NAC 272 or 152/155

Posted by: Plant Pot on 10 January 2017

I currently have an ND5 XS/112/150/Flatcap 2 setup but after a fortunate turn of events I have the opportunity to go down one of the following routes (ex-demo):- 

1. Get a NAC 272 to replace my 112 - with a view to replacing the 150 in due course. 

2. Get a 152 and 155 to replace my 112/150 and work with the ND5 - I quite like the idea of having a full XS system but is this a side-ways step.

Both options would probably cost a similar amount with my current equipment thrown in.

The obvious answer is to have an audition but the equipment comes from different outlets neither of which are local - and I won't  string along a local supplier and then get the bargains elsewhere.

I just wondered what you knowledgeable folk think. I appreciate that this is similar to one of my previous posts but that was before the 272 came onto the scene.

Cheers,

Matthew

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by Huge
Plant Pot posted:

And there was me all set to buy just the 152 today (which seemed to offer the best value upgrade for the smallest outlay) - but I just can't bring myself to do it. Similarly, I can't bring myself to order £3k of 272 without listening to it first - despite the significant saving on offer.

I think I need to calm down and get familiar with a local dealer (I am new to Northants so my old contacts aren't very useful). 

Many thanks for the interesting and enlightening responses. They have certainly made the long term path a little more clear. I shall be sure report back with the outcome. 

Cheers,

Matthew

From your position, a possible alternate way forward is...

NAC 112X -> NAC 202
ND5 XS + XP5 XS or XPS
NAP 150X -> NAP 200DR

At each step it's important to audition the new proposal:
a)  to ensure it doesn't unbalance your system
b)  to see if you hear a significant upgrade in SQ

I'd be concerned that 112X -> 152XS isn't sufficient of an upgrade to justify the cost and you'd later want to go to a NAC 202 anyway.  However, only you can really be the judge of how big an upgrade in SQ you consider it to be.

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by ryder.
Antonio1 posted:

ND5XS is a successfully good sounding product which can be upgraded with external PSU and nDAc.

Separates are better solution sound wise , not to mention a damage occurred you'd deal with one unit only.

But that's not the point guys, the streamer can be matched to any system, there's a world outside , Naim is only one of the answers.

Yes, valid reasons. I have also forgotten that there is an outside world, though not too sure if there would be folks who use Naim streamers with non-Naim gear.

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by Antonio1

Yes,indeed, there lots of people using Rega TT other than full Rega set-up, same as for  Lp12s and so on.. Naim streamers are very well received all over the world I dare say more than amps, too.

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by hungryhalibut

If it were me I'd give a good dealer - Cymbiosis spring to mind given the location - a call and go for a listen to options. Going one way just because it's the cheapest and/or easiest is often not the right thing to do. 

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by DUPREE
Have you listened to the NAC-N 172? It might be a good upgrade path depending on how much interest you have in streaming. I did a good amount of comparison listening when I bought my 272. The 272 in my view is one of the very strongest products in the classic line for overall sound quality/performance and overall value and is a terrific all rounder.. However, I was very impressed with the 172 for the money and thought it could really be the basis for a really great system. It is half the cost of the 272, and while I am a big proponent of the 272, I don’t think the 172 is a slouch and will really give you a lot of options going forward.
> On Jan 13, 2017, at 6:51 AM, Naim Audio Forums <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>
Posted on: 13 January 2017 by Innocent Bystander
ryder. posted:

Yes, valid reasons. I have also forgotten that there is an outside world, though not too sure if there would be folks who use Naim streamers with non-Naim gear.

I used an ND5XS without other Naim gear, until I found better sound quality by a different solution. Given the good reviews of the likes of this and other streamers in hifi press, I would be surprised if other people haven't likewise put Naim streamers in other systems.

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by No quarter

There is a recent post on system pics of a guy using a core with an Aavik all in one amp (30k) and Raidho xt 3's,nice setup.