System Crossroads

Posted by: Diggerbj on 29 June 2016

Having spent a number of years getting to what I would have once considered my dream system I am now thinking of the next step however dangerous that may be! Currently have u/serve connected via DC1 to nDAC (latest firmware). Then 202 + napsc+ hicap DR into 200 with PCM Twenty.24 speakers.

I did a factory visit recently and it became apparent ignoring the steamer route might not have been the best idea so a number of possibilities are floating around and i'd appreciate some feedback based on experience. 

1. Just add an ND5 XS or NDX. 

2. Replace nDAC/202 with N-272 and maybe later add an XPS DR

3. Forget streaming and get a XP5 XS or XPS DR for nDAC

4. Upgrade 202 to 282

What I don't want to do is move sideways in sound quality just to get a streaming solution.

Posted on: 29 June 2016 by Darke Bear

Option 2 : you need a better Pre - that is your weak link.

Having heard several NAC N 272 based systems recently I have been very impressed with what they are capable of.

A friend auditioned adding 300DR into Sopra 2 speakers onto his NAC N272 and it was the best system at that price-point I have ever heard.

DB.

Posted on: 29 June 2016 by hungryhalibut

I'd go with option 2 as well. I'd also sell the Serve and the 200 and use the money to get a 250DR. The PMCs will thank you for it. 

Posted on: 29 June 2016 by Diggerbj

So the suggestion is the n272 is a better pre amp than 202 + hicap DR, and streamer and dac as well?

Posted on: 29 June 2016 by The Strat (Fender)

I would get talking to a well stocked dealer and listen to some options.   All of your options have benefits.  I'd only offer the following at this stage and that is to these ears both the NDX and 272 are fine components but really sing at their best once they have a XPS on board.   Oh and the 282 is in my opinion a killer pre.  

Good luck,

Lindsay

Posted on: 29 June 2016 by Adam Zielinski

Option 1: NDX or ND5XS with nDAC would make for a very good pairing! If you plan to use a streamer only (no external DAC) than NDX is the way to go.

Posted on: 29 June 2016 by SongStream
Adam Zielinski posted:

Option 1: NDX or ND5XS with nDAC would make for a very good pairing! If you plan to use a streamer only (no external DAC) than NDX is the way to go.

Your avatar keeps reminding me of a certain film.  It was called Bill and Ted's (or should that be Bill's and Ted's?....'s confuse me) questionable adventure, or something along those lines.   Inappropriate use of exploding sausage?   That whole concept confuses me too. 

And yes, I'm plastered.  Now, how do I negotiate the crossroads ahead of me now?  My Stereo sounds great, but how do I get to it?

 

Posted on: 29 June 2016 by Adam Zielinski
SongStream posted:
 
My Stereo sounds great, but how do I get to it?

 

Well... That depends where you keep it. If it is in the same room as you are, you may try walking up to it... 

Posted on: 29 June 2016 by Adam Zielinski
SongStream posted:
Adam Zielinski posted:

Option 1: NDX or ND5XS with nDAC would make for a very good pairing! If you plan to use a streamer only (no external DAC) than NDX is the way to go.

Your avatar keeps reminding me of a certain film.  It was called Bill and Ted's (or should that be Bill's and Ted's?....'s confuse me) questionable adventure, or something along those lines.   Inappropriate use of exploding sausage?   That whole concept confuses me too. 

And yes, I'm plastered.  Now, how do I negotiate the crossroads ahead of me now?  My Stereo sounds great, but how do I get to it?

 

It's 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure' (only one apostrophe).

Posted on: 29 June 2016 by SongStream
Adam Zielinski posted:
SongStream posted:
 
My Stereo sounds great, but how do I get to it?

 

Well... That depends where you keep it. If it is in the same room as you are, you may try walking up to it... 

  Easier said than done right now, but sound advice.

Posted on: 29 June 2016 by benjy

Had much the same system,without any streaming or napsc,and the chance to p/u a(relatively) new 250 dr came along,hoping to move up to 282 or another (not yet released) pre-amp,but the 250 dr has made a huge difference from the 200. I know it is considered by some to be unbalanced - so i tilt my head a little when i listen*L* speakers are harbeth 30.1 and the amp upgrade has made a tremendous improvement. If you can get a listen ,don't rule it out,unheard.