Yes, the network card in the 272 (or any 1st gen streamer) is poor SQ wise, compared to modern options.
It seems pointless upgrading downstream of the 272 before adding a good quality streaming bridge upstream.
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Mine’s still serving me well, into a Chord DAC. @mbishop definitely worth thinking about a relatively small and relatively cheap streamer to augment your 272, something like the Primare, or Lindemann as suggested by @Ian2001, could keep the upgrade cost sensible and free up money for other things. Though I can also see the temptation to go with NSC222, or NSS333 based options as well! Good luck deciding
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1 make the PMCs active
2 chop the 272 - too compromised to make most of a 3 box system
3 buy an NDX2
then you have two possible ways to go
4a keep the XPS to use on the NDX2 and get an NC or non-Naim pre that doesn’t require a power supply OR
4b some think the XPS doesn’t add much to the NDX2 so chop that too, get a Supercap and the OC pre of your choice (might need to sneak a napsc in too)
As a previous 272/XPS DR/250 DR owner, I’d sell the 180 and look to pick up a used 250 DR as the most cost effective upgrade - the 272/XPS won’t have a very attractive trade in/sell on price to put towards a 222/300 and, as HH says, you need the right PMC’s to utilise the active upgrade kit. It’s a really difficult question with no obvious cut and dried answer, a lot of choices depending on available budget.
Of course, you could simply opt for HH’s solution and swap all your current kit for an Atom HE and a pair of PMC/ATC actives and you’re done…….
ATB, J
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As has already been clarified the OP’s Twenty5.23i is one that can.
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There’s a lot of talk about going active on your Twenty5 23s. But i’d suggest you go listen to a pair first or get the active modules on trial into your speakers.
I tried a demo of active Twenty5 24i and it wasn’t for me. But then again, I did prefer the Twenty5 24i’s driven by a pair of Nap 350s, so hardly a fair fight. But even compared to my previous power amps they were not to my liking. But you may like them, but get a demo.
I also found the help/support from PMC when I emailed a few questions non existent.
.
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Interesting, not sure my dealer will be able to do this. I guess I can ask them
Or find a dealer who can ?
Apologies, missed that.
In which case, go for the active upgrade kit, apparently really easy to install, connect the 272/XPS and see what you think…. perhaps selling/trading the 180 to get there.
Then, if you feel the need for a further upgrade, the Atom HE or 222 beckon, the latter being further upgradable with a 300 at your discretion.
Or even, heaven forbid, look to an entirely different streaming pre-amp for your upgraded, active PMC’s.
What’s not to like?
ATB, J
If class D amplification is a option, surely better to go for a manufacturer that specialises in class D amplification.
The Primare A35. 2 power amp matched with the Pre35 is an excellent combination.
Add the dac and streaming modules gives you all you need and only 2 boxes.
Surely class is an irrelevance if the sound is right - and the PMC modules not only are tailored to the speakers but enable you yo realise the benefits of active driving.
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It depends on whether you want state of the art class D amplification from a serious hifi manufacturer or off the shelf class D modules aimed at DIY kit builders. 
And this is what PMC use? Really?
Roger
give a good indication which one.
Naim also use modules made by someone else in their clsss D amps - but it is said that what matters is how implemented. I have no spe ific knowledge of the PMC units, but to me it is wholly irrelevant if they sound good - and knowing PMC, a company that was, maybe still is, uk agent for Bryson, I’d be very surprised if the amp modules are poor, whoever actually designs and builds them. Then there is the active factor, which is significant in its own right. The OP should of course audition to see if it is good to him/her, and no harm in auditioning the alternative you suggested, to make best informed decision.
It was Richard Dane who once, long ago, mentioned that the Naim DAC was a superb piece of kit that was great vfm.
I immediately acquired one, and it led me down the path to where I now am.
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As with everything there are pros and cons.
Given the amount of silicone or similar they’ve squeezed between components to reduce vibrations, sticking an amp in a vibrating speaker must be a con.
How is it a con? Sounding good is all that matters - and active drive has inherent advantages over passive. WHist it might be better to mout the amps outside the speaker boxes as ATC does, if the silicone or whatever it is does the job what’s the problem? The proof of the pudding is in the eating. (Or should that be potting? - there’s a well established technique in electronics of “potting”, where entire circuits are embedded in resin - they could always do that if the silicone approach proved inadequate…)
I can’t imagine why an amplifier would not perform better in a stable, stationary position, rather than being strapped to a vibrating speaker.
The active PMCs sound very good to me. Maybe I’ve just been swindled, it is the 50th anniversary of the Pistols playing Manchester after all.
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