In my journey I started off with same system (apart from NDX, not NDX2)
I found during demo day with @Cymbiosis the 282 added the most sigificant improvement then 250DR
NDX is not my main source so as others have said I would either PSU on NDX2 or 282, If I was do have to do one first it would be 282 which IMO is a superb Pre mine was matched with HCDR and then SC#
Based on my experience when moving from:
NDX 2 > HiCapDR > SN 2 > NAC A5 > ProAC D30RS
to XPS-DR > NDX 2 > HiCapDR > SN 2 > NAC A5 > ProAC D30RS
to XPS-DR > NDX 2 > HiCapDR > NAC 282 > SN 2 > NAC A5 > ProAC D30RS
to XPS-DR > NDX 2 > HiCapDR > NAC 282 > 250 DR > NAC A5 > ProAC D30RS
Each component when added improved the sound and performance of the system. Others have added the same components in a different order and reported improvements as well.
As others have suggested work with a dealer and demo in the shop and at home.
Good luck with your decision and have fun along the way!
I would go for the 282 definitely. Then look at the 200 and go for a 250DR, or possibly 300. An XPSDR or 555PS would be another possibility for your NDX2.
Have a think about ultimately where you want to be?
Can you buy used easily?
This stuff can be picked uo easily used in the UK at a fraction of the price.
I lent my friend my 282 and hicap to try on his 202,200&HCā¦ he was very unimpressedā¦ (which was annoying because I thought It was an easy sell)ā¦ said it made little difference?? Which amazed meā¦ he then bought a SH 250, 282 six months laterā¦ and said the difference was immenseā¦! Guess the 200 didnāt do much for the 282??
Until yesterday I had the same amplifier set up as you, although my source was nDAC with a Cambridge Audio CXN v2 and a Rega RP8. I have now replaced the NAC 202 with a NAC 282 and have been amazed at the significant improvement to the sound. The NAC 202 was very good, but the 282 improves the sound in so many ways. The dynamic range has increased, and the bass seems to go lower and is much more controlled. There is also much more detail and stereo imaging is much sharper and defined. I would recommend the change to a NAC 282.
NDX2, 202, Napsc, 200dr, Hicap dr, PMC Twenty5 23.
Changed 202 for 282, obvious upgrade
Then changed 200dr for 250dr, wow - the difference was huge, the base so improved.
Now on the hunt for a 555ps.