The way forward after some years

if you can be brave a used 552 would amaze you - keep everything else. your system is very good.

As Dev infers your money will go a lot further buying used and the preamp would be a good place to start. I am a big fan of the 282. 

A serviced 52 Supercap would do wonders for not a lot of outlay and you could sell the 62/HC, I presume your 250 is olive? 

This is a pivotal point in your HiFi journey after so many years so take time first to review what you want from it and how you listen to it - leave consideration of specific components until you have done this otherwise you will just get confused about competing components vs different listening sources vs technology etc etc.

First question is whether you are interested in HiFi as an ongoing "hobby";

i.e. do you want to experiment or just get a system and listen.

In either case, are you going to do a big bang change or do you want to map out a path and, if the latter, where is the end-point (this is probably a budget constraint).

Are you happy to listen to your own curated collection or do you want immediate acces to other music?

You talk about entering streaming and then talk about ripping your own CDs - this is streaming in a sense but does not require streaming "propr"; i.e. playing music from across the internet.

If, for example, you are happy to listen to your own curated collection then this means there are slightly more options since you may not require a streamer (e.g. I have UnitiServe+DAC V1). If on the other hand you want to listen to other music with immediate access then a streamer will be required (be it the 272 or separate ND... box) plus a streaming music monthly subscription.

If you are going with streaming in either local or internet guise, do not underestimate the effect that the control software has on your experience; all have smartphone apps but perhaps you also need a desktop app too; does the app present an interface that you are comfortable using, does it provide the kind of access you want, etc.

Also, streaming will require at least a minimum home network so are you prepared for this; a NAS or external hard disk is also a must for backups.

Also consider servicing rather than purchase for some components.

Go and check out what dealers have to offer but don't be swayed by their Yabba-Yabba, think about how *you* would use the system.

... and of course, as always, never commit without a home demo.

Enjoy,

Allan

What are the domestic constraints in terms of number of boxes, style etc.

Thanks for the replies...you all make very good points..I think I need to consider some deeper questions (as Allan suggests) If I am honest, I just want to be able to come in after work, sit down and listen to my music....I suspect that needs to be the starting point! In relation to number of boxes etc. I don't think there is a domestic constraint (if you mean my wife...) however, it would be good to try and keep everything to a minimum...and, yes all of my kit is olive...

Hi 5ECRET60,
A lovely 90's Linn/Naim system you have there.  We have another classic Naim system from the same era in the family, but with NBLs instead of SBLs. 

So, what would I do?  If you enjoy playing vinyl, then keep the LP12 and have it serviced.  If it's a Lingo 1, then change that to a Lingo 2 or 3.  I would change the cartridge to a £1,200 MC from Lyra, Linn or Dynavector (depending on your preference, but I love my Dynavector XX-2).  I wouldn't do any more to the turntable, unless you want to open Pandora's box of mega money Linn upgrades.

You evidently enjoy what olive Naim does for you (as does our family and we have 5 Naim systems in the family...), so you would would be wise to stay with olive.  It will give you the best bang for your buck, so to speak.

re CD, We too have a CDX.  Then we added an olive XPS to it.  It was a shocking, transformational change for the better.  If CD is your primary source, then add an XPS of any flavour.  The olive XPS, even better a black XPS2 or the best and dearest a current XPS-DR.  An olive XPS can be had for circa £1k or so and represents stunning value when powering a CDX.  Get the CDX and XPS serviced if they haven't had one in the last 8 years.  If CD is your primary source and you only have one change to make, this would be it for me.

The Unitiserve is being/has just been replaced by the new Uniti Core.  Naim are currently adding a couple of mysteriously missing functions to the software of the Core, so you might like to revisit the streaming world in 6 months or so, if ever.

re amplifiers, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a recently serviced 62/hicap/250.  Other than ensuring that the phono circuit in the 62 matches your choice of cartridge, give your amp a service and leave well alone.  If you make the changes described above to your turntable & CD player, your whole music system will already have raised its game markedly.

However, if you do want to change amplifiers, then first get a serviced, POTS8 52/52PS or 52/olive Supercap.  The 272 is an excellent pre-amp, as is the 282.  But neither is up there with the all time Naim classic that is the 52.  If you really feel the need, then trade in the olive NAP250 for a pair of serviced NAP135s.  This will be even better, but do you really need to? After the TT, CD and pre-amp upgrades, how much further do you need to go from a system that already delivers wonderful music for you?

