Upgrade choices for 152XS/NAP180

Its a very tempting combo for sure! Worth getting a Hi-Cap too even if i went with a 200DR?

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Skipped the 282 and 200, so others can answer that one! I did a quick forum search…

The suggestion above of olive 82 cannot be ignored. Great VFM. You quite often see 82 paired with HiCap on auction sites.

In your system the preamp probably has most scope for a quick win upgrade on SQ.

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Me neither. We got an Atom HE to satisfy some needs and many boxes for me.

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What`s the kit list on your setup, some inspiration if you will :wink:

Atom HE into hicap dr into Snaxo BMR into 2x200 into Ovators.

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You won’t hear me say anything negative on the Flatcap XS, as it has been a significant upgrade in my slimline system.

Nevertheless, I think you have been given other much better options to go forward for your system.

My vote is on a 82 powered by your serviced 180 since you love Olive, and get the proper (Naim) cables, then some speakers.

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If we`re looking at 82, would a 52 be worth consideration?

The DR module on the 200DR powers the pre so it may not be required. I had a regular 200 with HiCap DR.

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52 very well regarded but overall system balance comes into play.

Buy a 52 you need new sources, power amp and speakers maybe :laughing:

More value and enjoyment by spreading £3k across the piece.

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I hear you, honstly the 282/200DR looks like a fine option… Maybe have some change left to sort the cables (another mission to route through)… Maybe sell a kidney and do the speakers too but we shall see :wink: Thanks for the top tips…

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I think, as someone said above, just go 82 first if that’s the route you decide to take (olive).

Leaves many options open. You can decide on power amp later.

Cables aren’t really an issue until you’ve maxed out box spend.

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this

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It`s also an option for sure. Good to have a solid couple of choices :slight_smile: This will be in a fairly small room anyhow. Our main listening room has a pair of Yamaha NS1000M (the original proper ones) paired with some Nytech monoblocks. That`s my wifes choice as she inherited it so has alot of attachment to her but honestly it does sound pretty nice especially with vocals…

Thanks for the tips :slight_smile:

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Many options here.

If 82 or 282/HCDR isn’t tempting, then I’d second the FC2X to your 152XS - its a really nice combination at reasonable expenses.

As your poweramp is serviced, it will improve by freeing up its internal PSU, along with the Flatcap on preamp, all in, you will experience a good improvement.

Next IMO is the CD source. Keep it going crossed fingers, as you might know service/repair - chances are few on this subject. Buying a XPS could be an upgrade but maybe short term. I’d not worry about new CD player as long as your CDX is in working order, of course XPS will calm down the sometime agressive CDX (mine was)

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Not at all - sources maybe .. but I’ve had a few days with NDS/555-552 - NAP90 - Proac D2 - most would consider 90 out of place with 552 - OK, bass is a little lighter than I’m used to (standmounts instead of ML Summits) but it’s very satisfying overall. With a good source and Pre - you’re 90 percent there.

282/200DR is a great option if you want to keep things simple, and better than the older 200 non-DR. (You still need the little NAPSC which is normally supplied with the 282.)

A Hicap will still bring a further improvement, but you can add that later if you want.

In the short term you could use your 180 to power the 282. Then either add a Hicap next, or change the 180 for a 200DR.

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Yep it`s going to get give me food for thought for sure!

The 8000CDM/DAC was serviced by Kevin Green a couple of years ago, he is absolutely amazing with anything TAG/Audiolab so it should be good for quite a while (new belts, new illumination bulbs etc)…

Exciting times!

totally agree, i shall have a think and figure out which route :wink: Thanks for the advise!

I’d just get a Flatcap XS for ā€˜the poor man’s NAC282’, and splash the rest on source upgrades and possibly some NACA5 and a pair of SBLs.

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LOL, I read your CD as a Naim CDX, now I realize its an Audiolab combo :grin: please ignore my comments on the CDX.

BTW, I owned that particular Audiolab source back then, quite impressive stuff and UK made.