272-XPS2 or 82-hicap with NDAC-XPS2 into 250.2 and Ovators-400?!?!?

Posted by: Fred11 on 21 May 2017

Dear Naim-freinds.

Having recently upgraded to a 250.2 into Ovator-400s running both a nice lp-12 and an xps2ed ndac (upgraded) with a very nice streamer (sotm-sms 200 and roon). I currently have a 32.5 with improved cards and hicap, I wander if I can max out the pre-section more. The digital source sounds extremely good. As I remember it, it is way better than an NDX, for example. I have a possibility to go either 82/hicap or 272 with my existing XPS as well. For box-count the plus with the 82 is that it has an internal Phono-board. With the 272 I will also need a hicap/stageline. From doing research I do think the stronger link in the 82-setup is the Dac-section.
I wonder what you out there think will be best pre/source wise, both for digital and vinyl?

Regards Fred

Posted on: 21 May 2017 by Dave***t

I'd worry that the older gear was designed with vinyl in mind, and might sound a bit harsh or edgy with digital sources. Is that not the case with the 32.5?

Posted on: 21 May 2017 by Fred11

Dave***t posted:
I'd worry that the older gear was designed with vinyl in mind, and might sound a bit harsh or edgy with digital sources. Is that not the case with the 32.5?

Hi Dave!

the 32.5 is more towards full and warm.. Warmer than I remember 202 to be. The 250.2 is also full. My ndac with xps is actually fuller and warmer than my lp12. But the 82 is said to be brighter than the 32.5 and 72, so you might have a point there. I actually might be getting an opportunity for a home demo with the 272 soon. I have just read so many positive things about 82 and I am so pleased with my source. The sotm streamer is very good, especially with hqplayer/roon. But it is also nice with other peopled experiences. It is also a bit strange with the 272 because it gets so different oppinions. It's hard to place it in the hierarchy.

regards

Fred