New 282 Settling In, ND5xs On Order, What Should Be Next?

Posted by: Tallan on 03 September 2016

I have three pieces of used kit out in the market which should net me about $6K, and as my rule is hifi money stays in hifi (isn't yours?) the question is what to do with it that will make the biggest improvement to my system, which is:

TT: Dr. Feickert Woodpecker w/ Kuzma 4-Point tonearm, EMT TSD-15 cartridge into Stageline.

Digital: CD5 si player; NAS, UnitiServe, ND5 xs streamer (coming) into nDAC + XPS.

FM: Magnum Dynalab.

Amplification: 282 + HCDR, NAP 200 w/ Powerline, into Davone Grande speakers.

A few options immediately come to mind (in no particular order):

#1: Supercap DR for 282, move HiCap to Stageline, OR

#2: Upgrade cartridge to Lyra Kleos, add HCDR to Stageline, OR

#3: Trade Stageline for Superline, OR

#4: Replace CD5 si with CDX2-2, OR

#5: Upgrade interconnects and power cables with Super Lumina & Powerlines, OR

#6: Trade NAP 200 for NAP 250DR, OR

#7: ? ? ?, OR

#8: ? ? ?

I can kick in a little fresh money, but not too much. My listening is 50% analog and 50% digital with the digital probably 30% CD and the rest streaming, and I listen to all types of music except rap & hip hop.

So, what should I do? Better yet what would YOU do within this budget ($6-8K).

Thanks!

Posted on: 06 September 2016 by yeti42

Swap the power amps between the systems and you can try it out without spending a penny, might cost you a little sweat if the weather's warm.

Posted on: 06 September 2016 by Tallan

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:
another +1 for the do nothing and chill... these are all really enjoyable pieces of hifi equipment. Once you have got used to your new system and are liking it - perhaps listen to a few other people's set up - is there something there you would like more of? If so then that should drive your next upgrade decision - all in my humble opinion of course

Simon

No worries, Simon. Nothing is going to happen for a bit, and that may not be for a long time: how many people are looking for a Labs 47 Power Dumpty, for example, or even know what it is? So relaxed listening is the order of the day!

Posted on: 06 September 2016 by Tallan

yeti42 posted:
Swap the power amps between the systems and you can try it out without spending a penny, might cost you a little sweat if the weather's warm.

Definitely I will before placing the order.

Posted on: 06 September 2016 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Tallan posted:
... Labs 47 Power Dumpty...

Bait taken... what on earth is it ?

Posted on: 06 September 2016 by Tallan

It's a power supply for various Labs 47 products, same philosophy as Naim, keep the power core away from sensitive circuits and SQ will improve. It's actually kinda cool, looks like a smaller version of Apple's Mac Pro "trash can" only it goes on its side resting on two custom machined stainless steel "axles" for lack of a better term, the "wheels" of which are hexagonal rather than round so it doesn't roll. Heavy black anodized aluminium, about 7 inches diameter by 10 inches long. Everybody should have one!

Posted on: 07 September 2016 by yeti42

how many people are looking for a Labs 47 Power Dumpty,

Maybe the Halibut could use one.

Posted on: 07 September 2016 by hungryhalibut

Has the world gone mad? I know I've had a bang on the head, but why would I possibly want a weird power supply?

Posted on: 07 September 2016 by Tallan

Doorstop? Paperweight?

No insult to Labs 47 intended, they make original and well-engineered equipment, and their customer service is impeccable.

Boat anchor?

Posted on: 07 September 2016 by Phil Harris

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:
another +1 for the do nothing and chill... these are all really enjoyable pieces of hifi equipment. Once you have got used to your new system and are liking it - perhaps listen to a few other people's set up - is there something there you would like more of? If so then that should drive your next upgrade decision - all in my humble opinion of course
Simon

Definitely do nothing and chill ... enjoy what you've bought before you start looking for the next purchase.

Cheers

Phil

Posted on: 07 September 2016 by Tallan

Phil Harris posted:
Definitely do nothing and chill ... enjoy what you've bought before you start looking for the next purchase.
Cheers
Phil

Doing that exact thing right now and boy does it sound sweet! The 282 has opened up like a flower blooming the past few days... nice!

Posted on: 07 September 2016 by yeti42

47 labs make a CD player called a flatfish though I'm only guessing it could be powered from that supply.

Posted on: 07 September 2016 by Tallan

It can indeed; that's what I used it for.