Big move to separates, Advise needed

Hi-Fi Corner
1

I have already posted on my decision to buy a NAP 250 DR to adequately power my AE Corinium.

I was reluctant to go the more boxes route, but after hearing the vast difference in sound quality from an Integrated to separate Power Amp, I am glad I did.

I now am looking to complete the move to separates by selling my NAit XS2 (currently used as Pre amp to the NAP 250 DR) and purchasing a Naim NAC Pre amp.

I have been told on the forums to go for a NAC 282 and have looked into this. I am concerned with the extra balance dial on the NAC 282 and heard about correct balance issues. I dont really want a balance dial and so found the NAC 202 Pre amp. But have read this is not a good Pre Amp.

I also read that a NAPSC is needed with both the 202 and 282, would I need this with my Hicap DR?.

Advise needed please.

1 Like
2

The 202 is not a good match with the 250, whereas a 282 would be perfect. The Napsc controls the digital parts of the amplifier, leaving the Hicap for the analogue. You cannot run a 282 without it, and while it’s optional with the 202 it brings a more natural sound. Forget any rubbish you’ve read about balance issues with the 282; it’s the preamp you need.

8 Likes
3

Thank you for the reply, Does the 282 come with the Napsc?.

4

It does.

1 Like
5

So it will be 4 boxes then, The NAC 282, Napsc, Hicap DR and NAP 250 DR. Not too bad :grinning_face:.

How big of a box is the Napsc?. Is it the same size as a Hicap?

1 Like
6

It’s very small and can live on the floor. Mr Google will show you.

7

Would it be ok sat next to my Hicap?

8

Yes, just keep both away from the 282 if possible.

9

Also,nothing wrong with having a balance control,its good to have if your hearing is a bit one sided like mine!

Its the lack of this on the Nait 50 that has caused me to move away from the Nait.

10

The balance control tends to be something you set once, and never touch again!

SWMBO did move it once when cleaning Boxer spittle off of our 252…..mild panic, thought our 252 was broken. Easily resolved.

Definitely not something to be concerned about.

3 Likes
11

Hi @EazyRyder, you definitely want the 282 or above. 282/250 + PSs is a classic Naim combination and you won’t be disappointed.

I did wonder when you bought the Coriniums to go with your XS2 how long it would be before you were upgrading the electronics!

Do enjoy your fine new system. I won’t mention upgrading your source … oops! :grinning: :grinning_face: :grinning_face:

Roger

3 Likes
12

If I recall you had reservations re. how many watt the amps had.

Did you get any conclusion in that XS is 60W and Nap 250DR is 80W ?

FWIW when I owned a 250DR, it delivered what I thought the most powerfull amp vs other brands poweramps, even they were rated double up.

250DR is a splendid poweramp, you could use older preamps in case the 282 solution is too expensive, something like Nac 32.5, 72, 52 or 82, all a fine solution with Hicap (52 need SC) and can be fully serviced.

2 Likes
13

Yes going from a 70wpc Integrated to the 80wpc NAP 250, on paper didnt look like a big deal. But it really is and the 80wpc Nap 250 DR must be a very understated figure, it doesnt sound like a mere 10wpc difference.

14

@EazyRyder i have a 282 with 250 Dr and it’s a wonderful combo IMO.

I have absolutely no idea what you mean about a balance issue

15

@EazyRyder once you have a 282 to go with your 250 DR, it won’t stop there. Your HiCap DR will need a “friend” to keep it company (another HICap DR) :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes: Or a completely different type of friend (Supercap DR) :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

2 Likes
16

The 202 does not have a physical dial but it does have balance adjustment.

1 Like
17

Which shows once again that looking too hard at numbers is not really the optimal way to choose components in a hifi system.

Roger

18

The balance dial is the solution, not the problem. Sometimes at low volumes, the volume pot may have an audible difference between channels. The balance dial can be used to correct this if it’s necessary.

This is not unique to the 282, it’s the Alps volume pot that’s the culprit. It’s used in the 202, 282, 252 and many other Naim preamps.

3 Likes
19

@ChrisSU interesting . I’ve never found that to be the case with my 282

20

With our 252 one channel comes on before the other, but only at the very lowest possible audible setting.

A further tiny bump up of volume and both channels come on and are (as far as we can tell) perfectly balanced.

We’d never actually be using the system with the volume that low, so it’s never been an issue.

1 Like