Naim 252 v 282 - best for LP12 vinyl source

Posted by: SS250 on 18 September 2017

I understand that both of these excellent pre amplifiers have their individual strengths and weaknesses. But am kindly asking the experienced ears to clarify the key attributes & points of difference for each; when coupled with a NAP 250 DR and the alternative power supply options on offer.

I am intending to use either with an LP12 as primary source, with (Ekos SE/Keel/Radikal/Urika). I am boosting the amplification from a Supernait 2 and my Hi Cap DR, with Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento speakers; which could do with oomph! I cannot go/do not want the box count of a NAP 300. Many thanks in advance. So restricted to three levels in rack for amplification. An easy interim step to go 282 deploying Hi Cap DR or shoot for the 252/Supercap option? Used in a rectangular room 20' x 14'.

Posted on: 24 September 2017 by tonycurran1

MDS posted:
tonycurran1 posted:
I have just added a super cap dr to my 282 (px my HCDR)
rest of my system NDS with 555ps and unity core and B&W 804D3
first impression after 2 hours Wow.
Yes. Putting a SuperCap on a 282 took me about 10 seconds to decide it was a 'must have'. 'Wow' sums it up nicely.

And after 4 days it’s even a bigger wow

my next upgrade ( and last ) will be the Fraim.

Posted on: 24 September 2017 by tonycurran1

Alan Willby posted:
Balance is best - unless you are ready to constantly upgrade. I'm guessing that no matter how good your proposed set up sounds you will get the urge to see what a 300 or 500 can do. They'll be better - of course they will be. I took my black boxes to CDX2/XPSDR/252/SCDR/250DR and for me the balance felt right - but more importantly it sounded great. I decided that £1500 speakers were then the bottleneck - so purchased some Kef Reference 1's. At £5000 they are in balance, cost wise, with the boxes. They have been a fantastic upgrade - allowing the boxes to really show what they are capable of. I no longer have any urge to upgrade further - spending my cash on music.

I agree Alan once you have all the black boxes sorted the speakers are the big leap forward.

Posted on: 27 September 2017 by SS250

Thank you for all your great advice and informative responses. I have decided decided to bite the bullet and go for a 2015 Naim 552 pre amplifier, coupled with a NAP 250 DR; to avoid the jumps through 282/252/Supercap/Supercap DR.

I only have the space for three levels for amplification within a new Simrak rack that I am buying to accommodate 552 PS DR, Linn Radikal & the NAP 250 DR. The main source being my LP12 with Keel/Ekos SE/Urika/Khan/Tranquility, with the 552 in a double Decent Wall shelf unit.

Very much appreciated.

Posted on: 27 September 2017 by The Strat (Fender)

Posted on: 27 September 2017 by JRHardee

Enjoy. Be sure that your TT and electronics are plugged into separate wall outlets. If my Radikal is plugged into the same power strip as everything else, it can affect CD and FM performance, even if the Radikal is turned off.

Posted on: 30 September 2017 by Clownmaster

Flat posted:
The Nac 82 has more boogie factor than the Nac282 and 252.

If you are using an LP12 a Nac 82 is an amazing music maker - especially with 2 Hicaps IMHE.

Having said that, if the OP could stretch to a 552 then that is truly wonderful!