272/555 v 282/Supercap has anyone tried both?
Posted by: Bob the Builder on 11 November 2017
In an earlier thread '282' some one asked is 272/555 better than 282/Supercap? This purely a question about pre amps forgetting box count, what would be the better pre amp?
I ask because I have a 282 and adding a Supercap is hopefully my next move but as I don't really have a my streaming sorted at the moment would I be better off trading in my 282 it's non Naim psu, my Chord 2Qute adding the money I would have spent on a Supercap and a decent streaming renderer and buying a 272/555?
I have to say because of my preference for records I am heavily leaning toward a 282/SC/300 but I could be swayed with the right argument. I must add that I am talking non DR models here my 300 is non DR and a 555DR and SCDR are out of budget.
I think it's unlikely that you'll find anyone who has made this exact comparison. You could, of course, ask a dealer to set up a demo for you, but that would probably involve using current, DR spec equipment, whereas you are presumably looking at the second hand market. For what it's worth, I found a bare 282 (powered by a 200DR) to sound a little better than a 272/XPSDR - make of that what you will!
Well Bob you’ll get a wide range of opinions on this. But looking at where you are I think it depends not only as to whether the 272 pre-amp can equal the 282 but what the source element can achieve. My own view is that a NDX/XPS/282/HC has the jump considerably on a 272/XPS BUT you can’t ignore HH’s recent success with the 272/555.
Good luck
I do not think so. Not because I have compared the systems, but because of the status of the 272. The 282 with supercap should be better, but more importantly it will hold it's second hand value when an updted 272 or hopefully a 372 comes out from Name.
Claus
It’s something of a can of worms I suspect. I once owned an 82/Supercap, but that was many moons ago. I know that you said box count wasn’t an issue, but if you want a streaming source up to the standard of a 282/300 you are looking at NDX/XPS. So that’s NDX, XPS, 282, Supercap, napsc. Or 272/555.
I don’t think it really matters which is best, whatever best really means, as both will be superb systems. The 20 pages of forum debate that are likely to follow probably won’t make you any the wiser.
If it’s of any help you are welcome to pop over and listen to my 272 setup to hear what it’s capable of, albeit with SL wires and probably unfamiliar speakers, and only partly run in of course. If you then think that your 282/300 already sounds better, then you will have your answer.
It's starting to feel like SH NAC552/552PS territory to me
There are a couple of 552s in the Flea Pit
Just add a real Naim Hicap DR to the 282.
Not sure a SC really delivers its full capability when powering a 282. For example you will not get a dedicated supply for a stageline. It is better than a HC - but the 252 is really it's soulmate. I'd have a listen to a 282/HCDR. On the 272/555 comparison I think you are looking at different a solution. If streaming is your bag then that is the way to go and obviously you can use a self powered phono stage for vinyl. From what I have read over the years the 555ps is highly regarded and improves anything it is connected to. That said - when I purchased my CDX2 I compared the XPS and 555 and couldn't hear that much difference so went for the XPS. Fast forward to a few years back I was so impressed with the improvement I heard from an XPS DR that I had no hesitation buying it. So as ever - trust your own ears.
Really Alan? 282 users who upgrade to a SC almost without exception eulogise about it.
Yes, Strat. I found a 282/SCDR a superb pre-amp and happily paired with a 300DR. If I hadn't be able to afford the considerable jump to a 552DR I know I would still be happy with the 282/SCDR today.
The Strat (Fender) posted:282 users who upgrade to a SC almost without exception eulogise about it.
True, well I know that I did - but it is also the case that an SCDR does not use its full capability when powering a 282.
I lived with a 282/HC2 for about 10 years very happily but went 272/XPS2 (for my specfiic own reasons). Would fully agree that a Supercap isn't fully utilised but it's a great combination and a stepping stone to a 252. If your main source is analogue and streaming plays second fiddle then I think it makes sense.
I personally went with the 272 because I wanted to reduce the box count, gain greater convenience, sort my streaming out and the 282's channel imbalance at lower volumes was annoying. Performance wise, driven from a Rega P9/Delos/DV P75, it's not quite there (282/HC2) but all the other features more than offset. Streaming is hugely better than my previous solution...
