Re. Swapping over to N272-NAP200/250Dr
Posted by: Artferg20 on 02 July 2017
Hi All,
My current system comprises of a SN2, HI Cap, Rega RP8, Aria,Ania, Chord Hugo 2, Guru junior.
I'm really happy with my system in terms of Vinyl replay and love my Hugo 2, but can't quite put my finger on it not happy with the streaming side of things and faff. I use both streaming & vinyl replay equally even tho I possess more music on my hard drive.
There several reasons that have prompted me here, a) miss the convienence that I had with my UQ2, one remote or app control to switch inputs and functionality. b) less faffing around with cables and source. c) I now use my TV through my hifi, the N272 idea it would be easier for the family to use like we had with UQ2. c) internet radio etc convience.
Ive spoken to two dealers and both understand my needs, one suggested adding an ND5, which I'm not keen on as this will be spending more money.
My other naim dealer where i purchased my kit from said he'd workout the numbers out tomorrow that would minimise any cost if there will be any, as the items that would go back will be the amp, power supply and DAC.
I will listen to this combo tomorrow to be sure, I've been thinking about this long and hard, to me, it seems right. It reminds me of a much better UQ2, when I had that system never thought about cables connections, upgrading, just enjoyed my music.
Your thoughts would be appreciated!
Logitech Harmony remote.
so vinyl good, digital good - just streaming an issue for you?
272 might be the anwser or NDX?
either you can pair with SN2 the 272 has a built in pre amp
i would listen to272/200/250 to decide, number of 272/250 happy owners
or even look at 272 with SN2 could be an option
I'm in the process of changing from SN and HCDR to 272 and 250DR. I'd never tried streaming before and I'm now hooked. The 272 is just so easy to use and sounds superb. I don't feel it has the same clout as the SN/HCDR combo. But that HC made a remarkable difference to the SN preamp. I'm using an XPSDR at the moment (thanks [@mention:50422349809511500]) and that has transformed the 272. I have no doubt the 555 would be exceptional! The bare 272 still sounds brilliant!
As you already have a Supernait, I think an NDX makes more sense than a 272, as you simply have to add it to your existing setup, and you're sorted. Also, you have the option to use it to stream to your Hugo, which cannot be done with a 272.
antony d posted:so vinyl good, digital good - just streaming an issue for you?
272 might be the anwser or NDX?
either you can pair with SN2 the 272 has a built in pre amp
i would listen to272/200/250 to decide, number of 272/250 happy owners
or even look at 272 with SN2 could be an option
Streaming and convenience. I'd thought about the NDX, but I'd spending more money. With what I've got now that would cover a change or upgrade.
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Couldn't afford an NDX tbh. I'm currently using a Vortexbox server into my Hugo and found the SQ not that great to my ears, I plugged my MacBook Pro yesterday and the SQ was much improved. My plan was either to look at an Auralic aries mini or Bluesound Node 2 both priced around the £500 price mark into the Hugo. My limit is £500 for anything done.
With the equipment I have now, there should be plenty to cover any change, if looking at the N272/NAP200route.
Plus an additional £500 i was going to spend on a streamer with what I have now.
Based on my experience and opinion I would get a NDX and keep the SN but you need to demo of course. 2 other points. Both 272 and NDX really need a XPS or better to give of their best but that can come later. Also at a demo I went to last Friday both through 272 and NDX streaming was so obviously inferior to ripped files from the Core. Silk purse etc comes to mind.
Be aware that the Bluesound Node isn't a DLNA device - it uses direct file read network protocols to access the data files directly across the network. It's main strength (at this price point) is the quality of it's DAC and analogue output stages (which you wouldn't be using).
The Auralic Aries Mini has a good reputation as a standalone streaming node. It should work well with a Hugo.
To integrate these disparate devices may not be possible as I don't know if the Auralic Aries Mini can be controlled by an IR remote control. A Logitech Harmony will control the SN, your TV, almost any video player, almost any PVR, and may be able to control Auralic Aries Mini if that responds to IR controllers.
Another option to consider is putting a USB or S/PDif isolator between the Vortexbox and the Hugo.
One final point, the 272 / 250DR will easily outperform the SN2.
Huge posted:
One final point, the 272 / 250DR will easily outperform the SN2.
Huge - have you done that evaluation? In a room full of people at the Audiobarn shortly after launch of the 272 the consensus view was that the NDX/SN2 was preferable to the 272/250Dr.
That's because of the NDX, try using the same source.
Oh, and the situation gets complicated when you start adding external power supplies!
Artferg20 posted:antony d posted:so vinyl good, digital good - just streaming an issue for you?
272 might be the anwser or NDX?
either you can pair with SN2 the 272 has a built in pre amp
i would listen to272/200/250 to decide, number of 272/250 happy owners
or even look at 272 with SN2 could be an option
Streaming and convenience. I'd thought about the NDX, but I'd spending more money. With what I've got now that would cover a change or upgrade.
But you did say that you would P/X items to fund the dealers suggestion with system automation could this give you the functionality and streaming qualities you are looking for ?
Huge posted:Be aware that the Bluesound Node isn't a DLNA device - it uses direct file read network protocols to access the data files directly across the network. It's main strength (at this price point) is the quality of it's DAC and analogue output stages (which you wouldn't be using).
