

You want to upgrade? Then, for God's sake, keep your ND5XS.

Do you want to upgrade? have you a good dedicated rack ? Good cables?

If the answers to the above are positive, get better speakers and PSU for your source.

Or straight to NDX if you going to get better pre/power at a later stage.

Remember:each specialized box leads to  more boxes = more upgrades= UPGRADE

the other way round, though still satisfying, is : DOWNGRADE

Using other people's opinions on this forum, valid and well-meaning though they might be, is a poor substitute for listening for yourself and making a decision based on your own preferences. Buying used gear can work out to be a false economy, as it's all too easy to make expensive mistakes. My advice would be to seek the advice of a dealer, whilst making your desire to buy used equipment clear. Dealers vary in this respect, but a few carry a good selection of used kit, and will still be happy to help you. This also takes away much of the the risk of buying used gear, as they will have checked it out, and might even offer a warranty.