I have no experience with the 272, but I can tell you that adding the XPS to my CDX2 was absolutely night and day. I was at my dealer contemplating purchasing a Linn tt, when he suggested that I maximize my CD player before venturing into analog. I listened to both the LP 12 and the XPS and I decided to go the XPS route. The music became so much more harmonically complete and satisfying that I waited a while before purchasing the LP12. So I say this to you - IMO, at the prices Naim charges, you should want to hear a major upgrade in the sound over whatever you're using now. If not, I would pass and look elsewhere in the system for improvement.
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.