What is it about the 282 ?

It's really quite a big step up from the 202. It's quite flexible, in that you can use one or two Hi-Caps, or a Supercap (if aiming for 252). I much prefer my 252, which I bought used and had serviced for much less than the cost of a new 282...

(In terms of price, remember you can sell your 202 to defray some of that; there are good value ex dem and used 282s around as well...)

Yes, rather a lot.  You're missing listening to a 282.  

I had a 202, paired with a 200, for a fair number of years and really enjoyed it.  The 282 brings a lot more to the party .. [insert musical adjectives of your choice] .. so much so that you'll wonder why, given the opportunity to upgrade, you didn't do it sooner.

I must be in that sub-culture, having owed and loved a 282 for a few years. It took a 552 to oust it from my system.

I prefer the 282 to the 252 as for me it delivers more excitement, particularly on rock music. It might not be as accurate or subtle as the 252 but it sure boogies.  Since it can work well with your HCDR you really need to hear one to judge for yourself. I'd be very surprised if you didn't immediately notice the step up from your 202.  And as NickPeacock has said, you would also have an upgrade path i.e. with an extra HCDR and then a SuperCap, with which its performance takes another big leap forward.      

I think it delivers quite some excitement for the money. It has the right balance between excitement and hiding type of quality. And it is indeed a big step up from the 202

Loads of stuff written here and elsewhere.  It's masses more than just a row of extra selectors - awesome amp.  Try one on home demo for a few days.

Regards,

Lindsay

I would echo what others have said. I went from a 202/200/Hicap to 282/200/Hicap, later adding a SupercarDR and then a 250.2. You don't really realise what you are missing with the 202/200 until you substitute the 202 for a 282.

You are actually well placed to 'explore' the capabilities of the 282 as you have a 200, NAPSC and HCDR to partner it. Simply borrow a 282 from your dealer (assuming that is possible - not sure where you are based) and listen for yourself. Of course the 282 will also benefit from a good source but I would suspect that your CD5XS/DAC(?) should be able to show the difference between the 202 and a 282.

For the record I think the 282 is one of the very best VFM preamps in the range.

Statement ~ 57/49/49 ~ $157K GBP  This is literally a Statement ! 

500 Series ~ 18.7/19.7 ~ $38.4K GBP

Classic Series

252 ~ 10.3/7 ~ $17.3K GBP * 300 amp

282 ~ 4.4/3.4 ~ $7.8K GBP * 250 amp

At less than 8K, it puts one in the conversation!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFzMuO3K3ZY

Not to mention the 2nd hand Market!

Allante93!

Calum

I must declare my preference in that I've used a 282 for 9 years. That being said, the difference between it and the 202 is enormous, even when powered suboptimally direct from a 200. The 2nd line of buttons is the least of the benefits - indeed I've never used it! No, the really benefit is the improved audio performance over lesser equipment. After all, with a 252 you don't even get extra buttons, does that mean there's no difference at all there?

No, the 282 is a great preamp which sits rightfully in its place between 252 and 202 on sonic grounds. Do not hear one unless you really want to upgrade your system. 

Frank.

I have two systems. I bought the NAC202/NAP200 used about 6 years ago, bought the NAC282/NAP250/Hicap new recently. People may regard £ 4400 as a poor value for money upgrade from the NAC202 but as always, that is subjective. IT's the same when people compare Nait 5i or Nait XS to the 202/200, or the 282/250 to the 252/300 or 552/300 etc.

Some people may regard purchasing brand new Naim gear to be poor value for money but I paid retail prices as I take into consideration that I don't need to service the amps too soon. I presume the cost of servicing will be rather costly as well.

Just to add. I don't feel shortchanged with the NAC 282 as it did transform my system for the better. Music sounds more energetic, illuminated and dynamic with the 282. The bass quality of the 282 is higher level - more punch and goes deeper than the 202 (as a result of utilising both Hicap connections on the 282). There is a hint of tube-like energy across the frequency spectrum from the sound of instruments to voices. Some may regard these traits  as a spotlit nature of the 282. In comparison, music sounds flatter with the 202. The transients in music do not leap out as much as the 282.

