Best bang for buck 2nd hand would be an XS2 with a Bluesound Node
Can’t help thinking an Atom would do though…
Surely thats the point though. Xs2 does not have the best pre section. An 82 /282 plus 200 or 250 would outshine it. A node would be a good start and then add a better dac later, Ndac or Qutest.
2 Likes
Qutest with a Node is very good agreed!!
1 Like
So far, the consensus seems to be that I should steer clear of the Nait XS3 so option 1 is out. Other than that, there seems to be a lot to think about.
The xs range is a fine bit of kit, just your other options are better for your budget.
1 Like
If you can looking at your options I would see if you can get a used Supernait. 3 It will be a better investment in my view than a Nait XS3 although they do sound good too. It is just that the Supernait is that much better.
If you want a DAC in the future it could also be worth looking out for a Supernait 1 that has a built in DAC. Just a thought.
1 Like
Why not a balanced xs3/nd5xs2 solution an option?
Two sensible suggestions
2 Likes
Buy the Atom once again, sell it, buy the tubes integrated again.
If the Forum can help, I am here.
2 Likes
One final question then:
When I consider the NAC N-272 as preamp plus streamer/dac, I have budget left for either a NAP250 (recapped, non-DR) or a NAP200DR.
Which of these power amps would work better with my Sonetto’s?
This would actually leave me some budget to upgrade my phono stage as well.
Sonus Faber need power to wake up. So I would choose the 250.2 recapped.
1 Like
I could never get the small SF speakers to perform well in my room. Images were cramped. This was not a Naim system. I was using AYRE at the time, with Cardas cable. Visually they were stunning with a good tonal balance. Sound Stsge imaging is important to me and they needed a wider room. My LR is only 12 feet wide with lots of challenges. Interestingly my Spendor A4 perform very well in that area. I lucked out with the A4. No home demo. That does not happen in NYC.
The DR in Nap 200DR will not be in use if connected to 272.
2 Likes
I think from where you are at NDX2/NAC282/NAP250 is perhaps where I would be aiming with NDX/NAC82/NAP250 as a fallback option. The latter probably is within your budget, the former a bit outside it if you buy secondhand. Both represent about the cheapest way into midrange Naim.
Just my thoughts. The problem with the 272 is that good at is is it leads you down a path where your pre-amp and streamer both need replacing when the time comes to upgrade and that will be expensive. Best to keep them separate from that point of view I think.
JonathanG
3 Likes
Agree with the perspective that 272/250 DR is hard to say “no” to. That pairing could be the backbone of a system for a long time, and may let you roll through several generations of digital front ends.
Thank you everyone for your helpful comments.
I will return to this topic when I’ve made my choice.
2 Likes
I’ve decided to go for the following:
- NAC N-272
- NAP 250 (non-DR)
- Bluesound Node N130
The Node will act as streamer for Qobuz (etc) connecting to the DAC of the N-727, and as DAC for TV, because it has a HDMI input. The flexibility is appealing. Plus, the N-727 doesn’t support Qobuz.
In time, I may replace the N-727 with a 828 when I’ve saved up some more. And then go off the Naim deep end from there. 
The total for this set would come to approximately 2900 euro, which is nicely within budget and keeps the wife happy. It also gives me the opportunity to spend a little more on a better phono preamp; priority for one has increased a bit, due to a buzz that’s started to come off the Mani. I think it’s the shitty wall wart that’s giving up after 4 years.
Wife and I both stunned by quality of sound from wiim ultra
feeds thro a naim dac v1 supernait 2 with flatcap into audiovector floorstanders, £350 bargain
1 Like
The Ultra is way superior to the node.
2 Likes
Guess you mean replace 272 with 282, then count in a Hicap too.
1 Like