I agree that the preamp driving the amps has an impact. But the pre in my case is a constant, the amps the variable. ( not sure the terms constant and variable are the same in English as in French).
My pre is the Ear 912.
But I have also listened to 222/300/ nc 250 and 333/300/332/300 into Focals, at dealer place.
There’s a lot of real-world sense there, thanks.
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 choice for your speakers enjoy
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