I read some prefer the NAC 202's presentation (over the NAC 282) and I have no issue with that. As always, it is a matter of preference. Some may regard a cheaper non-Naim gear to sound more involving than the costlier Naim gear, and similarly I have no issue with that. But I do think the NAC 282 is quite special and VFM in the Naim range of preamps when compared to NAC 252 and NAC 552. A caveat is I have not listened to the 252 and 552, and I have no intention to do so anytime in the near future.

Calum F posted:

There seems to be a sub-culture on here in worship of the 282, I have a 200/202/HCDR/NAPSC and think the 282 for £ 4400 is not necessarily a VFM upgrade? Aside from the extra buttons am I missing something?

Calum,

Music can be enjoyed at every step up in the balanced systems of Naim gear.  Each step up requires significantly more investment in $ or £.  You must surely be pleased with the sound of your 202/HCDR/200.  If you can comfortably invest more in HiFi gear, and would like to hear deeper into your recordings, then give a 282 an audition.  Know that much more is available later from a Supercap and 250DR.  If holidays or other toys compete for available funds, then just sit back and enjoy the music from the 202/HCDR/200.

Charlie

NAC 282 is a great pre-amp, sounds fantastic with a SuperCap. However... It never really settled down in my system, so off it went to greener pastures. 252 was the one I was ultimately searching for... 

As to the2nd row of buttons - I wish it wasn't there  

It is a rather fine preamp. Oddly enough, never been reviewed in the press as far as I know. I love mine extremely.

I will say this though. It needs more careful partnering with speakers than either the 202 below it or the 252 above it due to it's upfront nature. It is not bright or brash but it's signature is not quite as neutral as the others. With the right system, it is the last preamp you will ever need.

It is all relative though. A Naim system with a 282 in it is still much harder to find a poor speaker match than other manufacturer's amps.

I had the same question for years, before I finally gave in to temptation and bought a 282.

in hindsight, wish I have skipped the 202, even though 202/200 is a very good amplifier.

I found that the 282 just sounds "bigger" than the 202.

The sound stage is bigger, and the front to back aspect (3d), is just that much better with 282 compared to the 202 (although adding NAPSC to 202 does improve that).

When a 282 is set up properly (proper signal earthing), it just takes for me, all that I loved about the 202, and just sounds bigger, ballsier, punchier, much better resolution of high frequencies, bass, mids.  It sounds bigger as everything in the recording sounds more spacious, more air, the 202 sounds constrained by comparison. And when you combine the bigger ballsier sound of the 282 with the energy of the 282 (if it there in the recording) for me I feel "this is it", no need for further upgrades, it is totally engaging and music comes to life ! That is what Naim is all about for me.

of course it is a lot of money and that is what stopped me, as I could not audition prior to purchase.

But once I bought it, plugged it in, it took just a few minutes to show me it was much better than a 202. For one, it is clearer sounding than a 202 !

About that GBP 4,400 price tag, well the 282 is good enough to be my last preamp for now, when you compare the price of 282/HCDR to 252/SCDR or 552 DR, then I suppose the 282 is a very good taste of the hi-end "big sound" of the more expensive Naim preamps.

All Naim preamps are also controlled NAC Naim audio Control, so the 282 just provides more control over the music, it sounds less stressed than 202,  52 sounds less stressed than 282 (but some people find it a little too much less stress, some of the energy of 282 seems missing, but this is maybe because these Burndy preamps like 52 and 252 need very careful installation in terms of the way the Burndy is connected to the 52 or 252), and then 552 is a "no compromise" preamp.

Having heard 552 many many times, I am quite happy with my 282 (as I don't want to spend money on a 252 or 552 at the moment) 

I still love my 202 though, but knowing what I know today, I would never have bought the 202 in hindsight and went straight to 282 as the 282 gives all the qualities of 202 and then takes it just that much further in the right direction.

