272/XPSDR/250DR with Superlumina full loom

I had a similar experience with SL cables i.e. instantly hearing the benefit. I also didn't have the up and downs during run-in that others on here have. I'd say the run-in for me was quite gentle, even, and the improvement compared to initial installation was modest.   Put another way, the SL cabling was a huge and instant upgrade for me, and stayed that way.     

Thanks for that info MDS,they must be speaker/system dependant then,because I would put it in box upgrade level of improvement,right away.The thing is,how do you know what will happen over time,until you get there.MDS,I notice we both use Focal speakers,maybe that is it?

Yes. When I installed mine and posted on my impressions I said that the performance uplift was the equivalent of a black-box upgrade, indeed greater than some I've tried.  The SL cables are expensive but when judged  against the performance improvement I think they are value for money.  In terms of 'how do you know what will happen over time?' I had the benefit of trying in my system a run-in demo set of speaker cables and the interconnect, so I knew what to expect.  I bought those first, and later bought an XLR SL cable fully confident that I would like it.  That was when I had a 250.2 so when I moved to a 300DR I also had to change the XLR SL to a pair.  Again, I didn't hesitate and I lost barely anything when trading in the one XLR SL against the pair.

Re Focal speakers, I've been a fan for quite a while.  I may yet try the Sopra 2s at home one day, even though my 1028bes perform beautifully.  

Should have added, having looked in your profile, that I've heard the Sopra 1s in a friend's system and very much liked what I heard. 

Hi No Quarter - you sound like you've had an epiphany, that you're now a full-blown Naim acolyte.  Congratulations!  Will there be a luncheon to follow?

Kidding - a bit.  Glad to hear that you've heard a difference with your SL cables.  At those prices, you should.  I've got a SL DIN to XLR cable, and I'll admit that it made a difference over the stock cable.  I've also got a SL RCA - RCA cable between my Dave and 272.  I may try the SL speaker cables next, but currently am using Crystal Cable Reference cables.

Don't forget to centre your SL DIN cables - there's a thread on here with the instructions.  It involves jiggling them, apparently.

Already centered DocMark,I would give the speaker cables a try if possible,and get yourself a power supply.

Yes, a power supply for the 272 is likely next.

If you think that was a good upgrade ... which it is ..... I would like to see the look on your face when a 555ps is added...that is an epic upgrade.

Adding a 555dr to 272 is the Real upgrade, first 5 second kind of upgrade, not a critical listen one.... it was not ilke that with cd2x

I did not want to hear that guys...ok,maybe I did.I think I will let the cables run in for a few months before even thinking about a 555,but it is on my radar.

The SL cables work really well with the 272, XPS and 250 and there seems to be a real synergy with the DR power supply and amplifier. The cables really open up over a few months, and are very different about three months later, so you’ve got lots to look forward to. Don’t rush to the 555DR, though it must be said that the 272 with 555 and 300, and SL cables, is extraordinarily good, and a step change from the XPS and 250. The 272 won’t be out of place. 

I found that the SL cables needed a few months of run-in.  I've generally been a discounter of "run in" but I know what I heard!

Question for HH and Bart,or anyone wishing to answer,when you say 3 months of run in,do you mean casual listening here and there,or 24/7 playback,which is what I do.I leave internet radio playing at low volume all day and night,and turn it up when I feel like having a listen.?

Just normal listening, whether casual or formal. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

Just normal listening, whether casual or formal. 

Oh good,thanks HH...I should get there in a month or so then,I just like to speed up the process.I live alone,and work lots of hours,so I leave them playing while I am at work too.

Bart - don’t get me wrong I know that different wires will impact the sound, and that Hi-Fi equipment generally takes a while to get to its best.  But, what methodology did you use to be able to conclude the differences over several months?  Did you have notes from the first listening session and periodically return to the same piece of music?  I only raise the issue because my HC which powers my Superline came back from Salisbury last weekend serviced and DR upgraded.  True went it came out the box it was a bit flat but it came on song after a few hours and from here on I doubt I can detect any further differences.  

HH - what is normal use?

Regards,

Lindsay

‘Normal use’ is simply that. Some days a couple of hours, some days a lot more. 

I now consider my system to be very well balanced all the way from source to speakers,and the Superlumina cables seem to have allowed all the components to perform at their best,which is what I was after.With the 4.6 update to the 272 thrown in there,I am amazed at how good internet radio now sounds.Three days in,and very happy...I just wonder,did the 4.6 update aim at DR amps,and Superlumina cable owners,because it sure sounds that way to me,and how big is the beta test group?I am curious how many different types of systems were used to test that firmware update.It appears that 272 owners are the happiest with the update,maybe the majority of the beta group own 272s?

No, the majority of the Beta Group do not own 272s. There are only a few of of us. 

@NOQUARTER  Maybe wer’e just easily pleased!

G

GraemeH posted:

@NOQUARTER  Maybe wer’e just easily pleased!

G

That could be it GRAEMH,judging by the various threads on the 4.6 update,it might be more user preference.One thing I DO know though,Superlumina brings you to the next level,so when are you trying some?

Naim owners easily pleased?  I think not!

No quarter posted:

GraemeH posted:

@NOQUARTER  Maybe wer’e just easily pleased!

G

That could be it GRAEMH,judging by the various threads on the 4.6 update,it might be more user preference.One thing I DO know though,Superlumina brings you to the next level,so when are you trying some?

Fingers in ears “La la la la la la la....”

G

Just a little update on the Superlumina full loom...I have had the system playing 24/7 for two weeks straight now,although admittedly,sometimes real low volume.I am not really hearing all these ups and downs that many others have described with these cables,which is good,because they sounded great from day one to me.My plan is to leave them playing this way for a couple more weeks,swap in the old cables,and see if this is all in my head or not.Right now,I think these cables are a nice upgrade,but I have no way of knowing if a 555 would be a better move.Not a big deal really for me,because I am sure I will end up with a 555 one day anyway.