Want to upgrade pre/power and need suggestions

I think you are answering your own question. A SN2 is a fine amplifier but not in the same league as a 282/250 combination. Listen to the SN2 and see what you think. If you can audition the 282/250 do so and then consider whether it is worth waiting and saving before you pull the trigger 

Both options are very good.  You could go half way with a 282/200 which will out perform the SN2. 

Good luck,

Lindsay

Jeff, if youi are going to have a demo of the SN2 I would suggest that if possible can your dealer demo the 282/250 combination at the same time, you then should be able to decide whether you think the additional cost is worthwhile. I would also discuss any future upgrade paths that you might take.

Have fun.

282 new and 200 second hand? or 252, sc and 150 second hand? the market is full of them at the moment, and the prices are very good...

alanbass1 posted:

I think you are answering your own question. A SN2 is a fine amplifier but not in the same league as a 282/250 combination. Listen to the SN2 and see what you think. If you can audition the 282/250 do so and then consider whether it is worth waiting and saving before you pull the trigger 

Thanks.  I'm not asking what is better in absolute terms, I assume that you basically get what you pay for with Naim.  I'm asking for suggestions based on my system.  Does it make sense to spend more than $10k (significantly at MSRP) with my system?

I know the suggestion will be to listen to everything, but that's not always possible.  Frankly, the only way I could get into a 282/250 combo would be to buy used, which means I couldn't listen first, since I feel strongly about about borrowing equipment from a dealer and then buying elsewhere, it's not something I do.

christoph posted:

282 new and 200 second hand? or 252, sc and 150 second hand? the market is full of them at the moment, and the prices are very good...

Used is definitely an option, but here in NA, Canada specifically, Naim isn't that widely available used, at least compared to Europe.

WilcoFT posted:

Hi, I'm hoping all you folks can help me with some upgrade ideas.  I'd like to upgrade my current pre/power combo of Acurus RL11/A-150 feeding Magneplanar MG1.7 speakers.  Sources are an NDX and VPI Traveller turntable into Graham Slee Era Gold V phono pre.  I listen to more vinyl, but have an extensive digital library and Tidal subscription, so it'll always be a mix of sources.  I'm running Minim Server on a Raspberry Pi 3 to feed the NDX, both connected to the same switch.  Anyway, at this point the pre and power are 25+ years old and I'd like to upgrade them and am looking for suggestions. 

A few other things:  I love my speakers and don't plan to upgrade them, likewise my source components (PS and cartridge upgrades in the future excepted).  I recently borrowed a Nait XS2 with Flat Cap from my dealer/friend for an extended audition, and while I liked it, it wasn't enough of an upgrade for me to purchase it.  Indeed, while I was sad to pack it up, when I returned to my pre/power combo, I was impressed with how good it sounded, and continue to be.  Anyway, where do I go from here?  Budget is $10k CDN, although obviously I'd prefer to spend less.  A 272 is not on the list as I like my NDX, and I like the ability to add a another DAC to it later should I wish to.   So, I'm considering a SN2 or a 282/250 DR (which would exceed my budget).  My dealer, whom I trust, is suggesting a SN2 (as he figures it will work well in my system, which he's heard himself) and I will be auditioning that, but wanted the forum perspective on this.   Oh, and I mostly listen to pop/rock, if that makes a difference.  Sorry for the long post.

another idea is upgrading the turntable. you said you don't want to upgrade the sources, but for me the jump from the traveller to the scoutmaster was bigger than most other steps i made. christoph

I would buy 282/200 (or 282/200DR).

 One superb  amplifier. It takes something really special to better a Naim 282 preamp especially for pop/rock !

WilcoFT posted:

christoph posted:

282 new and 200 second hand? or 252, sc and 150 second hand? the market is full of them at the moment, and the prices are very good...

Used is definitely an option, but here in NA, Canada specifically, Naim isn't that widely available used, at least compared to Europe.

i bought my 252 used on a dedicated hifi market site via search. i was astonished about the number of answers... sorry for my english, i hope you can understand what i wanted to say...

christoph posted:

WilcoFT posted:

christoph posted:

282 new and 200 second hand? or 252, sc and 150 second hand? the market is full of them at the moment, and the prices are very good...

