272 - next upgrade?

Posted by: Numptyhead on 06 September 2018

Hi all

Currently have a 272/XPSDR/250DR config which is performing very nicely. 

I have recently decided that streaming is not for me ( I have a vast CD and LP library) but I am really enjoying the I-radio and the DAB/FM functions on my 272. The one box pre certainly seems a good solution for my needs. Sources are CDX2 and a high spec LP12, speakers are Ovator 400s. Boxes sit on a double width Hutter. 

I have had some funds released for an upgrade, so its decision time.

Option 1 - upgrade the XPSDR to a 555DR and move the XPSDR onto my CDX2. Nice and simple upgrade with hopefully benefits across all inputs.

Option 2 - upgrade the XPSDR to a 555DR and P/X the XPSDR against the 555. This will keep the box count and the price down. I have a slight concern that two hefty PSUs in close proximity will cause hum? Have other members had this problem? Obviously in this option only the 555 survives. 

Option 3 - jettison the 272 for a 282 with HCDR and a 3rd party tuner. Move the XPSDR onto my CDX2. This should "improve" the analogue inputs but the tuner solution is clunky. 

I have no intention of changing the Ovators (which I love) or going down the NAP300 route.  Obviously I'm most interested in 272 owners who have gone the 555DR upgrade route and the real benefits it brings. I previously had an SN1/Nap200 config, but I found the 272 didn't really improve significantly until it had the XPS/250 added. That was an expensive learning exercise.  

I have a demo of the 555 config lined up but I'm keen to hear the views of members who have been down this route or similar. There is no favourite within the 3 options. My budget is £6k to £7k.

Thanks

Numpty

 

  

Posted on: 06 September 2018 by Finkfan

Hi [@mention:72948380262405885]

im just in the process of removing a 272 from my setup. Streaming with a 272, as convenient as it is, was no match for my bare CDX2. I demoed an XPSDR on my 272 and felt the improvement was subtle and didn’t represent value for money. I then found a 555 non DR and added that to the 272. The improvement was significant and so the 555 stayed. Because it improved every aspect of the 272, the CDX2 improved and continued to perform better than streaming from a Nas, Tidal etc. I then tried the 555 on the CDX2 into bare 272. This was a dramatic improvement! More authority and detail with a larger soundstage and more analog feel to the music. The streamer was a far cry from this and I knew if I was to have a streamer, it would have to perform at this new level. My dealer sent over a 282/HCDR and this works stunningly well with the CDX2/555 and my P3 being a fuller, smoother sound than the analog side of the 272. My new setup is CDX2/555, 282/HCDR, 250DR. Streaming can wait for now. 

Posted on: 06 September 2018 by Bob the Builder

I would say option 3 and even try stretching to a SuperCap non DR on the 282. It’s a bit of a waste using the 272 like that in my opinion rather than that you could just get something like a Chord Mojo and use your phone or laptop for internet radio. 

Posted on: 06 September 2018 by hungryhalibut

If your focus is on LPs and CDs it seems sensible to get a separate dedicated preamp. With the budget you have available a 282/Supercap would seem ideal, or a Hicap if that’s too expensive. You could then pick up a used UnitiQute for iRadio and FM, and you’d still be able to listen to Tidal or Spotify if you fancy it. 

I have a 555DR on my 272 and I found it a huge step up from the XPSDR in terms of engagement and naturalness. The power supply improves both the streamer and the preamp, and as I have no other sources it makes sense. But I wouldn’t do it if I were using the 272 just as a preamp. 

Posted on: 06 September 2018 by Richieroo

I have experienced what HH has explained........ so I would go for a 555psdr ........ into the 272. Then I would use the other supply into your cd player ;-)  Then I would hold on to the 272 ......... until the new one comes out .......... this should be a stepup again in quality + all the nice functionality.........:-))) happy days........