FAO Hungry Halibut

Goodness me, there’s a question. The 282/250 would be more capable, but I wouldn’t use the 282 with a flatcap. I’d have thought that with judicious purchasing a used Hicap DR should be possible within your budget, given that you could also then sell the Flatcap. You could then consider an XPSDR at a later stage. If there is a high probability of being able to get an XPS in a reasonable timeframe I would choose your Option 1, otherwise I’d be inclined to go with your Option 2.

It’s worth adding that while I find it flattering that you chose to address the thread to me, I do find these FAO XX threads slightly disquieting, as they can imply, albeit entirely unintentionally in this instance, that some people’s advice is perhaps more valuable than others’, which is certainly not the case. Being totally open, I really don’t think much of the CDX2, and if you do go with an XPS I’d take the opportunity to swap it for a CDS3. That really is a lovely CD player. 

Nick,

Let me beat Nigel to it!

First the XPS transforms the CDX2, you should aim for one sooner rather than later.  

With regard to your amps it depends on your long term goal.  If you intend to further upgrade then a pre-power offers greater flexibility.   But the SN2 is a superb integrated. You could do this:

XPS

282 with HC to replace the FC

keeping the 150 and get the 250 later. 

Good luck,

Lindsay

Edit: Nigel still got there first!

The Strat (Fender) posted:

Edit: Nigel still got there first!

I agree that you should aim for a Hicap rather than a Flatcap. If that blows your budget, an alternative would be 282/200DR. This would provide power to your preamp quite nicely at significantly lower cost than a Hicap, and while a 200 is not a 250DR, it’s still a step up from your 150. 

As for which way you should go, it’s not just a question of which is better. Supernait, 200 and 250 are quite different sounding amps, and personal preference based on listening for yourself is the way to decide. The same could apply to sources, spending less on an amp to save funds for an XPS might be a better option for you, and that’s a decision that the forum cannot make for you. 

Keep your speakers whatever you do. (Not that you were thinking of changing them).

I have no meaningful electronics advice that has not been said already.

Good Advice above CDX/XPS/282/HCDR/ and keep the 150 until you get the extra for the 250DR.  

Source first of course with CDX/XPS but the difference between 122x and 282 is marked. 

Ps You can FAO me any time I’m not adverse to an ego massage

And a different slant... I love the CDX2 .. I found on lesser preamps like the 282 and below the CDX2 sounded only really at home with an XPS2 (not a 555PS). However when you raise the ante with the preamp to the 252 or  552,  I find the CDX2 sounds the most ‘musical’ on its own without external PS. The CDX2 is not a particularly neutral sounding player but does have a very endearing presentation but  is a little diluted with external PSUs... with the higher end preamps this quality shines... on lesser preamps I find the CDX2 can sound a little brash or forward, and an XPS2 tames that.

the CDX2 uses the same Texas Instruments PCM140K DAC chips that the ND555 uses (albeit perhaps a slightly looser  spec)

I ran my 282 with a flatcap 2x that also powered a CD5x but I did try both FC output on the pre too. A FC isn't a long term solution but as a stand in until you can afford a hicap it's fine. You give up some scale and forego some harmonic richness compared to a Hicap but it sounds faster because of this. Using both outputs gives more focus but shrinks the scale further, think Spinal Tap Stonehenge. It was 2 years between 282 and Hicap for me but I was distracted by a superline and an Aro on the first two attempts to buy one. All this was with a Rega power amp, the 250 came after the Hicap and the CDX2 after that followed by Fraim, which made sense of the CDX2.

What is you system sitting on, this has quite an effect on the CDX2

Nick, the one clear choice to me in any upgrade scenario you pursue is to shit-can the FC2X. I can see no justifiable place for one.

Many thanks to everyone for their considered and helpful replies.

I am going to go with the 282 and 250 DR and run it with my FC2X until I can get a HCDR.

Apologies to Nigel for any offence caused - I feel suitably admonished.

Should have added that I will get a used XPS or XPS DR when funds allow

nickfoss posted:

Many thanks to everyone for their considered and helpful replies.

I am going to go with the 282 and 250 DR and run it with my FC2X until I can get a HCDR.

Apologies to Nigel for any offence caused - I feel suitably admonished.

Nick, there was no offence taken whatsoever, I was simply explaining my reservations at threads directed towards an individual. I’m pleased you have found my advice useful on previous occasions. Your plan sounds ideal, though don’t delay on the Hicap for too long. I’m sure your Arcs will repay your investment in better amplification. 

Nick - don’t be tempted to listen to a Supercap!   Glad you’ve got a way forward.  As Nigel says your Arcs are going to love the improved amplification.  

Regards,

Lindsay

As usual I am a day late and a dollar short with my response but FWIW I would go used 282, 200dr and XPS.

Ray

nickfoss posted:

Many thanks to everyone for their considered and helpful replies.

I am going to go with the 282 and 250 DR and run it with my FC2X until I can get a HCDR.

Apologies to Nigel for any offence caused - I feel suitably admonished.

Nick, I think we all enjoyed reading advice on how to spend your money - HH and others!

nickfoss posted:

Many thanks to everyone for their considered and helpful replies.

I am going to go with the 282 and 250 DR and run it with my FC2X until I can get a HCDR

I am a bit late at the ball here, but I believe you made a grate choice considering that you are planing on future upgrades of 282 and cdx2 power supplies.

Lindsay mention SC I can only agree, amazing! To add to this having heard cdx2 with the original cd555ps, I guess the term is Blimey! (And second hand prices are quite reasonable, at least compared to new DR)