Hi Brains trust,
Interested in peoples opinions who have experienced these two combinations and what your preferences were and why? Which sounds better in your opinion?
I love the upgradability of the seperates and the fact that the ND5 SX2 is the newer naim streaming platform, but I think the 272 may sound better (Closer to a 282).
Any thoughts?
It might be difficult to find someone with experience with exactly those two sets, but a 272 needs an XPS to sing, I would say.
When I researched my own 272 I recall the preamp generally being considered closer to the 282 than the 202 ( I did a lot of reading but didn’t demo). The streaming section was also well thought of. But so is the NDSXS2! I would expect this to be close.
The 272 offers as many if not more upgrade options than the 202/NDSXS2. As Bjorn says you can add an XPS or even a 555 to a 272 and it benefits both the preamp and streaming section. I can testify from personal experience that the XPS is a phenomenal upgrade.
272 is transformed by a PSU.
272/XPSDR/250DR was a very capable system.
Of course 272 doesn’t support latest FLAC radio streams and won’t get firmware updates for things like Tidal Connect Max - so whether it’s the right route depends on listening habits.
ND5XS2/282/HCDR/200DR would be a great setup.
Have a read of this
The 272 needs an XPSDR to get it up to 282 quality. Having owned a 202/200 I feel it needs a naps and Hicap to sound natural.
I don’t think I’d buy a 272 these days; the current streaming platform is much nicer to use and is still getting updates.
I’d also throw the ND5XS2 / Supernait 3 combo into the mix. It may very well be all you need.
A ND5/SN2 clearly outperformed a 272/250 at a demo with Sopra 2s to my ears and most in the room agreed. I imagine against a 202 it might be a closer call, but it would give more flexibility for future upgrading.
I would go for ND5XS2/202/200 without a doubt, on sound quality and on features of the newer streaming platform.
Make sure you choose carefully. There are many old 202/200s around, and they may be unserviced, or have had an unauthorised service which can alter their sound. So always check the service history with Naim before you commit.
A Hicap to power the 202 will be a significant upgrade. If you don’t want this extra box, go for a 200DR rather than the older non-DR version, as this provides better power to the preamp.
Having had first hand experience with the ND5XS2 it has the latest streaming platform and I found it very reliable. It’s sounds very good too.
I don’t have experience with the 272, 202 or 200.
I would go for step up and get a 282 HiCap DR and 250DR if you can.
Obviously this increases the budget.
Other option which I have had is 82 HiCap 250 olive series or CB 250, which will be cheaper than classic series DR.
The 82 is a great pre at budget similar to 202.
Stretch to a 282 with ND5XS2 and 200DR 
@Svetty makes a very good point, the 282/200DR even without a hicap is an excellent pairing, the 282 is a fantastic pre that really opens the door to the music, an insight to the high end.
Makes alot of sense and leaves room for upgrades including HiCapDR, or 2 HiCapDRs, 250DR or 300DR.
Or 282 ND5XS2 with 200DR should be good set up.
I haven’t heard a 272, but having compared the 282/200 (282 superior to the 272) vs the 202/200 I don’t think there is miles between the two. The 282 is better but at a steep price (within the context of that system). There are even instances where I prefer the 202/200 presentation (an undeniable synergy there).
Never heard someone say that between a 202 and 282. But in fairness I haven’t heard 202.
Always thought that 82 and 282 was far advanced from 202.
I run a NAC202, NAP 200DR, NAPSC, a non Naim PS and a ND5XS2. Even lowly Spotify sounds good. Audiolab 6000 CDT takes care of my 2000 CDs which I still like to play….
Both options are pole position to get serious upgraditis.
I’m not good at hearing some of my upgrades, but my upgrade to 82 from 102 was a big lift.
I already have a 282/250 and hicap(non DR) in my main system and it is paired with the ND5SX2 and it sounds incredible. I’ve been fortunate enough to get a near new NDX2 for my main system. I have a 272 on my office paired with a Nap200 (non DR). So my quandary is do I buy a used 202 and go separates or stick with the 272 ? From a sound quality perspective it sounds like a 272/200 combo will be better to the basic separates with ND5SX2 but newer streaming platform is better and upgrade capability is greater across both systems.
Why don’t you use the ND5XS2 with the 272 200 you have ?
That would make use of latest streaming platform.
So bypass the streaming element of the 272 and use the 272 as a pre amp only?
