Hi everyone, first time on here and I’d love some help please?
I’ve had my Naim set up for a while and I’m going through the process of upgrading it (bit by bit) and this is where I need some help.
What I have is;
CD5x (currently with Naim for a new L/H DAC)
ND5 XS
NAC 112x
NAP 150x
Flatcap 2x
Headline and a NAPSC
My first upgrade was a set of B+W 803s and now I’m getting a NAC252 + Supercap, then I’ll be looking for a NAP 300 DR
Will the Supercap supply the CD5x and the NAC 252 or do I keep the Flatcap connected to upgrade power for the CD5x and use the Supercap for the NAC 252?
Any visual assistance or ‘idiot step by step’ would be amazing
Thank you in advance
1 Like
Welcome Duncan.
I would keep the flatcap and dedicate it to the CD5x.
However, if you only spin a few discs and mostly stream then why not put the cd5x, flatcap and nd5xs towards a better streamer front end (ndx2, nd555 etc…) which will be more appropriate for your 252 and upcoming 300. You could then connect an old cd player as a transport to the streamer DAC for when and if you wish to spin some CDs.
5 Likes
I don’t know your room or requirements but I have B&W 804D3s with 52/SC/300DR.
Your speakers will definitely benefit from the jump to 300DR. To show what that can do, rather than highlighting small issues further up the chain, a 252/SC really is necessary, so your direction of travel on amplification looks right.
Sadly, you may find this a frustrating process if you get that far and stop, because the better amplification and your detailed speakers (with their bass extension) may together show up your source. In an ideal world, you would aim at a better source too, despite the CD5x and Flatcap being a good vfm option.
If you are willing to stream, then NDX2 plus a CD transport (like the excellent Audiolabs) would be a great way to go. If not, I’d still suggest a pure CD transport, but plugged into a s/h Naim nDAC. If spending there meant scaling back somewhere else, you might find that swapping the 300 for a ‘mere’ 250 but with an upgraded source would give a more enjoyable compromise than a 300 with the current source.
Good luck!
2 Likes
Thanks both of you for the advise.
Well I now know I’ve made a good decision with the 252. Roll on 300 DR
2 Likes