My streamer journey started a few years ago with a UnitiQute 2 / Allae combination. This enabled me to understand the benefits of adding streamer capability, particularly one that included FM radio, having just sold my NAT 02.
A Unitilite replaced the Qute a couple of years ago, and went on to use it as a streaming source into 52/SC/135/IBL set-up. Having subsequently sold the 52/SC (to reduce box count, primarily) the Unitilite became the total front end for the 135/IBL for a while. This was somewhat counter to the ‘source first’ philosophy of course. I then became aware of the 272 as a low-cost, single box next step. Diligent searching resulting in acquiring a 2015 example in (almost) mint condition three days ago.
I have been blown away by how good the 272/135/IBL sounds - in fact, significantly superior to my previous CDi/52/SC/135/IBL set up. I know many of you feel a 272 needs a power supply to really sing - I find it difficult to imagine any better SQ than I have now. (I use TIDAL, iRadio, TV via bluetooth as main sources).
As an experiment yesterday, I replaced the IBLs with the Allae. I was very disappointed - bass was boomy and muffled, detail lacking, sound stage indistinct, etc.
I think the 135/IBL must be a combo made in heaven!
The 272 is great at what it is - an all in one solution. We quite happily used ours with 250DR and no PSU for a while. I can imagine with 135s it sounds very good (naim did design 272 to allow use with classic 300 amp as it does have two DIN outputs for that purpose).
Of course a PSU improves it, there is no denying that. But not mandatory
Thank you for your reassurance that a bare 272 is worthwhile.
Apologies if this has been explored elsewhere: if a bare 272 scores, say, 50 s.q.u, and with a 555PSDR scores 100, where would XPS, XPSDR and 555PS fit on that scale?
I had that combo with the 272 and XPSDR. I can only say that the 272 was fantastic, and a definite boost when the XPSDR was connected.
The 272 is ready for XPS, and if you can find one at a reasonable price, consider it again.
Later, I got the 555DR because I got it at a very good price and because I knew I was actually upgrading to a higher step, which turned out to be the 300.
But even before I got the 300, I could hear a different, richer sound, yes, in almost every respect, with a 555DR playing on what was then a 250DR.
I had to get used to the 555DR, but I must say now that at that time I had never listened to anything as good as the 272/555DR combination.
