Hi folks, looking for some feedback as am hoping to upgrade from my 250DR to either a NAP300DR or the new NAP350 monos with my 272! Any feedback and or suggestions? Heard the 350’s but not the 300DR, thus in limbo! Thanks for your input.
I used the 272/555 with a 300DR and it was really wonderful. Whether you get a 300 or the new 350s possibly depends on your plans for the 272. If you want to keep it for the foreseeable, then 300 makes much more sense. But if you want to move to a 333/332 then the 350s make more sense. By all accounts 222/350 is a bit unbalanced.
We had 272/250DR and now have 300DR. The 300 adds much more control of bass, and more detail at lower volume levels.
We’ve also heard the 350s - they are stunning.
If you’re keeping 272 then the 300DR makes far more sense financially. There are good 300DR around for not much money.
The 350s would only really come into their own with further substantial investment (in source/pre).
As well as control and detail, a change to the 300 made my speakers sound twice as big, giving a much better scale. You can pick up a 300DR for under £4,000, making it quite the bargain. A pair of 350s even ex dem will be over £10,000.
Could now be the time to sell the 272/555 and go to the New Classic?
Go straight to 350 … however, extra power cord should you after other makes
not really by all accounts there are a few of us who rate the combination very highly
Another possibility would be to go for a NC 250. I’ve not done the comparison myself, but some on here rate the NC 250 above the 300DR. That would set you up for eventually moving to a full 200 series system, which could be seen as the New Classic version of a 272-based setup.
Roger
Many thanks for your feedback; am not sure I follow your re ‘extra power cord should you after other makes’ - do you mean that I should be upgrading to a higher quality power cord?
Thanks.
Ron
Many thanks for your feedback Roger, much appreciated.
Cheers,
Ron
Many thanks for the feedback HungryHalibut, much appreciated.
Cheers,
Ron
Thank you IainO, looks like the 300DR makes more sense financially speaking. However, as far as SQ, would there be an improvement using my 272 disregarding cost?
Thanks,
Ron
Yes … you are right .
300 and 350 sounds different in character . 300 is more “forward” whereas 350 is more calm and more detail … and of cos , more power
One more question: what do you mean by 222/350 as a bit unbalanced?
Thanks.
Ron
When I had a 272 I added a 555PS before upgrading to the 300. I wouldn’t have run the 300 off a bare 272, as the 272 by itself is really not good enough. I’m assuming that the same applies to the 222.
Some have reported that they were unimpressed with the 350s on a 222, and that the 350s really shine with a 333 and 332. It seems to make sense to keep 200 series together, and the same for 300 series. Others may disagree but that’s my take on it.
Yes you are right … 350 does shine more w the 333 and 332
@rdmotti hi … may I ask… how long you gonna keep your 272 ? If it’s only gonna be for like 1 year or so , may I suggest you access your thoughts again . Unless you are getting a pre loved 300DR . If a new 300DR , the cost you spent vs the how long to keep 272 .
If it’s gonna be a good long investment, you should or may want to look at the new NC .
As others have said, the answer depends on what your longterm plan is. If you plan on moving to a better front end - 333/332 say - then starting with an NC 250 will mean you get a power amp upgrade now and don’t drain your funds that can then later be used for the source.
Or perhaps a better option would be to just get the 333 now and use the 272 as a pre-amp until funds permit the 332 ![]()
Comparison done here - NSC222 + NPX, 250DR, NC250 (both < 1yrs old) and NAP300DR (c 4yrs old).
Using Fraim, NACA5 and Ovator 400s - clear hierarchy without question, in the order described!
Unless you have a large budget, NAP300DR, if less than maybe 5 years old, will be an absolute bargain. My comment above is that, at least with NSC222 it is a clear step up. By no means massive, but noticeable and likely worthwhile, given current prices. I have heard 3 series in different configurations. The NC350 shine with 3 series kit. As others have indicated best to go all in. Otherwise for a third of the cost, the NAP300DR will not be one third of the expensive system. Only audition the NC350 of course, if you have deep pockets.
Yes, the 300DR gets a better grip of speakers than 250DR, so bass level and tightness improves.
Low level listening also improves.
General small detail improves.