Upgrade Advice

I don't think anyone can answer that without knowing how good the non-Naim supply is. But unless you know it to be ace, I think sorting out the source is the first thing to do.

best

David

When is the 250 due a service? If it's overdue or even soon, then the service+DR would be sensible.

The 250.2 is a 2015 model (just before DR was introduced).  Won’t mention the non Naim supply, but it does have some supporters, and is considered as a bit smooth sounding whereas the HiCap has a more dynamic personality.

I went from a non-Naim to Naim PS on my NDS and the improvement was very significant. I of course can't be sure if the same improvement can be had with the same kind of switch of the PS on a 282. But as your 250.2 is not that old and doesn't require a service for quite some time, I would probably consider the a HiCapDR for your 282 first. I would be helpful if you detailed your system on your profile page, particularly the source you use.

If you live somewhere where a demo is possible (preferably at home where you can compare the two PSs) then that would obviously be preferable.

nigelb posted:

I went from a non-Naim to Naim PS on my NDS and the improvement was very significant. I of course can't be sure if the same improvement can be had with the same kind of switch of the PS on a 282. But as your 250.2 is not that old and doesn't require a service for quite some time, I would probably consider the a HiCapDR for your 282 first. I would be helpful if you detailed your system on your profile page, particularly the source you use.

If you live somewhere where a demo is possible (preferably at home where you can compare the two PSs) then that would obviously be preferable.

I am leaning towards the HiCap.  The 250.2 is proving to be entertaining.  I know that the 250DR does get a lot of support, but the darker personality of the 250.2 compared to my previous 200 has a certain appeal.  

NJB posted:

I am leaning towards the HiCap.  The 250.2 is proving to be entertaining.  I know that the 250DR does get a lot of support, but the darker personality of the 250.2 compared to my previous 200 has a certain appeal.  

The move from 250.2 to 250Dr is a radical change of sonic character, in my  experience, and should not be taken without auditioning. Particularly if you are enjoying the darker side of the 250.2.

Whereas the addition of a HiCap DR on the 282 is much more typical of Naim's hierarchy of quality improvements, that just  deliver more of the same character, and while it is best auditioned before commitment, is much less likely to upset the balance of a system, imho,

Paul.

Can’t compare directly as I went from 202 / non naim psu to a 282 hicap dr but didn’t want the ‘what if’ feeling at 282 level. From your view you’re happy with the sound of the 250.2 + there are plenty of 2nd hand bargains to be had on the hicap, certainly for less than the 250dr upgrade.

NJB posted:

I have two upgrade options.  Either convert my 250.2 to a 250DR or replace a non-Naim PSU on my 282 with a HiCap DR.

 

which would you choose, and why?

Both power amp and power supply will give you a different presentation, that's for sure. I do not have experience with the 250.2 but have previously compared the NAP 200 and NAP 250DR and a non-Naim PSU and Hicap DR on the NAC 282. With the 200 vs 250DR, the difference is mainly in the bass whereas with the power supply it's the verve or vitality in the presentation. Assuming your non-Naim PSU is an Israeli model, the Hicap DR will sound more lively and a bit brighter in the high frequencies whereas the non-Naim PSU will sound smoother and more organic, translating to a slightly duller sound in my system.

The non-Naim PSU also took away the slight mid-bass bump of the Hicap DR which in turn reduced the rhythmic toe-tapping factor. 

Interpretation will differ with systems since we all use different speakers and/or source. My Harbeth SHL5 Plus is an inherently smooth speaker so it doesn't quite appreciate too much smoothness from the non-Naim PSU. 

Instead of replacing the non-Naim PSU with the Hicap DR, you can actually keep both and compare them to decide which one will sound better in your system and to your ears. There are many combinations you can use with the NAC 282 since it comes with two inputs....

Or better still, consider the Supercap DR which will likely kill all PSU options on the NAC 282,. 

You don't mention a source or sources. The HiCapDR will improve all sources as will the 250 DR. As a rule source first so HiCapDR it is. Gives you a box you can on sell as well. 

282 + Supercap is, in my book, Naims best offering considering price vs performance. 

DR for the power amp (500 in this case), was a bigger step up then DR for the preamp (552) in my system. 

So, really no good advice from me ????. 

To those ears 250 DR is a lot better then 250.2 BUT it’s all in the context of the full system. 

//Jonas

I would like to remind members that discussion of unauthorised modifications to Naim equipment (which includes non-Naim power pre and source power supplies) is not allowed here.  Please respect forum rules.  Thank you.

I went from 200 to 250DR and it was a massive increase and I had previously tried a non dr 250 which I just didn’t get on with.  My view though of course.

Can you demo?

Regarda,

Lindsay

Vauxhall mkII posted:

The move from 250.2 to 250Dr is a radical change of sonic character, in my  experience, and should not be taken without auditioning. Particularly if you are enjoying the darker side of the 250.2. 

I'd strongly second this.  I tried a 250DR against my 250.2 and didn't like the result.  Which was a bit strange, as I'd nonetheless agree that the DR is a better amplifier.  But I didn't get on with its sound - it went deeper, which was nice, but it also introduced a grating quality in the upper mids.  So I stayed with my 250.2.  I posted a thread about it at the time and although we were in the minority, a few people found the same thing as me.

It'll all be dependent on the whole of the rest of the system, and YMMV.  But even if it seems like a no-brainer to some, it's something you need to audition for yourself, as with any upgrade.

At the moment, the HiCapDR is my preference as it maintains the Naim sound.

I know they have their fans but I will never make the mistake of adding one of these non-Naim PSs to any of my Naim components again. The offering for the UnitiServe did absolutely nothing for its presentation. Completely pointless and a waste of money.

I listened to a 300DR at the time I purchased my non DR'd 300 and at the time felt it wasn't worth the extra.  It was  my opinion that the in your face immediacy of the 300DR was better suited to a digital front end it seemed to shout out that it was better rather just being better and my LP12 didn't need any help in grabbing attention.  I imagine this is why the 272 is well suited to the 300DR because it needs a bit of a leg up.

I too use an Israeli PSU but it was always meant as a stop gap and as a cheaper way of listening to what a 282 sounds Like with both upgrade sockets connected and it has always been my intention to buy a Supercap and that would be my advice 282/Supercap/250-2 an Olive SC which is the same as a non DR black box SC on the inside but half the price on the used market would be my choice.

Absolutely go for the HiCapDR on the 282... it transforms that preamp to a wonderful level, where it does what a Naim should do very well with that characteristic forward and engaging 282 sound. I personally felt my HiCapDR out performed my SuperCapDR on my 282 in terms of music enjoyability. The HiCapDR is a huge step forward to the non DR when coupled with the 282... there must be a synergy thing going on somewhere.

S3 posted:

I know they have their fans but I will never make the mistake of adding one of these non-Naim PSs to any of my Naim components again. The offering for the UnitiServe did absolutely nothing for its presentation. Completely pointless and a waste of money.

It did nothing for my Supernait - sold it after a few months.

Again, would members please take note that discussion of unauthorised modifications to Naim equipment (which includes non-Naim power pre and source power supplies) is not allowed here.  Please respect forum rules.  Thank you.

My local dealer is really helpful. The distributor is out of HiCaps until mid April but will loan me one of his demo units until then.  So, I have a plan.