282 is also very flexible, can be powered off Nap 200 DR, Flatcap XS, HCDR, and then the mighty (expensive) SCDR.

One forum member advised (he has contributed above) that 282/SCDR/250DR is as good as it gets before 552/500 !

last but not least, I have compared 282/HCDR/250DR to some of the finest products from other companies (I shall not mention), and the 282 easily, without hesitation, is not out of league in the company of those amplifiers (which are much more expensive $$$$)

analogmusic posted:

 

One forum member advised (he has contributed above) that 282/SCDR/250DR is as good as it gets before 552/500 !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well no. A 252 will resolve more and is a richer more mature sound as is the 300.   If someone arrived tomorrow and just dropped a 252/300 into my system I'd have a big smile and say thank you very much BUT if I were investing in an upgrade (which i'm not) I'd go to 552/500.

Regards,

Lindsay

The Strat (Fender) posted:

analogmusic posted:

 

One forum member advised (he has contributed above) that 282/SCDR/250DR is as good as it gets before 552/500 

Well no. A 252 will resolve more and is a richer more mature sound as is the 300.   If someone arrived tomorrow and just dropped a 252/300 into my system I'd have a big smile and say thank you very much BUT if I were investing in an upgrade (which i'm not) I'd go to 552/500.

Regards,

Lindsay

Yes, both of you gents are correct.

"" It's ABOUT, as good as it get, until one enters 552/500 territory!"

Of course, that gent, is a proud member of the 552 Club.

552/500 = 38.4K

282/250DR = 7.8K

Pound for Pound, best value!

Middle of road, Marque Separates!

Not that shabby!

Repeat: 2007 CES

CD 555/282/Snaxo/250/DBLS

Flexibility is an understatement!

A proud member of the 282 Club!

Allante93!

@Analog, how was your trip, hope you enjoyed the Bay area!

San Francisco California!

Please forgive me for the prices, just suggesting value, that's all.

Allante93!

Hi Allante,

Bay area was amazing, loved every minute of being there.

analogmusic posted:

I had the same question for years, before I finally gave in to temptation and bought a 282.

in hindsight, wish I have skipped the 202, even though 202/200 is a very good amplifier.

I found that the 282 just sounds "bigger" than the 202.

The sound stage is bigger, and the front to back aspect (3d), is just that much better with 282 compared to the 202 (although adding NAPSC to 202 does improve that).

When a 282 is set up properly (proper signal earthing), it just takes for me, all that I loved about the 202, and just sounds bigger, ballsier, punchier, much better resolution of high frequencies, bass, mids.  It sounds bigger as everything in the recording sounds more spacious, more air, the 202 sounds constrained by comparison. And when you combine the bigger ballsier sound of the 282 with the energy of the 282 (if it there in the recording) for me I feel "this is it", no need for further upgrades, it is totally engaging and music comes to life ! That is what Naim is all about for me.

of course it is a lot of money and that is what stopped me, as I could not audition prior to purchase.

But once I bought it, plugged it in, it took just a few minutes to show me it was much better than a 202. For one, it is clearer sounding than a 202 !

About that GBP 4,400 price tag, well the 282 is good enough to be my last preamp for now, when you compare the price of 282/HCDR to 252/SCDR or 552 DR, then I suppose the 282 is a very good taste of the hi-end "big sound" of the more expensive Naim preamps.

All Naim preamps are also controlled NAC Naim audio Control, so the 282 just provides more control over the music, it sounds less stressed than 202,  52 sounds less stressed than 282 (but some people find it a little too much less stress, some of the energy of 282 seems missing, but this is maybe because these Burndy preamps like 52 and 252 need very careful installation in terms of the way the Burndy is connected to the 52 or 252), and then 552 is a "no compromise" preamp.