Used is definitely an option, but here in NA, Canada specifically, Naim isn't that widely available used, at least compared to Europe.

i bought my 252 used on a dedicated hifi market site via search. i was astonished about the number of answers... sorry for my english, i hope you can understand what i wanted to say...

Thanks, your English is perfectly fine. 

Although Maggies aren't as powerhungry as electrostatics, they do like a hefty amount of stable power. While "stable" is not an issue for Naim, "hefty" is another thing. 

You could try a SN2, do ask your dealer for a 150W + alternative in the same pricerange. Wouldn't surprise me if the latter is a more suitable alternative. 

WilcoFT posted:

alanbass1 posted:

I think you are answering your own question. A SN2 is a fine amplifier but not in the same league as a 282/250 combination. Listen to the SN2 and see what you think. If you can audition the 282/250 do so and then consider whether it is worth waiting and saving before you pull the trigger 

Thanks.  I'm not asking what is better in absolute terms, I assume that you basically get what you pay for with Naim.  I'm asking for suggestions based on my system.  Does it make sense to spend more than $10k (significantly at MSRP) with my system?

I know the suggestion will be to listen to everything, but that's not always possible.  Frankly, the only way I could get into a 282/250 combo would be to buy used, which means I couldn't listen first, since I feel strongly about about borrowing equipment from a dealer and then buying elsewhere, it's not something I do.

 

The NDX is a fine source and a 282 would bring the best from it. Pairing it with a 200 (if you pick them up second hand) would give you a system that you could progressively improve (XPS, 250, HC) as and when funds allow.

Jeff

You might consider a s/h 250.2

These are fairly powerfull and should run your magnepans good.

250.2 fetch rather fair prices now (some below 1/2 retail new) and you could get it DR upgraded once it need service

On a further budget purchase you could start up with a vintage preamp, 72 or 102/82 if you need a remote.

A hicap is mandatory with 250 amplication but all in all should be available within budget and no bad sound indeed

Maybe source electronics from Europe if voltage match ?

WilcoFT posted:

Hi, I'm hoping all you folks can help me with some.............I'm considering a SN2 or a 282/250 DR (which would exceed my budget).  My dealer, whom I trust, is suggesting a SN2 (as he figures it will work well in my system, which he's heard himself) and I will be auditioning that, but wanted the forum perspective on this.   Oh, and I mostly listen to pop/rock, if that makes a difference.  Sorry for the long post.

Sounds like you got it all figured out, and you already know, they you can't wrong with  an 282/250DR.

Have you considered the 2nd hand Market ?

In the USA, the 250 retails at about $6.7 K, I think.

But no need to correct me, point being, it's been on the market, since the summer of 2015, I would imagine, the hype overwhelmed a few, and that chosen few have decided to, you got it!

UPGRADE!

In the USA, Here's the Deal, same reasoning would more than likely apply in the UK, different pricing, same logic.

You Get an amp that's already been broken in, that's right, better than new, discconted at nearly 40%!!!

Seen one on Audiogon the other day, 3.9K, unbelievable!

Now for the Pre, Well, you know what they say in Naimland, if it ain't a 282, it just won't Do!

Now in Naimland. The word is get you amps service at about the ten year period, pre amp, maybe longer. But in any event, pick up a 2011, or later, 282.

You still got ten years left, I got an 2008 Model, unbelievable, you never have to touch it, Brand New, dust proof casing, you get the point.

Your done, sit down and talk to your dealer, have him/her put you on the 250 List, better over beer at the local pub! 

Your line 30% off MSRP!

Trust me, he will Bite, All he has to do convince some poor soul that his 250 DR  is broken, an the only cure is an 2 Box 300 DR!

All jokes aside, that is the Route!

Beer/Pub

250 List

 Pre-loved 282

Please forgive me, if any of this information has been regurgitated! LOL....

Just read your intro, and wanted to talk to you Directly, and avoid getting beat up!

Enjoy your Music, the reason WHY, we do this!

Oh, I almost forgot one important thing!

I have know experience, just joined the Forum a couple years ago:

Cdx2/282/HCDR/Briks

2011 250.2

2012 250.2

2015 250.2 With 5 year warranty

Don't sound bad, but compared to what!

Allante93!

