I’m about to take the system to bits again but as I expect this to be my final set-up (no funnies please … I’ve changed my system more, and more quickly, than many) I want to make sure that I set it up again in the best possible way. I might replace the XPS DR with a 555 PS if I can find one at a reasonable price and same for Superlumina from the streamer to the pre-amp and, perhaps also a stereo DIN4 to XLR from the 252 to the 250DR but these are scarce on there used market and extremely costly new. But none of these ‘final tweaks will change the number or size of the five black boxes. I am planning a dedicated mains feed (the consumer unit is the other side of a stud wall so it should be straightforward) but I cannot have two FraimLites - just not possible with how the system is configured in the room, between the speakers. I know this is the ideal set-up, but it won’t work for me here - just not possible. In fact I have glass and Naim ball-bearings and holders, so my FraimLite is, I assume, possibly somewhere between that and a FF Fraim.
The reason I have the NDX2 at the top is because of the position of the one of its aerials. It fouls the central post of the FraimLite if placed anywhere other than on the top. I plan to place the 250DR at the bottom (biggest toroidal transformer) and work upwards according to transformer size/PSU complexity. I’m going to think very carefully about cable routing and dressing and will spend time on it. It always reminds me of one of those mathematical problems where it is shown to be impossible to avoid cables crossing, but I’m doing to plan carefully before doing anything.
Last time I posted a photo of my system I received a lot of helpful comments in terms of black box placing which I acted upon. Looking forward to similar comments this time. Thanks.
I have a very similar stack as you except 555ps vs XPS (which I used to own).
My current order:
252, NDX2, 555ps, 250DR, SuperCap
My original order:
NDX2, 252, XPSDR, SuperCap, 250DR
My current order is after some experimentation years ago where discussion on the old forum had suggested moving SuperCaps to a position where they might be least affected by power supplies - early in signal-carrying chain etc.
A single stack is arguably comprised throughout but improvements can be gained.
Biggest impact for me: moving 252 to top. This really did open things up. I would encourage you to try it.
Note: I run my NDX2 wirelessly fine without antennas.
SuperCap to the bottom did improve things, but more subtle than the 252 on top. I went back and forth on it a little bit but ultimately settled with the current order.
(Oh, and on cabling with this setup: fortuitously mostly optimal with no major touching apart from those near the floor eg XLR to 250. The 252/Supercap burndy gets to flex naturally for height of Fraim and keeps out of the way of other cables too.)
I too run my NDX2 wirelessly with no issues at all. I didn’t realise it would work without antennae. I will definitely try your preferred configuration … it might be possible to squeeze at least one of the antenna in.
I have the identical system and I’m about to pull mine apart as well. I have a six shelf Fraim and intend to leave an empty shelf between the brains and brawn. From the top: 252, NDX2, empty shelf, SC-DR, XPS-DR, NAP250DR
Thanks, @Lipper . Probably a good idea to have a clear shelf but I don’t have one and as I sit looking at the system, which is between the speakers, I suspect that an extra shelf wouldn’t look great here. I am clear now on (from the top) 252 / NDX2. Originally I was planning to put the 250DR at the bottom, where you have yours, as it contains the biggest transformer (which, unfortunately, hums quite a lot at various times … I’m convinced it’s a mains issue in my neighbourhood having tried everything obvious) but you’l have seen other recommendations to place it further up. This is the plan at the moment:
Presumably wifi is the only option for now but if you’re getting a power cable installed consider a network cable too while you’re at it, even if you never use it it gives you the option to lose the aerials, though at he risk of switch mania.
On the subject of aerials, can you angle them past the Fraim leg? My ND’s aerials aren’t in the same place but one only misses the leg because it’s near 45° to the side and angled backwards to clear a shelf.
I’ve noticed a supercap likes the bottom shelf, whether powering a 282 or a superline, I’ve never owned a 252.
A superlumina cable is limper and maybe longer than a Hiline and might not clear the floor even if a Hiline does.
Network cable - thought about that, but I have absolutely no issues using WiFi with my NDX2 so going wired is not a priority at the moment. Not sure how the wiring would work here anyway.
Will have a play with the aerials when I move the NDX2 from the top shelf. I think you’re probably right.
I guess that the SL cables are longer due to the expectation that they will join things on separate stacks. I (can only, due to space) have just the one stack. If I can find a DIN4 to XLR stereo version to connect the SCDR to the 250DR then I can’t see how it could stay off the floor, but that is a worry for the future.
There seems to be broad consensus that the SCDR is best on the bottom shelf so mine will go there!
I pulled the system apart for a good cleaning and rearrangement of the box order. 252, NDX2 on top, an empty shelf with a 3d printed “filler”, the power supplies and 250dr at the bottom. The empty shelf looked stupid, hence the filler.
Your system (the Naim parts) is identical to mine. I went for 252/NDX2/XPSDR/250DR/SCDR in the end, having read everyone’s comments. I can’t believe there is much difference from your arrangement. I did initially plan to put the 250DR at the bottom because it has the biggest transformer. I only have the 4 shelves, so don’t have the much-advised gap. I can live with that, though I like your novel solution!
We’re probably not the only ones on here with this, identical system! It’s a pretty common mid-range system I guess. Funny to think of it mid-range when, not too long ago, you could buy a house for the same money!
I have my 250DR on the bottom purely for wiring purposes. The speaker cables bend right back on themselves and under the rack where they cross-over and go to each speaker. With the amp on the bottom, the speaker cables are away from all other cables - they just cross each other at 90 degrees under the rack.
I also wanted you to see how I solved the empty shelf problem with the filler. You were right about an empty shelf looking bad.
I’m guessing you’re a Kiwi from your avatar. The speakers came from The Real Music Company in Wellington. Totems are practically non-existent in Australia.
