Yes I did. For a number of years I had an audiolab 800C/PX combo which was pretty good. The naim 202/200 blew that away. The 282 did the same to the 202, its in a different league in every department.
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The 282 is good. The sound is quite unique as what you have aptly described (perhaps it will get better if you give it more time). Iāve owned the 202/200 and the 282 surely gives more of everything especially the spacious, 3-dimensional and dynamic sound where you sometimes feel music is coming from left and right of the sound field.
As i said in my original post, the soundstage has suddenly started to widen. The almost 3d image and texture in voices is quite something
Excellent. Had mine for 10+ years now with a SC and whilst the 252 is an obvious step-up itās not a change that Iām inclined to because I know Iād always hanker after the 552 so I leave well alone. Enjoy the NDX2.
Regards,
Lindsay
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Certainly will Lindsay thanks. NDX2 will be here I understand 21st October - counting the days! Brand new simrack arriving a few weeks after that. My system will be at another level!
Hi Andy.
Yes I was very impressed with powerlines. The HiLine is fantastic but itās only downfall is how fragile it is. I now use the Super Lumina. Both interconnects are like a black box upgrade, they are that good.
I personally havenāt heard the 300 but having moved from a Supernait2 to the 250DR, itās as if the speakers have doubled in size and weight.
If this is the case again with the 300 itās not an amp I would entertain in my room with my speakers. Fortunately my speakers are relatively easy to drive.
Enjoy the NDX2, it is a fantastic bit of kit.
Not sure if you have used Roon but I would highly recommend it as it brings an amazing adventure to every listening session.
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Thanks Popeye, some useful info! I have heard the Hiline has to be handled with care. Iāve seen that a number of forum members hold the tellurium black in high regard so that is an option. I think powerlines might have to wait a while though. I have similar concerns to yourself regarding the 300 and the size of my room. Would definitely want to try before I buy.
I have not previously had a streamer so have no real knowledge of roon. My understanding is that it is a platform to access on line services as well as being an information/data system, am I about right?
Cheers
Andy
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That may be true in the UK, but not in the US. I acquired my 252 (ca. 2016) and SuperCapDR (ca 2018) for about $11k US. I have not seen a 552 DR for anything less than about $15k and up.
When I had my 282 I first got a SuperCar DR for it. The 252 was a natural step up after that. I was able able to make the change incrementally as I had funds and thatās not possible with the 552.
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Yes sorry, I am referring to in England.
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A 552 for $4k more than a 252? Iād bite their hand off!!!
It was an older one I once saw in that range, and I donāt think it was DR. There is one on Audiogon now for $17k+ (marked as sold). Itās a DR upgraded unit.
552s in the US are in general, are at least 50% more than 252/SuperCapDR and they donāt come up very often.
It seems like you have a nicely thought out plan of how to develop the system in a logical way. If you donāt already have dedicated mains, try to do that before spending more on black boxes. Youāll get the most out of them that way.
Iād not worry about concerns expressed regarding a 300 in a smaller room. My room is only 5.5m by 3.6m and the 300 is very much at home. Itās just so much better than the 250 and your speakers would love it. Itās more relaxed, less forced, more natural and more musical. Itās simply a superb amplifier.
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Hi Nigel, thanks for your advice. Dedicated mains is something I am considering. Will certainly be next year now after this latest round of spending! I read your comments elsewhere on the English Electric switch. I had in fact already raised this with my dealer and he strongly recommended the EE so I have ordered one and he has given me a good deal on an epic ethernet cable as well.
As far as the 300 is concerned my room is about 3.5m by 4m so slightly smaller than yours. I think from your remarks it is something to think about.
Regards
Andy
Yes, the 300 is worth considering at least. I found that BJC cables for about Ā£30 were better than one I had for Ā£300. It might be worth trying if you have an option on the Epic.
Depending on definition. Iāve been staring at that one for quite some time
The obvious spanner in the upgrade works is that with a new 252 + SC you are not very far away from a good-quality used 552
Indeed. You can buy old apples or new pears.
Thats a thought of mine as well
There is one on Ebay for Ā£15.250 with 2018 serials
Which is about $19k US at current exchange rates. And for a US buyer, add shipping and cost to convert voltage on PSU.
Back to my original point, if you are in the US, a secondhand 552 is nowhere close to the cost of a secondhand 252/SCDR, not that I have ever seen. The 552 is at least a 50% premium in cost. Iām happy to have gone to 252/SCDR from my original 282/HCDR. The 552 is not on my radar.