Which brings us to speakers.  What a shame that your SBLs are a bit tired.  Others can comment on what to do if the cabinet appearance is tired.  However, if you want to keep them, then you can and should have the crossovers serviced.  It is also possible to buy new foam grills, though you may have to ask on other Forums for the supplier's details.  If the cabinets have deteriorated or you just want a change, then it is time for new speakers.  

Replacing SBLs with equivalent or better today is neither easy nor cheap.  The SBLs were designed to work up against a wall, whereas very few speakers today are.  So there are very few drop-in replacements anywhere.   If you can find a pair of Naim SL2 in good condition from a dealer such as TomTom in St Albans (or another Naim dealer), then this may be the best option for you.  The second factor that makes replacing the SBL expensive is that they are very good speakers.  Realistically, a new equivalent will cost £5,000 or more.  And most of these are designed to be placed 30cm to 1m away from a back wall.  If you can position the speakers a little out into the room, then try to audition the Kudos S20 (I prefer the stand mount S10 but the cost is similar by the time you have paid for the scary Track Audio stands) and the Proac D30R, the equivalent from Neat and B&W (the new B&W804D3), then take it from there.

In summary, there's a modular suite of options for you.  I would start with servicing what you have and upgrading the source or sources that take your fancy, then pause at that point in case that does everything that you want.  With any luck, you may end up spending less than half of your budget.

Hope this helps, FT 

HI,

Very sensible to sit back and think how you use it and what you want from it ... I got a little carried away with all the HiFi stuff for a while and then realised I already had what I wanted and needed

... so you come home and want to sit and listen to some music ...

so what sources are you going to use ...

* vinyl (I agree as previously posted your LP12 only needs a little T&C).

* CDs - so are you happy getting up and down to put them on - then as previously posted, look at your CD; if this getting up and down lark is a bit much then you *might* consider ripping to storage so you can sit and control everything without getting up! This leads to more options - you'll have to decide on how you rip, where you store it, and how you play it.

* streaming from an online service - a new environment entirely taking you into streamers and networks.

I can't comment on your olive gear as I have always had classic boxes but previous posters seem to have what seem reasonable suggestions.

Speakers are another thing entirely and so personal, all I would say is that they definitely need home demos.

Let us know how you get on,

Allan

Hi,

Loads of good comment but in a nutshell you don't have to do anything but for a service of various components and perhaps a new cartridge.

Streamer vs CD.  In my experience there is no real sonic advantage with the former but if you favour the functionality and convenience then get demming!!!  Otherwise pre-amp is where you could gain a yard.   A 52 or 252 would be a great step   Does the CDX have an XPS?

Regards,

Lindsay

I have an alternative point of view. Modern recordings downloaded in 24 bit can be amazing.  CD can't touch this and whilst a LP12 is fantastic on good vinyl, you kind of limit your options regarding ongoing new recordings. A streamer/pre means your LP12 continues and your

I have also been really enjoying the musical experience of tapping my iPad and letting the music flow. (172/200 into Ovator 400s). The sound is great but also the user experience is very important too.

Puting your collection onto a NAS has some unexpected positive side effects. I know my music collection, (4000 or so albums), so much better than ever now it's aĺl nicely ripped. Also the combination of Rovi and Google sitting there on your iPad means you can easily grow your musical horizons as well as rediscover forgotten gems in what you have.

I would be thinking along the lines of a cartridge upgrade, a 272 and some speakers, leaving you with your LP12 and power amp. 

Whilst I agree SBLs are great, £4-5k will get you good replacements. £4-5k on a 272, phono stage, cartridge and some tweeks, (Powerline, NAC5 interconects etc), and you're good. You should get a few pounds back for your old stuff so thinking your £8-9k budget is fully spent. Worthwhile improvements now and if you simply sit on your gear then its fine, or you have the future options of a xps/555 power supply and/or a NAP 300DR.

People often suggest second hand as a way to maximise the bang for the buck. I have done this myself, it's a good option. Buying new also has it's merits, as there is nothing to compare with getting something fresh, and also well chosen gear should last you a couple of decades. Plus you have more immediate choice.

Cheers

Meant to say also. Most of the 500 or so HD downloads have been great. For extended jazz and classical works the combination of good sonics and ever so easy playback is hard to beat