Having heard 552 many many times, I am quite happy with my 282 (as I don't want to spend money on a 252 or 552 at the moment) 

I still love my 202 though, but knowing what I know today, I would never have bought the 202 in hindsight and went straight to 282 as the 282 gives all the qualities of 202 and then takes it just that much further in the right direction.

282 is also very flexible, can be powered off Nap 200 DR, Flatcap XS, HCDR, and then the mighty (expensive) SCDR.

One forum member advised (he has contributed above) that 282/SCDR/250DR is as good as it gets before 552/500 !

last but not least, I have compared 282/HCDR/250DR to some of the finest products from other companies (I shall not mention), and the 282 easily, without hesitation, is not out of league in the company of those amplifiers (which are much more expensive $$$$)

I agree with most points that had been said above. Similarly I have taken the leap of faith with the NAC 282 as a home demo is not possible. It would be a rehash to describe about the traits of the 282 but yes, everything sounds a bit larger than life than the 202. I have mentioned much earlier on the 3-D effect of the NAC 282 that renders the NAC 202 to be flatter sounding in comparison. This larger 3-dimensional soundstage can be related to the tube-like character or energy of the 282.

NAC 282 in comparison to the NAC 202 : Bigger, ballsier and meatier sound, more 3-dimensional, more energy, dynamic, tube-like and more colourful ; basically a much larger than life presentation than the 202 from top to bottom.

NAC 202 sounds flatter and leaner in comparison. More monochromatic, slightly pale.

Make no mistake, the NAC 202 is still a good sounding unit with a sound that is based on the NAC 282 (the reason I am still hanging on to the 202/200). However, it sounds a bit flat and pale next to the NAC 282.

Allante93 posted:

T

552/500 = 38.4K

282/250DR = 7.8K

Pound for Pound, best value!

 

Allante93!

 

Actually that's not quite right because the 282/250 needs a HCDR which adds a further £1k but still a fair gap. 

As a side note, a used Devialet 200 just popped up at a local sale with a price that's considerably lower than what I have paid for the whole Naim lot (282/250/Hicap). However, I have no regrets to have gone with the Naim as I have taken the plunge and paid the money. I will just have to live with the amps for a very long time, and I am sure I would.

Never   consider 282 over the 'lesser' 202 if you DON'T own 

N.1 hicap at tthe very minimum  with 200

A 250 'perspective' and a great source.

missing just one of the above makes 202 the best possible VFM ever with a matching NAPSC and hicapDR .

The Strat (Fender) posted:

Allante93 posted:

T

552/500 = 38.4K

282/250DR = 9.1K

Pound for Pound, best value!

 

Allante93!

 

Actually that's not quite right because the 282/250 needs a HCDR which adds a further £1k but still a fair gap. 

That's what I like about the 282 Club, not only rational, but observant!

I stand corrected! 9.1K

How did I forget that:

Cdx2/282/HCDR/3 x 250.2/Briks!

Allante93!

Antonio1 posted:

Never   consider 282 over the 'lesser' 202 if you DON'T own 

N.1 hicap at tthe very minimum  with 200

A 250 'perspective' and a great source.

missing just one of the above makes 202 the best possible VFM ever with a matching NAPSC and hicapDR .

Not sure I agree with that. A 282/200 works extremely well and is still a large step over a 202/200. And not a HC or 250 in sight. 

It is much better with a  HC/250 but that is also an extra 3K GBP. Many who've heard a simple 282/200 probably feel it is excellent value.

feeling_zen posted:

Antonio1 posted:

Never   consider 282 over the 'lesser' 202 if you DON'T own .......

 

Not sure I agree with that. A 282/200 works extremely well and is still a large step over a 202/200. And not a HC or 250 in sight. 

It is much better with a  HC/250 but that is also an extra 3K GBP. Many who've heard a simple 282/200 probably feel it is excellent value.

Zen, is she burned in, 2nd week.

282/SCDR/250DR excellent end game!

I hate to say it, but I listed my HCDR, eyeballing a SCDR this very moment!

Don't worry, you'll be wanting some  Speakers next week! LOL...

Allante93!