Unless you use HiCapDR on the 202 - and then it works really well with the 250.2. The 250DR was less fussy anyway.
The 202 is bizarrely significantly transformed with the HiCapDR, massively more so that non DR - at least in my experience.
The non DR HiCap with the 250.2 sounds slow and somewhat uninvolving in my opinion - and I think this is what people refer to when they say the 202 doesn’t match well with the 250… and to my ears that particular non DR combo I agree with.
Over the years the priorities are often determined as
Speaker/Room first
Pre Amp - in Naim world second
Source third
Power amp - in Naim world fourth - the preamp often brings the power amp along with it.
I have had a 202/200 since 2009, then upgrade to 202/200DR, had SN1 and SN3 in home for for a direct comparison
The SN3 is a very amplifier, but against my 202/200 did seem very similar, it is one box versus 3 boxes, (202/200DR/NAPSC), but still the 202/200DR has been giving me years of enjoyment, I have no complaints, with it. SN3 is easier to re sell, a 202/200DR not as much.
Apart of SQ people talk about number of boxes and easy to resell some of the items.
Unless those factors really very important to you I suggest to focus on SQ and upgrade path, if you plan such.
Thought you can resell quickly will not compensate the frustration of SQ.
just spent a few hours watching Bryan Adams Live in Lisboa on my 202/200DR, after 15 years it still rocks… no regrets about buying a 202/200DR at all, I am not sure I would have kept a SN 1, 2 or 3 for this long.
Bottom line, buy the 202/200DR and enjoy it for years to come.
I have heard the full range upto 500 and statement, I love my 202/200DR very much till now. There is no need to worry about reselling it, I don’t plan to sell mine ever…
Very much the same except CDX2 swapped for NDAC + XPS2 and 252/SC rather than 282… agree the jump after 202/200 is very big. Probably why the NC 200 series is more at 282/252 level as split box entry.
Overall yes, information to consider, but so often buying stuff people think exclusively about re-selling rather what suits the best. As a result waste of time, no enjoyment and …, faster the re-selling coming.
When considering any purchase I always take into account the potential for reselling - to me it’s as important as the purchase price. Low depreciation means I can afford to buy better kit. Naim can sustain their high prices due to decent resale values. It works for me and it’s not about a short term view, in 40 years of Naim ownership I’ve never kept any box less than 5 years and usually 10 yearsor more. It’s great that even CB and olive Naim has a significant value.