Allante93 posted:

WilcoFT posted:

Hi, I'm hoping all you folks can help me with some.............I'm considering a SN2 or a 282/250 DR (which would exceed my budget).  My dealer, whom I trust, is suggesting a SN2 (as he figures it will work well in my system, which he's heard himself) and I will be auditioning that, but wanted the forum perspective on this.   Oh, and I mostly listen to pop/rock, if that makes a difference.  Sorry for the long post.

Sounds like you got it all figured out, and you already know, they you can't wrong with  an 282/250DR.

Have you considered the 2nd hand Market ?

In the USA, the 250 retails at about $6.7 K, I think.

But no need to correct me, point being, it's been on the market, since the summer of 2015, I would imagine, the hype overwhelmed a few, and that chosen few have decided to, you got it!

UPGRADE!

In the USA, Here's the Deal, same reasoning would more than likely apply in the UK, different pricing, same logic.

You Get an amp that's already been broken in, that's right, better than new, discconted at nearly 40%!!!

Seen one on Audiogon the other day, 3.9K, unbelievable!

Now for the Pre, Well, you know what they say in Naimland, if it ain't a 282, it just won't Do!

Now in Naimland. The word is get you amps service at about the ten year period, pre amp, maybe longer. But in any event, pick up a 2011, or later, 282.

You still got ten years left, I got an 2008 Model, unbelievable, you never have to touch it, Brand New, dust proof casing, you get the point.

Your done, sit down and talk to your dealer, have him/her put you on the 250 List, better over beer at the local pub! 

Your line 30% off MSRP!

Trust me, he will Bite, All he has to do convince some poor soul that his 250 DR  is broken, an the only cure is an 2 Box 300 DR!

All jokes aside, that is the Route!

Beer/Pub

250 List

 Pre-loved 282

Please forgive me, if any of this information has been regurgitated! LOL....

Just read your intro, and wanted to talk to you Directly, and avoid getting beat up!

Enjoy your Music, the reason WHY, we do this!

Oh, I almost forgot one important thing!

I have know experience, just joined the Forum a couple years ago:

Cdx2/282/HCDR/Briks

2011 250.2

2012 250.2

2015 250.2 With 5 year warranty

Don't sound bad, but compared to what!

Allante93!

Thanks Allante93.  I may well go the route you recommend.  I have lots of searching to do.  

The Supernait and 282/250 mentioned above are both good options, and of course the latter one sounds better, it costs 3 times as much! I would also consider the 202/200, which is only a little more than a Supernait, but has quite a different presentation, which you may or may not prefer.

Streamz posted:

Although Maggies aren't as powerhungry as electrostatics, they do like a hefty amount of stable power. While "stable" is not an issue for Naim, "hefty" is another thing. 

You could try a SN2, do ask your dealer for a 150W + alternative in the same pricerange. Wouldn't surprise me if the latter is a more suitable alternative. 

Don't confuse current hungry with power hungry.  The Maggie 1.7 has sensitivity of 86dB/2.83V; so while below average it's not that power hungry.

They are however current hungry due to their complex impedance curve, and that's exactly where Naim amps deliver the beans... Naim amps are good with Maggies (and many other speakers with complex loads) and often considerably better than amps with very much higher 'nominal 8Ω power outputs'.  The 250DR is ideal, but the 200 will also do a very good job of driving them.

Huge posted:

Streamz posted:

Although Maggies aren't as powerhungry as electrostatics, they do like a hefty amount of stable power. While "stable" is not an issue for Naim, "hefty" is another thing. 

You could try a SN2, do ask your dealer for a 150W + alternative in the same pricerange. Wouldn't surprise me if the latter is a more suitable alternative. 

Don't confuse current hungry with power hungry.  The Maggie 1.7 has sensitivity of 86dB/2.83V; so while below average it's not that power hungry.

They are however current hungry due to their complex impedance curve, and that's exactly where Naim amps deliver the beans... Naim amps are good with Maggies (and many other speakers with complex loads) and often considerably better than amps with very much higher 'nominal 8Ω power outputs'.  The 250DR is ideal, but the 200 will also do a very good job of driving them.

My experience with the Nait XS2 confirms this.  At no point did I ever feel it was running out of power, even at volumes much higher than I would normally listen.   I'm trying to figure out the best balance between cost and sound quality, and ultimately, that's a decision only I can make, as many have commented. I appreciate all of the comments.