chayro, I agree that the difference needs to be major at these prices. Especially with the Pardo alternative. I've seen the effect of the XPS-DR on a 272 with Naim amplification and Focal speakers and it was a stunning improvement. That was a digital only rig. It remains to be seen how it works with a Clayton/Dynaudio rig and vinyl. Will find out Wednesday if all proceeds as planned. Your success leaves me optimistic. Thanks for letting me know.
Add an XPS-DR to Naim 272 or ...?
Will soon be auditioning a Naim XPS-DR power supply with my Naim 272 to see if it improves the sound staging and imaging. At this point, lets assume that it does. I like the 272 and have heard it in another system with the XPS. If I go that direction, I'll have roughly $12,500 (at retail) in a combined preamp, streamer and DAC is pretty cost effective given the expected quality. On the other hand, its still a lot of money, enough to get me a long way towards a more expensive preamp along with separate DAC and streamer. The rest of the system consists of Clayton M300's, Dynaudio C2's, Clearaudio Ovation TT, Dynavector XX-2 Mk 2 cartridge and mixed cabling, power cords etc. Currently have an Octave Eq.5 phono stage but will probably end up with a Simaudio 610lp.
My current feeling, assuming that the audition goes as expected, is that the 272/XPS is a very good solution and perhaps the optimum bang for the buck. I won't do it unless I think it will satisfy for five years or more. And its a two box solution in a house where space matters. While I'm willing to trust my ears here, I'm wondering if there is something wrong with the strategy. I'm not looking for specific equipment recommendations. I'm wondering about factors I haven't I considered that might lead me to consider separate components. I know this is a little vague, but any thoughts?
I'd also be interested in thoughts of strengths or weaknesses to look for when auditioning the 272/XPS combo.
My current feeling, assuming that the audition goes as expected, is that the 272/XPS is a very good solution and perhaps the optimum bang for the buck. I won't do it unless I think it will satisfy for five years or more. And its a two box solution in a house where space matters. While I'm willing to trust my ears here, I'm wondering if there is something wrong with the strategy. I'm not looking for specific equipment recommendations. I'm wondering about factors I haven't I considered that might lead me to consider separate components. I know this is a little vague, but any thoughts?
I'd also be interested in thoughts of strengths or weaknesses to look for when auditioning the 272/XPS combo.
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Never mind. Its a done deal. Listened to the 272/XPS combo for several hours with various types of music today. Decided I must have it. It improved too many things, providing more detail as well as a much deeper, richer sound. The sound stage and imaging both improved as well, but the key is that it adds pace and slam to just about everything. While no one improvement would have been enough, the shear breadth of the improvements made it a no brainer. On the other hand, the pace and slam improvement was almost enough on its own. |
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- 8 posts total