I did mine in stages as well. I went from a CDS2/XPS/72/HC/250 to CDS3/XPS2/252/SC2/250.2 in less than 6 months. Prompted b/c I wanted a remote. I started that iteration with a SN1 which was a huge let down. Then a 200, SC2, 252, 250.2, CDS3/XPS2. All on a Fraim. Optimized. If it works for you that’s great. There was nothing weird and not optimal about my set up and the 252 wasn’t a let down like the SN or 200 were. It was just okay. Not the usual oh yeah moment you get when you get a box upgrade. The 272/555/250DR is so much more involving, dynamic, real for me. And it’s 2 fewer boxes and $$. I’m happy for now, if I go back to separates it’ll be with a 552.
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I agree, it is my end game, that plus a Superline. One day!
I also went from 82 to 252, a move that I continue to enjoy twenty years later…
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I haven’t read all posts of this thread and don’t know whether the following has been mentioned. My apologies if it has.
The 252 has a somewhat recessed presentation compared with the 282 and 552, but this presentation is quite refined. Paired with the quick if not abrupt 300 as it is really meant to be, it may be better fit to listening to classical music. It is also true that it’s installation, placement as well as Burndy and Snaic, requires quite some care.
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My journey over the last 5 years has been:
202/200/PMC speakers → 282/250DR/PMC speakers → 252/300DR/Kudos speakers. And there we will stay. 552 is a step too far for me.
The uplift in SQ, musical enjoyment and sound stage at every step was/is palpable.
I have no hesitation in recommending 252/SCDR as it works brilliantly for me but accept, for some, it’s sound signature may not be as enjoyable as 282. Good luck in your decision making.
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Very neat looking setup
Thank you. It keeps me entertained for sure. LP12 Klimax + spec + 252/300 is a great combo
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I went from 282/250.2 to 252/300 and never regretted it for one moment. Never fatiguing (the 282/250.2 sometimes was) the 252/300 dishes up nuance and detail to immerse you in the music. The DR upgrade only builds on this. As high up the Naim ladder as I’m prepared to go without a huge lottery win …
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Thanks for the responses here. Until now I did not know the SCDR is not fully utilised with the 282 so it’s basically stick with 282/HCDR or twist with 252/SCDR, the 250DR is my limit on NAP
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I’ve gone from 282 to 252 to 552 and would say they’ve been consistent improvements. I’d add that the 282 was more forward than the 252 but preferred the 252.
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You could add a 2nd HiCap. I run 2 HiCaps with my 82 and it works well, in my view.
Others will disagree. Maybe they haven’t tried it…? Or maybe they are just grumpy…
YMMV.
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I have been down this road, albeit with an 82. I loved the 82 and used it for 15 years, I ran it with one HC, experimented with 2 HC head to head with the 252/SCdr. No contest. The 82 had the advantage of a very good phono stage built in adding to the cost of the upgrade, but the sound quality whilst good on the 82 combo was dwarfed in all dimensions by the 252/SC.
I have subsequently bitten the bullet on a 500 series upgrade, with price reflecting the gains, but the 252/SCdr combo remains an exceedingly good choice, My two year old combo is now for sale, so I hope Naim do not launch something to make it obsolete!
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No wonder you didn’t like it. Many here thought the 252/SC2/250.2 was blah with the cds3.
The 252 really needs the SupercapDR and a 250DR/300DR
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Hi CalumF, I have 282/250.2DR and when I installed a SCDR to replace a HCDR the sound was transformed. Frequency extremes extended with much more control and detail, I recall a separate forum thread saying that you only get 100% of what the 282 is capable of with an SC. Worth trying first as you’ll be able to use the SC with a 252 later if you still want to. Best wishes Amer
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I hope you let a bit of light in occasionally. That appears to be the only downside that the system will be in direct light if your place is south facing
I hada a 252 and supercap dr on a 300 dr and thro sopra 2 …n loved it different cables on it witch hat …n i was very happy …would happily stayed there if not for a awsum deal on a 552 …i listen to indie …rock n stuff along those lines and accoustic …and yep moments of magic shone through n brought smiles many avtime …go for it and enjoy 
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As my deck is in for Radikal2 upgrade I have taken the opportunity to try the 252 at the top of the rack instead of underneath the deck and with a level space now in the rack below it. Definite increased detail and ‘airiness’ - recommended for anyone who is able to put the amp at the top of a ‘brains’ rack. Sadly, for me this will be just a temporary luxury.
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Found the same with 82 but also only temporary.
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