The Auralic Aries Mini has a good reputation as a standalone streaming node. It should work well with a Hugo.
To integrate these disparate devices may not be possible as I don't know if the Auralic Aries Mini can be controlled by an IR remote control. A Logitech Harmony will control the SN, your TV, almost any video player, almost any PVR, and may be able to control Auralic Aries Mini if that responds to IR controllers.
Another option to consider is putting a USB or S/PDif isolator between the Vortexbox and the Hugo.
One final point, the 272 / 250DR will easily outperform the SN2.
I use a Harmony to control my whole A/V system including a Squeezebox Touch. I still prefer this than using a smartphone despite the fact that I need to be in the same room. I can always use my phone with Orange Squeeze if I'm in another part of the house but that rarely occurs.
But...even if the Logitech Harmony could control the Aries, with no screen how do you see what you're controlling?
Edit: I just checked and it appears that there's now a new Harmony Companion/Harmony app that turns your smartphone into a remote control enabling you to control all your devices from a distance.
Cheers for the input guys!
I forgot to mention the N272 and NAP250.2 are x demo. Not a 250DR. The 200DR would be new at a very good deal.
i have a Logitech harmony, so will give it a go.
Pcd posted:Artferg20 posted:antony d posted:so vinyl good, digital good - just streaming an issue for you?
272 might be the anwser or NDX?
either you can pair with SN2 the 272 has a built in pre amp
i would listen to272/200/250 to decide, number of 272/250 happy owners
or even look at 272 with SN2 could be an option
Streaming and convenience. I'd thought about the NDX, but I'd spending more money. With what I've got now that would cover a change or upgrade.
But you did say that you would P/X items to fund the dealers suggestion with system automation could this give you the functionality and streaming qualities you are looking for ?
Yes I would part ex in order to fund this. The N272 is ex demo, my mistake it's not a 250DR it's an 250.2 ex demo, the NAP200DR would be new. System automation to some extent would give me what I need. The appeal of the N272, is not messing about with various interconnects, sources etc. Just plug & play!
buy a Vertere DFI USB cable between the vortex server and the Hugo.
You won't hear what Hugo is capable of without a good quality USB cable.
I use a vertere DFI with my Chord Mojo DAC, and it is a lot more musical now, quite happy.
You also did not say how you connect the Hugo to your SN2?
I would use either the Naim RCA to DIN, or one from vertere (DFI RCA to DIN), I own a Vertere DFI RCA to DIN, very good it is.
Hugo 2 is a very high quality DAC, but needs a little care to get the best from it.
analogmusic posted:buy a Vertere DFI USB cable between the vortex server and the Hugo.
You won't hear what Hugo is capable of without a good quality USB cable.
I use a vertere DFI with my Chord Mojo DAC, and it is a lot more musical now, quite happy.
You also did not say how you connect the Hugo to your SN2?
I would use either the Naim RCA to DIN, or one from vertere (DFI RCA to DIN), I own a Vertere DFI RCA to DIN, very good it is.
Hugo 2 is a very high quality DAC, but needs a little care to get the best from it.
It have Roon installed on my Vortexbox.
I use a supra USB cable and audioquest jitterbug between Vortexbox and a Van damme din to rca cable between DAC and SN2.
Huge posted:
One final point, the 272 / 250DR will easily outperform the SN2.
No it doesn't!
Huge posted:That's because of the NDX, try using the same source.
Oh, and the situation gets complicated when you start adding external power supplies!
Indeed and of course PSU options complicate things. However, the pre-amp stage of the SN is I should imagine ahead of that in the 272. But all said and done quite a few options and several ways to skin the cat!!
I still have my SN1 and 272/250DR. They are different. As to which outperforms the other would be down to personal taste I think. For me the 272/250DR combo is clearly better. Far more detailed and realistic in every way. The SN sounds deeper, but slower and veiled in comparison, to my ears. Adding a HCDR gave the SN a welcome boost in clarity, detail and the bass tightened up. Compare that combo to the bare 272/250DR and the SN/HCDR still sounds like it goes lower but it's still no match for the 272 in detail. Add an XPSDR to the 272 and it's done the clear winner in every way, again to my ears.
That's with CDX2 and TQ black diamond din as source.
Spot on analysis Finkfan
My plan tomorrow will be to listen to the N272, NAP200DR, NAP250.2 with my speakers. If I like what I hear and the numbers work this would be my preferred preference.
Just wish from the beginning, I would have considered the idea of a pre amp/ Streamer.
Finkfan posted:I still have my SN1 and 272/250DR. They are different. As to which outperforms the other would be down to personal taste I think. For me the 272/250DR combo is clearly better. Far more detailed and realistic in every way. The SN sounds deeper, but slower and veiled in comparison, to my ears. Adding a HCDR gave the SN a welcome boost in clarity, detail and the bass tightened up. Compare that combo to the bare 272/250DR and the SN/HCDR still sounds like it goes lower but it's still no match for the 272 in detail. Add an XPSDR to the 272 and it's done the clear winner in every way, again to my ears.
But the SN2 is a considerably different beast to the SN2.
I don't think so...
I agree with HH, I don't think so either myself 