Thanks for this - super duper helpful. To put my cards on the table - I have listened to my Nap 300dr, NDX2, NAC 282 + 2x hicaps on both 804 d4 and 803 d4. I currently have 805 d3s.
The 804s showed me that my system was trapped by the 805s. I was gobsmacked at the step up from the 805s. Don’t get me wrong; I have loved my set up but this was like buying new kit.
Then the dealer smiled and wheeled in the 803s. OMFG it was like entering a new world. I never knew how much potential my system had. It’s a moment I won’t forget because the joy of listening was so amplified beyond anything I had experienced before.
I am not looking for perfection, just joy. It was joyful.
Now, on reflection after my interaction this week I started to question myself. I didn’t really push the system when demonstrating it and so I am wondering if there is a point, like you said, where the 300 just looses control…
Sounds like I should go for it and if the amplification doesn’t really suit over time I can chop and change. In the short term my sense is I am going to be just fine.