Current system: 555PS/272/300/ATC SCM11
Endgame: 555PS/NDX2/SC/252/300DR/Speakers = ???
So upgrade options:
300 to 300DR
NDX2 (with 272 as preamp - 555 going into NDX2)
252/SC (with 555/272 as streamer)
In which order would you work through them to get best SQ per £, on the basis that higher cost = longer wait?
Cheers
Interesting. I’d do the NDX2 and then the pre ASAP to get best out of the NDX2. And yes you’ll hear the DR on the 300 when the time is right but feed the existing amp first.
The problem with moving the 555PS to the NDX2 is that the bare 272 as a preamp will be way out of its depth in a system of that calibre. Source first and all that, but in this case I’m not so sure. Still, you can try it either way and decide which compromise is best until you can upgrade the pre.
I would either wait until you have the finances to trade in the 272 in for a NDX2, SCDR and 252, preferably exdem or preloved units. Or grab those that come up first at discounted exdem or preloved prices. You can wait to DR your 300 or trade it in against an exdem or preloved 300DR in due course.
This is an insoluble di(tri?)lemma, and is usually sorted by pragmatic purchasing IMV.
@Stu299 you have an excellant system now, and my system is 252/300DR which is now my end system
I started with NDX in 2014 with 202/200 and built over a few years
NDX/202/HCDR/200
NDX/282/HCDR/200
NDX/282/HCDR/300
NDX/282/HCDR/300DR
NDX/282/SC/300DR
NDX/252/SC/300DR
I would not rule out 282 in the build up to 252 either with HCDR or SC to enable bringing in the NDX2 as source with the 555 PSU
had my 300 non DR fiited after 8 months of ownership it took an already lovely AMP on to another level
Enjoy the journey and the music
Spot on NigelB - right course of action
Agreed.
Bigger ATC’s… keep that quality!
I sourced a used ND555 last year and did exactly what OP is suggesting, using the 555PS into the streamer and the bare 272 as pre-amp. It lasted less than a week; so out of its depth was the 272 that a used 252 + SC replaced it asap. Everything is relative, but the 272 sounded awful with a decent source. As a standalone pre-amp + streamer with the 555PS it had been superb.
Thanks all. It seems the 272 makes an easy buy but a tricky disposal, particularly when boosted by the 555.
I’m not in any rush and very happy with the system now but it’s good to look ahead.
The 282 stepping stone is an interesting idea.
Be interested it know if anyone’s tried the following:
555DR/272/252+SC/300(DR)
I think buying an NDX2 first would work fine, I just think you would need to keep the 555 on the 272. Then you may well get better results using a digital connection, with the PSU upgrade still benefitting the DAC as well as the preamp.
Then put the 555 on the NDX2 and use its analogue out when you’ve got the 282 or 252.
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