252.

Richard Dane posted:

...or even three boxes with the obligatory Supercap.

Richard, who’s counting when it sounds so good ?

I never really understood why people thought the 82/282 was better than a 252. They are great preamps, had an 82 for years. But the 252 has more finesse, I suggest, through resolving more information and bandwidth. Each to their own I guess. My early 252 was recently serviced and I love it!

Stu

Realy tough decision, because i will buy second hand, i dont want to bother my dealer, so i cant hear it.

I think common opinion is, the 282/250 brings the boogie factor, but lacks finesse.

The 252 gives much better finesse/solution, but lacks sometimes the fun factor, if partnered with the 250.

252 ist difficult to set up, because of Burndy.

Best of both world 252/300 but unfortunately have not the funds for both.

My music style is Rock/Pop no Classic/Jazz, whats your advice????

Or should i first upgrade and recapp my Supercap to DR?

Always go for the better pre in Naim world Themrock. There is no lack of boogie with a 252, no idea where that comes from myself. However, people do prefer the 282 so you should try and hear both. Me, 252/250 would be a great system if you can’t reach for a 300 now.

Good luck.

Stu

I think the 252 can boogie just fine. If you want, you can choose to look deeper into it and gain insight into how it was arranged, performed and how the performers played off each other (or not!). The 252 makes this comparatively easy without draining the fun out of it. This is IMO a clever trick which some manufacturers have never managed.

Hand on heart, I wouldn't buy a 252, even second hand, without getting an audition or return arrangement. Nor would I buy any other component unless there were particular circumstances.  But don't let me spoil your fun. It's more likely to turn out good than bad - but you can never be shure. 

I agree. You should go bother your dealer and demo the pres. He is in it for the long term so if he‘s smart he won‘t mind if you don‘t buy from him straight away because chances are you‘ll be back in future.

I went to my dealer with the aim of buying a 282 thinking it was the best VFM after all I had read in the forum. I left determined to find a used 252. In the end my dealer made me a good offer on a 252 that somebody had returned after an upgrade and I was happy to buy from him because he had effectively introduced me to the 252.

I don‘t know what kind of rock music you listen to but I can tell you that Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, Elbow & Co. sound fantastic, and it was Elbow‘s Trust the Sun that sold me the 252 admittedly along with the cymbal strokes on Larry Coryell‘s Morning of the Carnival and a few other tunes.

themrock posted:

Realy tough decision, because i will buy second hand, i dont want to bother my dealer, so i cant hear it.

I think common opinion is, the 282/250 brings the boogie factor, but lacks finesse.

The 252 gives much better finesse/solution, but lacks sometimes the fun factor, if partnered with the 250.

252 ist difficult to set up, because of Burndy.

Best of both world 252/300 but unfortunately have not the funds for both.

My music style is Rock/Pop no Classic/Jazz, whats your advice????

Or should i first upgrade and recapp my Supercap to DR?

Just go for the 252 and don't labour too much on the supposed differences. They don't really exist - 252 is just a better preamp (than 282).

Great to have a post singing the praises of the 252 that hasn't been taken over by the 282/552 brigade. I think it is a sublime preamp which provides far more insight than a 282. It can rock as well - no question. I have mine paired with a 250DR and have no desire to listen to a 300 (DR or otherwise). I have no doubt it is better - but I enjoy my current set up so much why sow the seeds of dissatisfaction with a demo.

No one opt to do first the Supercap recap and DR Upgrade.