As others have pointed out, 152/155 are long discontinued but this doesn’t make them redundant, should be discounted though.
With FCXS attached CD5XS and 152XS will perform a nice coherent sound, never tiring.
Notice not all Naim CD players can be supported due to scarce parts.
Your CD source are really good and would fit into a higher hiearchy amp, such as SuperNait, 202/200 and higher.
If new to these amps ? on Naim website you can find history release, serial and discontinue specs on products.
Fair enough, the Qutest is a very capable DAC, it can run with the big dogs, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. As for the amplifier upgrade options, most of what you’ll hear here is people reciting the Naim upgrade path hierarchy, which can become a bit self serving IMO, beware of group think.
Nothing really happened yet. I took your opinion to heart (I really like the idea of synergia between all the devices), so I’m thinking seriously of buying NAC152XS and NAP155XS. As you mentioned, I was advices by some members to buy another equipment, like 202/200. This is also tempting, but I’m still thinking about this synergia. Btw do you use Naim’s DIN interconnects, or RCA cables?
Yes, I went to the NAP200DR. Naim recommend as being an option for the NAC152XS. It’s more hi-fi but less sweet than the NAP155XS imo. So I switched back. Undeniably Naim’s big amplifier breakthrough of the last decade, the DR tech, gives a faster, more transparent sound though. It just depends what you want…
This reminds my when I was trying Chord Hugo at the shop with my Sennheiser 580 HD. The sound was very hi-fi, very technical, detailed etc. but… I couldn’t listen to it any longer. It was just too much for my brain. I didn’t feel joy. Now, I’m thinking about Chord Qutest, but having this experience in my mind, I have ambivalent feelings.
The NAP200DR is good compared with the NAP155XS but good in a different ways, if that makes any sense.
IMO for you to hear CD5XS, FCXS, NAC152XS, NAP155XS now is the best thing to do, and decide for yourself how sweet it is, and whether you like it. It is no good me banging on about synergy. You have to hear it for yourself.
And if you don’t like it, yeah, Qutest, NAC282, HC-DR, NAP250DR, why not? no harm done it’s only hi-fi! But worth hearing the obvious and probably sweetest option first. Otherwise you risk that forum perennial, analysis paralysis.
Currently my Arcam Alpha 9 preamp and amp are connected to the speakers in bi-amping topology. If I decide to buy 152/155, it won’t be possible, there’ll be only one pair of cables to the speakers, without division into HF/terminals and LF/terminals. Would that be fine? Or it would be a downgrade?
My Arcam has 70 watts output power per channel, whereas NAP 155 XS has 60 watts. Should I consider it only in a matter of max volume? Recommended amplifier power for my speakers is 60-120W.
I read manual for NAC 152 and there are a couple of power supply upgrade options for it: FlatCap XS (both outputs), FlatCap XS (1 output for NAC, 1 output for CDXS), FlatCap XS and Hi-Cap, 2 x Hi-Cap. I already have a FlatCap for my CDXS, so it’s the cheapest option for me, but I was wondering if it would be a good upgrade to buy separate FlatCap only for NAC?
The 152 and 155 will be an upgrade on your Arcam Alpha 9. It will not be a downgrade with lack of biamping.
You may find the 155 louder than the Arcam 9. 60 watts of Naim power may end up being louder or similar to the Arcam. I wouldn’t worry about that.
I wouldn’t go for another Flatcap in this system.
If it was my choice I would go 82 Hicap 250. Cost would be around £2400 used. When I went from Nait 5Si I upgraded to 82 HiCap 250 and it was a massive upgrade.
Buy all olive and use your CD player, should work really well.
Also consider Supernait 1, 2 or 3. Can be upgraded with HiCap.
There are considerable cost differences between a 152/155 combination and a 200/202 combination.
I started off with a 5i, then a 112x/150, then a 202/200, now a 282, and soon a 250DR. It is addictive! I have had this habit for over 20 years, my upgrades have generally been used and ex demonstration products.
My other sources are
Vinyl #Cymbiosis serviced and upgraded Pink Triangle PT1, Modded RB300, Dynavector 10x5
Digital Topping D90 as a Roon endpoint
Speakers Kudos X3’s with KS1 cable
I fear you are overthinking this . The proposed set sounds great with the FCXS on CD5XS and upgrade 1 of NAC152XS. And needs to be tried with your speakers though I understand dealers are not always that helpful.
To be fair to you, Naim did actually suggest two FCXSs in a full XS system when it was launched, one on CD5XS and NAT05XS and the other on both upgrades on the preamp.
Haha, you’re probably right The decision is hard for me - I can’t take 152/155 for testing, I can only buy it. Also, I have to add banana plugs to my cables. As you can see, it’s almost one way road
I’ve never had a 152/155 but have a CD5XS and previously owned a Nait XS. I thought the FCXS added to the qualities of the CD player, but the improvement was modest and whether it was value for money is very subjective. I also tried a HiCap but found it changed the sound making it forced and unrealistic. In your shoes I’d dedicate the FC to the 152 and look for an nDAC as upgrade to the CD5XS, if you can find one, of course. That would make a nice visual match with the XS series boxes, too.
Edit: your second post came as I was writing this. If the 152 set is now out of play and you want a new Naim amp, realistically, it’s going to be Nait XS3 or SuperNait. The Nait XS is the natural partner of your CD player but a SuperNait 3 should work well, particularly if you could manage to find a nDAC somehow.
Well… maybe not. First of all, I learnt a lot Secondly, I only checked in local stores - there’s still the whole Internet, I’m sure I’m gonna find 152/155 somewhere
. The proposed set sounds great with the FCXS on CD5XS and upgrade 1 of NAC152XS. And needs to be tried with your speakers though I understand dealers are not always that helpful.
The decision is hard for me - I can’t take 152/155 for testing, I can only buy it. Also, I have to add banana plugs to my cables. As you can see, it’s almost one way road