2 x Hicap on 282

popeye · January 24, 2021, 5:54pm

No way, if the NDX2 was bare like my own then most likely.

JohnF · January 25, 2021, 7:48am

I wish people wouldn’t mention how good the 252 is. I’ve just bought a 282 with a Supercap which sounded better than the Hi Cap I intended using.
Now I’m thinking as I’ve bought the Supercap should I listen to the 252. This is the most expensive site I’ve ever visited.

Antz · January 25, 2021, 8:41am

John the 282/SC is a lovely Pre combo and IMO just shows how good the 282 is, I went from 282/HCDR to SC and the uprade in detail and music was a delight

I would just enjoy the music

AlanJ · January 25, 2021, 8:52am

A Supercap on a 282 leads, inexorably, to a 252
Resistance is futile.

ColinP · January 25, 2021, 8:57am

Just forget it and enjoy what you have, it will play music very very well

james_n · January 25, 2021, 4:24pm

It’s certainly worth trying the 252, but a 282 with a Supercap in tow is a very potent pre-amp. It’s been done to death here so no point going over old ground of 282 vs 252 but don’t assume it automatically must be ‘better’. System synergy and your own preferences are key here.

You’ve got a very nice system there already so I wouldn’t rush to try the 252…

Corry · January 26, 2021, 6:10am

You probably don’t want to hear this, but one reason I spent over a year tracking down the right pre-loved 552 was to knock these kinds of nagging what-if thoughts on the head once and for all.

ryder · January 26, 2021, 6:27am

It is entirely up to the individual. People can say the 252 is better than 282 but the decision to upgrade lies with the individual. The 282/HCDR is my endgame amp although I’m aware the sound quality of the Supercap and 252 may be different or better.

Mike_S · January 26, 2021, 6:28am

Have you seen the 552 v S1 thread then

JohnF · January 26, 2021, 9:23am

I’ve just replaced the XPS DR with a 555PS DR on my NDX2 and it was such an improvement that I’m now trapped into thinking the classic series is not enough.
Whoever constructed the Naim range was an evil genius!

anon39880737 · January 26, 2021, 9:44am

And then along came the Statement eh

Corry · January 27, 2021, 5:52am

The Statement is sufficiently far out of my league that I’m not even slightly tempted by it

steviebee · January 31, 2021, 3:22pm

Hi @cwhizz
Finally got to swapping out the SC2 for my two HCDRs this morning. Warming them up as they’ve been boxed for a couple of months.

First impressions? Very clear, detailed presentation with nice, um, spatiality to the soundstage. Impressive, I have to say. The SC2 was warmer perhaps, and perhaps slightly less detailed, but these are very first impressions.

I’ll keep the HCs in for a few days, then go back to the SC2. Then decide. I’m quite taken with the detail of the twin HCs, but more time needed! The DR effect, I wonder. More ‘hi fi’, less ‘music’ is not particularly what I’m looking for, so we’ll see how this goes…especially when I swap the SC back in.
So far, pretty good for a first impression.

That aside, I’m wondering also about a recap for the SC - in case I ever go to a 252 and bearing in mind the SC2 is a few years older than the HCs. Or maybe just find a good, used DR when/if I try 252.

cwhizz · January 31, 2021, 5:34pm

Thanks Stevie, really appreciate the update.

I don’t think a 252 is going to be on my radar anytime soon, so SC not so vital for me. Tempted to try the second HCDR though. Thanks again.

steviebee · January 31, 2021, 6:25pm

@cwhizz

My only caveat re the twins, is whether the clarity and detail (slightly more forwardness and top end?) may make the sound a bit tiring over time, with some recordings. I’m not sure yet, but I’ll report back once I’ve played more tomorrow and Monday. The twin HC are (initially) impressive tho…seemed to ‘open up’ the presentation - especially noticeable on my new Kaki King LP ( guitar-based instrumental).

Whoops, getting my days mixed up, today IS Sunday! I meant Monday and Tuesday now I’ve come to my senses…

james_n · February 1, 2021, 4:52pm

On your way back to the SC2, it might be worth just trying one HC DR on your 282, just for completeness. Apologies if you’ve already been down this route. It’s a long thread…

steviebee · February 1, 2021, 6:37pm

I haven’t tried a solo HCDR, @james_n.
You’re right:

I should, and will

LindsayM · February 1, 2021, 7:13pm

Not in my case, I’ve tried the 252 and it is an improvement but not such that I’d go for it. But a 552…

AlanJ · February 1, 2021, 7:27pm

Well the comment was tongue-in-cheek and not intended to be taken too seriously.

Thedomestique · February 1, 2021, 7:54pm

I started this thread about the benefit of adding a 2nd Hicap to my 282 or possibly a Supercap but it seems the thread has changed to 282 to 552 transition. It does make me laugh this forum