Hi all, thanks in advance for any advice, but I’m looking to upgrade from my 282/ (1) HiCap/ 200.
Despite the Naim focus on power supplies, as well as suggestions of ‘synergy’ (between the 222 and 250, for example), I’m inclined to think that the 332/250 is the best use of my $$.
I do think that the amp is most in need of upgrading, but something about getting a cable to connect my HiCap to a NC 250 doesn’t seem ideal. I also like the simplicity of the 332/250.
I’m under the impression that the (preamp section of the) 222 is pretty much (at best?) a sideways move from the 282, where the 332 is a distinct improvement over the 282.
Lastly, if I replace my LP-12 with a P-10 or Vertere DG-1S, I assume that the TTable wouldn’t be outclassed by a 332?
Thanks again,
Charlie
The 332 and 250 are a great combination and from my experience delivers a better SQ than a 222 with an NPX300 into a NC250, I tried it and eventually upgraded my 222. Whilst I didn’t do a direct comparison of the 282 and 222 pre amp, I would say that the 282 is better in much the same way it was better than the 272 preamp stage. When funds allow you can take the 332 up another level with a 300.
I currently have a 332/333 both with NPX300s and an NC250 and my Selekt level LP12 goes through the NVC TT & NPX TT. I find that the LP12 and 333 are at a similar level, whilst each has different strengths I enjoy my music with both and happily swap between my 2 sources more than I ever have done before.
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I first added a NC250 to my 282/HCDR having swapped from a NAP 200.
The 282/HCDR/NC250 was really dynamic and a great listen. I wanted to change my then NDX and fully intended going down the 222 route.
However I attended a Naim event at HiFiLounge and heard all the combinations of new kit back to back.
Once I heard the 333/332 into the 250 there really was no going back so I ended up upgrading over a period of a few months starting with the 333.
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Your replies are encouraging, thanks.
@Sinewave, were you able to compare the 282 to the 222 as a preamp only? And are you currently using the 332 ‘bare’?
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My 14 months upgrade history…
Start - Rega P3, Devialet 250, Atohm GT1 (the speakers have stayed) - stable system 8 years after replacing a Naim DAC/XPS/252/300/S400. Note Audirvāna throughout.
Rega to Vertere DG1s
Off the back of buying an Atom HE for the office auditioned NC
Devialet to NC 222/250 OK, clearly better than Devialet
Added NPX300 - big step up in space and bass control
Vertere phono1, redline RCA and challenger PS. - much better then built in phono stage in 222
Redline XLR cables and speaker cables
Vinyl very much better than streaming so started looking at that.
Atom HE into 222 as preamp better than 222 alone
Sold 222 bought a 332 - much much better. Using Atom as temp streamer.
Long hard think
Added used Linn DS3 with Organik DAC - very good.
Network upgrades - EE8, Ethernet cables. - streaming now slightly better than the Vertere.
Awaiting… Farad Super 3.
In response to Q
- 332 is a fantastic amplifier that will really respond to a very good source.
- DG1s is a very good source, probably bettered by MG1 etc, but at a high cost.
- 222 is a good value amp/streamer, but easily bettered by 332, separate streamers and separate phone stages (as expected). It responds well to 300, but a bare 332 is better than a 222/300.
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Thanks Brendan: by any chance did you compare a P-10 to the DG-1S? And yes, the Phono-1 pre is very tempting…my Heed Quasar is a giant killer but this sounds like a bigger-giant killer. 
No and given my digital source was originally an NDX and then 333 it would not be like for like anyhow.
I run both the 333 and 332 bare without power supplies - and they bettered a 222/300 by an obvious margin when listened to back-to-back on demo.
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unfortunately no, the P10 wasn’t available and I was offered a very good deal on the Vertere - I had already decided I didn’t like the look of the skeletal P10 though.
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