The Grand Cafe

Pete I’m betting you will quite happy with the new combination and that the XPS DR > NDX 2 > NAC 252 > NAP 250 is going to be an uplift in your overall listening enjoyment. I do look forward to hearing your comments over the week or so!

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Cheers I am looking forward to having a good listen and will certainly report back.

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How’s the 828 going. Over the past few years I’ve watched yours and Mikes system evolve. Now all 3 of us have completely different setups, we really do need to stop reading a lot of these threads. :grin:

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I have a special two-fold strategy. Firstly, I can’t afford to go further into the 500 realm :moneybag::moneybag:, secondly, Mrs Mike has firmly said “no more” :roll_eyes::+1:. Fortunately, it’s better than I ever wished I had :sunglasses::sunglasses:

Yes Mrs Pete has given me the same instructions, and tbh I do not really want to go any further.

My last piece may, and I say may, be new speakers in a few years time.

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…the 282 was amazing from the moment it was installed, the detail, clarity and the vast improvement in the sound was amazing. The improvement in the ability to play music at a low volume really impressed me. A major uplift over the pre-amp section of the SN 2. I have no doubt I will trade in my SN 2 for a 250 DR in the future.

Both my wife and I retired and our income is now about 1/3 of where it was so taking it easy on spending until we settle into the new life. So next November for my 70th birthday or after the holidays will probably when I will scratch the next upgrade itch!

Life is Grand and the music is sweet…

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True and I say that about most of the things I have. I never thought I’d have the house I do, the cars I do, live the lifestyle we do or the hi fi I have. I’ve worked hard but am extremely grateful and still consider myself lucky.

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That’s the true secret of happiness, being happy with what you have.

I don’t always (or even often) succeed with this outlook but think I’ve learned enough to know it’s true.

Like you I can’t really believe where I’ve ended up and am amazed sometimes at the cost of the system I now have.

Success for me would be to log on here in 10 years time with the same amplification and speakers.

.sjb

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I got some good news yesterday, a few weeks ago I managed to get a few paintings into a local gallery, my first since being ripped off a few years ago. I’ve sold one and someone is coming back next weekend to pick up another. :grin:

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Excellent, should cover the new gear :+1:

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Mmm, think I’ll need to sell a few more to cover that. It does help though.

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Take back the ones from Harry’s listening room and flog those :stuck_out_tongue:ha

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No they’ll be staying there as long as Harry wants them. They’re part of the charm of his shop. I might just charge you to look at them though. :rofl::rofl:

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Think there’s only Kiwis and Aussies left in the forum at present, we should run a muck.

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Indeed - I agree they look really good there

They’re 25 years old, I was living in the floor of a commercial building then behind the famous Sharpies golf sign (now unfortunately gone) at Central.

I’m interested in how my speakers are going to handle the change. When I first got them I thought they always lacked a bit of bottom end, I started with a 102/180 Olive. But I’ve found with each upgrade the bass has just got better and better.

As you know, I’m running the 252 through the SN2 as a power amp. The 252 alone has very much added to the low end, so I think you will find the same.

I’m listening to a bit of funk now and the bass is excellent

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The 252 will give you more “decent” bass Pete if you get my gist - much more refined , true bass comes through

The 252/SCDR/250DR really does it for me as I’m sure it will for you, give it a week or so and leave it all powered up

Is the 252 a new one , not ex demo ?