Hi fellow Naim friends 
I am upgrading my NAC 272+ NAP 250DR to music server+streamer+separate DAC (Schiit Yggdrasil)+NAC 252 + SC DR + NAP 250 DR.
Spotify Connect is really important to me because Spotify will probably turn Hi Res at some point. As you know, one of the benefits is that my NAC 272 supports Spotify Connect.
I am looking to upgrade to this:
- music server --> Naim NAC 272 as streamer via RJ45 Streamer slot (or if I sell the NAC272, I would use a Bluesound Node 2 which also supports Spotify Connect)
- music server --> Schiit Yggdrasil DAC --> NAC 252 +SC DR --> NAP 250DR
My question for you:
would you have any recommendation between keeping my Naim NAC 272 vs getting a cheaper Bluesound Node 2 instead? given that I intend to use the 272 (or Node2) ONLY to stream Tidal and Spotify through the Yggdrasil DAC, I am wondering if from a sound quality there will be a difference between the two.
Many thanks in advance for your help!
Posted on: 20 March 2017 by Jan-Erik Nordoen
To use the 272 solely for its streaming function is a substantial waste of resources. But, if you really must, it can be done by feeding its digital output into your DAC.
If you want to stay with the Naim app interface, I would suggest picking up a UnitiQute and using it as a streamer. Or, if you don't mind changing interfaces, you could investigate one of the 'pure' streamers, such as the Moon Mind, one of the Auralic devices, or even a Raspberry Pi in DIY version or commercial version (Bryston).
Jan
Posted on: 20 March 2017 by No quarter
I used to own a Unitiqute 2,and currently own a 272,when I first home demo'd the 272,I compared the digital out of the UQ2,to the digital out of the 272 into the digital in on my Dynaudio xd 600's( active digital amps)...to say the 272 was miles ahead would be an understatement.So the quality of the digital source does make a difference,not just any old digital source is as good.It seems like you are really over complicating things,the way you want to go,why not add a 555dr to the 272,and if you want to add a music server,into the Shiit dac,try that in front of the 272(analog in).By the way,what I just described is the direction I am heading,I also have a 250dr that I use into passive speakers(Taksim's Reference 3a) and I own a Chord Hugo that I want to add in,so I was thinking either a Melco or Core digital out to the Hugo feeding the 272(analog in) with a 555dr on the 272,I am hoping it will be as good as a 252/SCap,but who knows.I am still undecided,whether I want to use my Dynaudio's in my 2 channel room,or stick them back in the home theatre.
Posted on: 20 March 2017 by Manu68
Thank you for your input.
[@mention:65907191339557814] - I may indeed try this route. How good is the preamp in the 272? wouldn't it be a big improvement in SQ to use a separate preamp if you go the separate DAC route? not sure why you are recommending upgrading the PSU vs the preamp itself...?
[@mention:1566878603874671] - you may be right, a waste of resources and in this case a streamer-only option is a good idea. But it needs to be a really good streamer and I'm not familiar with the options there. I have read mixed reviews about the Auralic Aries...I still have the NDS option of course 
Still undecided, which is why I come here to get good and sound advice 
Posted on: 21 March 2017 by No quarter
Manu68
There are plenty of posts saying how big an improvement adding an xpsdr or 555dr to the 272 is,a few have even said it is close to a 552.You are improving the streamer,the pre-amp,and the dac all at once when you add a power supply.
Posted on: 21 March 2017 by Simon-in-Suffolk
No Quarter it certainly gets better, and potentially quite a bit closer to a 282 to my ears... possibly the weak link is the DAC, but one goes for convienience with the 272 and it's a cracker. If you like the 272 listen out for the forthcomg Uniti series... more of the same but with improved digital and streaming technology and overhauled architecture and a possible new approach to powersupplies. Naim have applied their recent experiences of box electronics compression into a great series of new products, although I was told they are just about at the maximum they can currently do without moving into the seperates with the new Uniti range...
Posted on: 21 March 2017 by Simon-in-Suffolk
Manu68, I think if that is your route you may be better off selling the 272 and opt for a different front end... the 272 is really all about simplification and combining .. not one of its functions excels as a seperate as that is not what it is about... although it's streamer is pretty much up there until the new Uniti products are launched. So if you are going the seperates route, perhaps release the value of the 272 by selling it..
Posted on: 21 March 2017 by Manu68
thanks gents.
I think I will just for now keep my 272 given how overcomplicating I'm making my entire system and enjoy the 272 as streamer (for Tidal and Spotify) with improved PSU one the one hand, and for my music library use the separate DAC route and get into the analog input of the 272 for now. Even though not ideal, probably a not too bad compromise at this point given my needs?