The Strat (Fender) posted:Really Alan? 282 users who upgrade to a SC almost without exception eulogise about it.
Yes really. The SC is just a supercharged HC in that configuration - the 282 cannot take advantage of the SC's separate supplies. I've done the HC, 2*HC, SCDR journey with a 282 - and there was an improvement each time that warranted the expenditure - but, and I know this is not a view held by everyone on the Forum, the 282 is not a 252 in my experience. But this is not a 252 or 282 thread so I'll leave it there.
Alan Willby posted:The Strat (Fender) posted:Really Alan? 282 users who upgrade to a SC almost without exception eulogise about it.
Yes really. The SC is just a supercharged HC in that configuration - the 282 cannot take advantage of the SC's separate supplies. I've done the HC, 2*HC, SCDR journey with a 282 - and there was an improvement each time that warranted the expenditure - but, and I know this is not a view held by everyone on the Forum, the 282 is not a 252 in my experience. But this is not a 252 or 282 thread so I'll leave it there.
Very much agree with that statement, Alan. A topic which sharply divides opinion on here.
Yes but surely the SC like the HC is a multi-role device. Just at a higher level with the additional functionality that will support a 252.
I don’t understand the issue? A Supercap sounds better than 2 HC’s, and it costs more. Of course the 282 isn’t a 252? What am I missing here...
Jay posted:I don’t understand the issue? A Supercap sounds better than 2 HC’s, and it costs more. Of course the 282 isn’t a 252? What am I missing here...
I think that Alan was implying that because the 282 doesn't use the fully functionality of the SC it follows that it's better on the 252. But I might be wrong.
MDS posted:Jay posted:I don’t understand the issue? A Supercap sounds better than 2 HC’s, and it costs more. Of course the 282 isn’t a 252? What am I missing here...
I think that Alan was implying that because the 282 doesn't use the fully functionality of the SC it follows that it's better on the 252. But I might be wrong.
Well a 252/Supercap is better than a 282/Supercap...I don’t understand how that could be controversial.
Sorry didn’t mean to de-rail the conversation. As you were...
I don’t think Alan meant it this way but you could have read his comment to the effect that the SC was wasted on 282 which of course it isn’t.
I take it that neither the 555 on the 272 nor their SC on the 282 are used to their full potential??? Surely it’s about getting the most from the pre amp with the best power supply it can take, even if It isn’t using all it’s muscle? I not heard either pre amp/power supply combo, but I’ve no doubt they’d both sound bloody good.
Jay posted:I don’t understand the issue? A Supercap sounds better than 2 HC’s, and it costs more. Of course the 282 isn’t a 252? What am I missing here...
A few forum members have gone on record saying that they didn’t like a Supercap powered 282, and stuck with a single Hicap. One could speculate endlessly about why this might be, and maybe there is more entertainment value in that than there is in saying ‘just go and listen for yourself ‘ yet again, but ultimately, that is what one needs to do.
ChrisSU posted:Jay posted:I don’t understand the issue? A Supercap sounds better than 2 HC’s, and it costs more. Of course the 282 isn’t a 252? What am I missing here...
A few forum members have gone on record saying that they didn’t like a Supercap powered 282, and stuck with a single Hicap. One could speculate endlessly about why this might be, and maybe there is more entertainment value in that than there is in saying ‘just go and listen for yourself ‘ yet again, but ultimately, that is what one needs to do.
Oh I see.
That’s just fine by me, you need to make your own decisions. I had a similar situation with my original 82/HC where another HC was added to little benefit. Transpired the new (to me) HC was a little tired and not a great match. I can see how we can get to different places or just prefer a certain sound over another.
Well okay but as someone who owns a 282/HC and having heard a 282/SC I struggle that anyone would not prefer the latter?
ChrisSU posted:Jay posted:I don’t understand the issue? A Supercap sounds better than 2 HC’s, and it costs more. Of course the 282 isn’t a 252? What am I missing here...
A few forum members have gone on record saying that they didn’t like a Supercap powered 282, and stuck with a single Hicap.
Who? When? Names should be named. No seriously, who?