Rather than pursuing the ‘more amplifiers’ route, you may want to try a 555PS on the NDX2. Having owned all sorts of illustrious Naim setups I’m absolutely delighted with my SN3 fronted by NDX2/555. For sheer musical communication it’s right up there. A much better rack than the Quadraspire would also pay big dividends.
Ah, I was a bit disappointed when I finished reading. I thought you might be putting the wheels on and “kayaking” down a hill, paddling against air.
Not sure why you’d think this - it’s exactly what you would expect. The 282 is a dedicated pre-amp and is ‘better’ than the pre-amp section of the SN. Partly because it is specifically designed to be and partly because isolating the pre-amp from the power amp confers additional benefit.
PS 555Dr is so damn expensive and rare 2nd hand in North America. Praying a Xpsdr will satisfy in the meantime.
Yes, they are not cheap. I’m simply suggesting that putting a 555 on an NDX2 may provide more musical engagement that swapping a SN for a 282/250. It depends on what one is after.
No worries mate! Even when I dream of a 555PS I can’t afford it lol.
To me it just does not make any sense to spend $12,000 on a device only to improve the sound of a component costing $7700, regardless to the end result.
If it holds its own again other $20k sources, who cares?
I heard the NAC 282 into Active ATC 19 & 40’s at two separate demonstrations and enjoyed the music quite a bit. I am sure you will be happy and look forward to hearing how they work together for you. (Your room, your system, your ears).
Would be interesting to see if you can borrow a 200DR to see how that compares. Would keep your box count at 4 (plus NAPSC)
The home demo demon strikes again. I’m struggling to stop myself from bringing home a new combo for a demo.
Enjoy the 282 @seakayaker it’s a peach of a pre amp I made a similar change from a 272/555DR a few months ago.
With the 282 one can just stop here IMHO only three Naim pre amps to better it, the 52, 552 and Statement.
It’s better to think of the end result as a single component.
It would end up more then that too. The 555 really then justifies the ND555. The ND555 then needs the 552, and so it goes on……
Not the 252 then?
I prefer the drive and excitement from the 282 and to my lugs the 252 takes a different path.
Q.E.D.
Not my intention to provoke another 282 / 252 debate just putting across my opinion
Try upgrading the interconnect from the 282. I was suprised how much better an alternative was👍