Thanks @SjMj, @Buryfc and @Thomas
Your words and @RackKit’s greatly reassure me I’ve not made a mistake in buying the 252 unheard.
UPC tried to deliver today but I was at work (aaargh), so they’re coming back in the morning - Iuckily I’d booked tomorrow off as that was the estimated delivery day, which will now give me a three day weekend to warm and set it up. Can’t wait!
Cheers @T-elmi - that’s what I had (282/SC2 non DR) - was trying out 2 HCDRs before I found the 252. Sounded great, but I could see where more control would be a good move, especially when I wound up the volume.
As much as I enjoyed my 282 I have found myself listening to (and enjoying) a wider variety of music since I replaced it with a 252. One thing I do find though is that at lower volumes the listening experience is more cerebral and the emotional impact switches on as the volume creeps up. Maybe that’s true of a lot of equipment but with the 252 I sense the moment arriving like flicking on a light switch, it’s more obvious and impactful. Generally speaking for me it’s just around 9pm on the volume dial. My room, speakers, ears etc.
I found the same thing with my 282, @marksnaim, but I thought it was down to my 805s, which some reviewers noted needed some volume to wake up and project. This was at 9ish, as you say.
I think the 250DR improved them a little in this respect.
It’ll be ineresting to see if the 252 wakes them any earlier!
@anon77199223. LOL. Yeah…with my 282 I had little or indeed no idea vs my SN3 (an amp I thought was pretty great in the first place).
I’m not expecting the exactly same leap with the 252.
But…
Time for the hard bit, removing the gear and stripping and rebuilding the Fraim. Fortified with tea and toast, let the work begin…
I think your going to love the 252. I have never understood it’s critics although I accept it is their valid opinion. I look forward to reading about your first impressions now you have had your cuppa! I came from an 82 which I loved, but the 252 is the real deal imho. Enjoy.
Well I’ve just purchased a new 282 mainly to fit and forget for 10-15 years.
Powered by a measly HiCapDR and using NAP300 all I can say is wow, sounds sublime into SL2s.
The kit is setup on a duel stack Fraim keeping the 300s, HiCap and NAPSC on the right, source components including 282 on the left allowing the 282 to shine.
As it stands now I’m done, okay the 252 may sound better but the attack and the way the 282 grooves its an incredible listen.