I see you have decided on the 252. There are several factors I suggested to skip the 252. Firstly, I have read few experiences that support @MDS in that the 252 lacks the verve and excitement of the 282 and the 552 corrects this by combining the boogie factor of the 282 and refinement of the 252 into one package. I know of a 252/300 owner who upgraded to a Luxman L590AXII and reported an improvement in sound quality. Coincidentally I also own the L590AXII and have compared it to the 282/250DR on different speakers many times. The Luxman beats the 282/250DR in detail and refinement as it reproduces all the nuance in music where the Naim fails terribly. However, with certain lazy sounding speakers (Harbeth and Graham), the Luxman sounds flat and boring. By combining the dots, my supposition is the 252/300 is an inferior version of the L590AXII with a signature house sound that is smooth, refined and detailed but lacking in dynamics and boogie factor.
The key is in speaker matching as the 252 will still work and sound good with most speakers, until you experience something better you won’t realise what is missing. The 282 is a safer bet if upgrading from the 272 and since 252 is already quite near to the 552, it’s better to go directly to the 552 if you can as it’s confirmed to address all the weaknesses of the 282 and 252.
FWIW I still have the 282/250DR reserved for the Graham LS5/9 as the speakers sound unexciting driven by the more refined and delicate Luxman. Dynamics and boogie factor are important.
I wonder if a way forward might be to get a 332 and swap the 272 for an NDX2. The 332 has balance outputs that could be used with active speakers in the future. Wanting both streaming and CD does rather complicate matters. Maybe it’s time to choose.
I had a 272/555 and 300 for a few years and it’s a cracking system and much better than some would credit it for.
Another potential option is to go NDX2 555PSDR as primary source. Get a non Naim CD transport or player and use it as transport into NDX2. Then go 252 Supercap DR, 300DR.
Naim CD players are no longer fully supported unfortunately.
I am using a beautiful Marantz SACD SA12 player as transport into my ND555 and 2 x 555PSDRs and it sounds wonderful.
The 222, as good as it is won’t have as good preamp as 252 Supercap DR IMHO.
However, if box count is an issue then go 222 and 2 x 350sNC. And run CD transport to 222. That’s 4 boxes. And you can add an NPX300 to 222 to make 5 for improved sound quality.
I would potentially go 252 Supercap DR, 300DR, NDX2 bare or XPSDR or 555PSDR, CDX2 555PSDR. 8 boxes. 2 racks. Will look amazing. If streaming is not your thing then 7 boxes. Same OC boxes.
For me, having had 4 Naim CD players over the years, the Marantz used as transport is less hassle. Bought brand new, built like a tank and blends well into my Naim/Linn ecosystem. The fascia echoes the Naim Fraim uprights and it looks perfect.
Two sources is certainly cheaper than 3! Personally I have ripped all my CDs to a Core and ditched the CD player. By streaming you get access to both new music, new releases and hi res via a good streaming service. Again, only you can decide. I do miss my CDS3 but who knows if the mech would still be working by now? Decisions, decisions.
I’m using the ND555 as DAC. The Marantz is softer. I used it with Limetree Bridge as experiment. The DAC in ND555 is alot better. But DAC in Marantz SA12SE is no slouch.
I listen to my Marantz direct to analogue 552 DR pre amp when playing SACDs and sometimes with CDs and it is very good. A softer warmer sound.
In a few days, I’m going to a private seller to buy a 252 and a Supercap. It’s a good buy; the units have high serial numbers, and Naim says they were manufactured in 2022 and 2021, respectively. All cables are included.
Furthermore, the seller has never used them as it was a mistake to buy them, a long story. I feel lucky, as I am essentially buying a new product.
Call me somewhat distrustful generally, but my advice would be to go in to this with your eyes wide open. It does sound just a tiny bit too good to be true (not ever having been used and selling at a great price). Hopefully it will all work out well for you. Good that you are collecting.
I’ve had a long conversation with him, he says he can show me the original receipts, he’s sent me pictures of boxes with serial numbers. He’s been playing on Naim for many years, has had a lot of Naim. He’s introduced himself with a picture and phone number. I’m going to his house and he’ll plug in the devices.
