NOVA vs. Amplifier + Networkplayer solution

I demod the Nova v 272/250, the 272/250 just edged it by about 5% but in my opinion it wasn’t worth the extra cost. I bought the Nova.

Of course this is my experience with my ears!

Nick

Thats strange - I demod the Nova v. 272/250 as well, in combination with dynaudios special 40 and the difference was huge. 

The search function is your friend on this forum, a lot has been written on the various combinations above and as a newbie to Naim not that long ago I did a lot of reading as well as asking for advice on the forum.

One other suggestion have you thought about going with a network streamer and a integrated amp.  I started with a ND5XS & NAIT XS 2 and currently have a NDX & SUPERNAIT 2. I wanted to keep a low box count and keep to a budget. When going with a multiple box system you have to consider the expense of additional rack shelves, inter-connect cables, power supplies, etc. 

There is also used network streamers available on the used market with the release of the new streamers, so there may be some deals out there. .......actually there is always used gear out there so options are plentiful no matter which direction you head in.

Good luck with your decision.

Take your time and listen for yourself; as the contradictory opinions above demonstrate, other people’s advice does not always get you any closer to the right decision for you. 

seakayaker posted:

The search function is your friend on this forum, a lot has been written on the various combinations above and as a newbie to Naim not that long ago I did a lot of reading as well as asking for advice on the forum.

 

I found some answers on NOVA vs. 272/250 but my question was NOVA vs. ND5XS / NAC 202 / NAP 200 DR. I didnt find anything for that combination, but probably someone posted that already in a sub answer or under a different headline maybe?

I demod the Nova vs a 272/250DR to me the Nova was clearer better.

To me there is a different presentation from 272/250 to Nova, but it’s not a huge difference, particularly if you need to have a low box count. 

Probably a lot depends on what stage of burn in they’re both at when demoed, I know my Nova has significantly improved since new, now has about 450 hours up and it’s so much better particularly in the bottom end. Have never heard a 272/250.

I'd seriously consider an NDX 2 via a Supernait 2.  The NDX 2 is very impressive standalone I found compared to  my Nova, both playing to external pre/power combos.  If I did not already have a usable pre/power option i think the Supernait 2 could be a great combination with the NDX 2 and if possible I'd demo it.

I was in the market for a Nova, I really wanted to like it but it was to fatiguing with my PMC speakers. Went for the 272/250DR. However what suits my wife and I won't necessarily suit you. Try demo with your family for second opinion. Sometimes those family members come up with very interesting unbiased comments. Rich 

Hi Rich1.. your post caught my eye.. I also find PMC speakers, especially their twenty5 series fatiguing with higher end amps. I was surprised, in my subjective assessment, how coarse  they were on the end of a Statement system... and even on my humble 552 / 250 system it was irritating ... I think it was about lack of resolution of the higher end.. very obvious with chamber and choral music, but less so albeit ultimately fatiguing with rock... on lesser amps though it seems less apparent... now clearly there are many that enjoy these speakers with higher end amp.. we perhaps all focus on different things when we listen and appreciate... but I wouldn’t write the Nova off because of it..

Simon, I completely agree with you, until you've listened nothing within reason can be written off. I've ended up with PMC 20 24s and listen to all types of music, rock, pop, jazz and trad jazz, classical, opera etc. We go to regular concerts, miked and un-miked probably once a month. I like to be reminded of a live performance, I know audio memory can be fickle but my present system gives me an acceptable compromise between reality, cost and domestic harmony! But as always, we all hear music differently, one man's food is another's poison. Rich 

We are all different, but I compared XS2, NS2 and 202/220/SC and the latter was a LOT more musical and lot more hifi-sounding.