You raise an interesting question about the sheer number of possible upgrades from the already good 272/555-PSDR/250DR. If sticking to all-Naim…
Combined streamer and preamp:-
272/555PS
222
222/NPX300
Instead, a separate streaming source could be:-
272
272+HC
272+SC
272+555
222
222+NPX300
ND5XS2
ND5XS2+nDAC
ND5XS2+nDAC+XPS
ND5XS2+nDAC+555PS
NDX2
NDX2+XPS
NDX2+555PS
333
333+NPX300
333+555PS
ND555+555PS
A separate preamp could be:-
All the above options for 272 and 222
82+HC
82+2xHC
82+SC
282+HC
282+2xHC
282+SC
52+SC (or the 52PS)
252+SC
552+PS
332
332+NPX300
332+555PS (I think)
The power amp options would be:-
250DR
300
300DR
NC250
NC350
500
500DR
It is probably not ideal to marry options toward the top of one or two lists with an option from the bottom of the other list(s). Also, I really wouldn’t keep the 272 as streamer while making big upgrades elsewhere.
In this case, I’d expect most to prefer the result of upgrading streamer, then pre-amp, then power amp, and it is sensible to think about the target system on a year or two before spending cash, but there won’t be any universal rules and few really daft options.
If one is willing to consider mixing olive and OC or OC and NC boxes, it is easy to come up with over 30 plausible systems from that list, ranging from 2 boxes to 8. All of them will work (some a lot better of course) and few are really daft. How much choice did you want?
The list was probably already long enough (like possible upgrades to an old LP12) to put a few possible buyers off Naim. It was certainly long enough to make it possible for all the threads here now. And then they introduced the NC range, with a good mix-and-match compatibility with the old boxes from 5 or 30 years ago…
I just swapped my nap300dr plus some cash for two nap350 monoblocks. Preamp is 252. Source ndx2 plus 555ps. The reason I did this is that I’m driving PMC Fact12 signature speakers and they are power hungry. The naim community tended to feel that a 300dr wasn’t quite enough. I’m really happy with the result. More floor and oomph for sure. The 300dr was great. But the 350s are amazing.
Didn’t consider a used 500dr. Really tough to source here in Canada.
I don’t have anything to add above and beyond what has already been said. However, I have a 252/SCDR and NDX2 set-up. I recently swapped out my 250DR for a 300DR and I have been extremely happy! A lot more clarity and detail and a lot more bass. It is a 2017 model and I got it for £3000. If you can get a similar deal, that makes it a no brainer for me…unless you want to upgrade your whole system in the future like others have said. Hope that helps.
Liked your list Nick, although I’m not sure if I went crossed eyed or lost count - not enough fingers!
Spoke to one of my trusted dealers earlier, including posing the question NC250 v NAP300 DR.
NC250 being superior is wide of the mark - caveat - in certain situations it might be better suited, but as a generalisation. Interesting how bias may play a role; 'nuff said.
Incidentally admire the effort of the lists Nick, just thinking I hope you haven’t tabulated everything on to a spreadsheet and next we will see you post all the cost combos. Now where is my hat…?
Good decision at a good price. Enjoy! I wanted more out of my PMC Fact 12 so opted for the 350 mono blocks, and I’m happy with the decision. But the 300DR is a very fine amplifier
Thanks. I needed a lot of guidance from many of the forum members on this thread, but their patience and advice led me to the 300DR and I’m very grateful for it. Some really great deals to be had out there right now
many thanks to the many that voiced their opinions, very much appreciated! Haven’t quite decided, thus need more listening prior to purchasing. Many members suggest going with NAP300DR over the NC350’s, as it compliments the classic line well; the issue is finding - preferably a new 300DR is almost impossible here in Canada. The used market for a used 300DR is also scarce. So many options available, however, at the end of the day may end up leaning towards the 300DR - when found of course, and it all’s makes financial sense. Then of course there’s the 272’s shortcomings on the streaming part - in which I listen to considerably. Was thinking maybe then upgrading to an NDX2 for the better streaming. Many thanks to you all who took the time to voice your opinions, very much appreciated.
Ron
That is what I have - NDX2 alongside my 300DR and 252. I am really happy although I still seem to be spending more money on things Let us know what you finally decide, appreciate it may be based on what you can source. It will be great either way
Not sure where you’re located in Canada (pretty sure they’ll ship anywhere though) but my local dealer in Ontario has a sealed 300DR listed on their site for just under $15K.
Still sitting on the fence as we speak, although am leaning towards the 350’s in view of a smoking deal from the dealer, whereby I’ll be getting considerable coin for my 250DR as a trade in. Other option on the streaming issue with the 272, as suggested by the dealer, is to purchase the Atom Uniti and use it as a streaming source for the 272. Purchasing the 222 along with its two special burndy’s to hook up the 555PSDR is getting too costly for this poor soul; the trade in value on the 272 would be an insult to be honest, whereby selling it privately is also challenging in view of many for sale, thus opting to keep it for now and hook up the Atom for streaming as it’s a considerable improvement.
I’ll repost when 100% decided.
Have elected to go with the 350’s and the ND5 XS2 instead of the Atom Uniti to supplement the 272’s drawback on the streaming part. Not yet hooked up as am still waiting for the ND5 XS2. I’ll update once up and running.
Cheers.
Thanks for the suggestion. It was also suggested by the dealer as an improvement on the 272’s streaming section; however, have opted for an ND5 XS2 as the 272 is also used for CD playback, unit core and now my dormant LP12 that has been revitalized.
Cheers.
enjoy
Let us know what you finally decide, appreciate it may be based on what you can source. It will be great either way