My system;-cdx/82/hicap/250/sbl,all"olive" vintage.Would it be advantageuos to upgrade to naims reccommended system 2, cdx2/202/200, keeping my sbls?If I sold all my existing system,I guess it would pretty much pay for system 2,as I don't have any money to add to the pot,unfortunately.Alternatively,if I kept my system,I may be able to go for a second-hand supercap or xps in a year or so.I know I could maybe audition this system over a weekend with the naim offer, but I would prefer to keep clear of any salesmen tactics,(however gentle they may be) until i am ready to purchase.What are the sonic changes going from olive to the new style stuff?I know that only I can ultimately decide/trust your own ears/demo thoroughly first & will do that, but a few pointers from those that have done something similar would be a help. Thanks, matt.

I think that buying the "new" system that you have in mind would be a significant step down from the system that you have. Just because Naim have released newly styled units doesn't make your existing units any less good.

Why not use the money instead to pick up a second hand "olive" XPS off eBay or similar to start with?

G

I'm not sure it would be a significant step down, but it probably would be some step down, or at best a breakeven proposition. If you want to switch over to the new gear, I'd wait until you can afford to switch and upgrade at the same time.

Mike

A change to the system you suggest would be an upgrade in the CD department, but a definite downgrade of the amps. You'd need to go to 282 with 250/2 to get a real improvement. You need to consider whether you want to move to the new series in due course, in which case a change to the CDX2 is the place to start, otherwise adding an XPS or picking up a CDS2/XPS could be a good plan.

By the way, I believe the 'system for a weekend' promotion relates only to the 5 series and Arivas, but I may be wrong.

Nigel

Thanks for the opinions guys.Itis pretty much as I thought,hanging on for a while, & getting a s/cap & or an xps will probably be the way to go.Purely for cosmetic reasons, to appease the missus,I would have to stick to an all olive, or all new style system, at least until our next house, which will definitely have a dedicated music room, where cosmetics will not be so important.Thanks for the info, Matt.

Tell your wife you absolutely need CDX2/XPS2/282/250.2 for pure cosmetic reasons, then!

Seriously, based on my experience, and even more so on by wife's opinion, the olive and the new lines blend together very well.

From a musical standpoint, I agree with the others: going from 82/250to 202/200 would be a lateral move at best, and probably a downgrade.

Suggestion: CDX2/XPS2 - or CDS3, if you can afford it - would be a very good step in the new line direction...

Hi Manicatel,

I was in a similar position to you, and I have stayed with olive, upgrading as the opportunity arises using carefully selected second-user kit, purchased exclusively from reputable Naim dealers. I'm now at the CDX - XPS - 82 -Supercap - 135 level, and the system just sings. When I look at what I've paid for all this, and compare what I could have obtained by buying new, it's no contest really.

It also means that maybe within a year, I could attain further improvements by sourcing a CDS2, and maybe even consider going active. If you then factor in Naim's build quality, longevity and service facilities, it really is a no-brainer. I would therefore concur with the other respondents who have advised you to pursue this path.

IMHO, I prefer green olives to black ones!

Kind regards, happy listening

PS I forgot to mention the NAC52 opportunity which has just come up.........

Regards

I think that Olive equipment represents extraordinary value for money when compared to the new black range.

Compare the price of a three year old CDS2+XPS to that of a new CDX-2 or a three year old 52 with a 282. I know what I'd be buying.

Hi Matt;

The important question here is - "Are you happy with the sound you currently have"?

A new house/room could change that! (either way)

I had 'olive' kit with SBL's and became quite disenchanted with the sound. I have now worked my way up with the new stuff to CDS3/252/300/Fraim/SBL's/REL sub.

Yes; there are 'olive' bargains around; but it's only a bargain if it produces the sound that you want. The new range of Naim electronics has a rather more spacious and three dimensional sound that I found my SBL's really benefitted from.

I also find the new kit to offer a much more consistent sound across a range of discs, music and time.

As ever; you need to listen and decide for yourself, as you may prefer the 'olive' sound.

Good luck.

John.

Thanks a lot for all the info. As a new member to this forum,I feel that I've really been helped.I tried convincing the missus about going for cdx2/xps2/282/250.2,as the very helpful claude p advised,but very surprisingly, when she saw the prices(& to a degree I have to agree), she said" not likely chummy!"Thats what happens when you have a tee-totaller wife!Basically I love the music my present system gives me, but it's been achieved over a number of years of upgrading, & I guess that I know that there is more to come.Also reading all you lot,going on about the benefits of all this new gear,& £20k systems (just what do you lot all do for a living, & can i have a job please sir)has ignited the dreaded upgrade-itis in me.I will be looking out for used xps or supercaps in the new year.Thanks once again, Matt

Matt;

You'll probably find that (contrary to popular belief) most of us with expensive systems are not filthy rich - it is simply a passion; and thus a financial priority.

I have a pretty ordinary car and a very silly (read high-value) Hi-Fi system. In fact I have two Naim systems.

Friends have more expensive systems that I do. And some of the married ones have wives who share the passion. How often do we get the feeling here that - "My wife won't let me spend the money".

I guess women are rather more practical creatures and see it as a ridiculous amount of money to play some music in the home.

I am sensible about my purchases - I will not borrow money to feed my habit; so if I can't afford it - I don't have it.

Another important aspect that often comes to light in these pages, is good old fashioned personal guilt - nasty little bugger!

Only money (not a vital body part or pact with the Devil) is required to acquire this path to musical pleasure, so if you have it - spend it.

Whadya gonna do with it, if you hang onto it?

Carpe Diem.

John.

And here endeth the first lecture.(well, I am here to learn). Cheers, matt.

Hi again Matt,

If you can spare the time, have a read through my 'Wives and Girlfriends' thread from a few months ago. Get the missus to read it.

Cheers Kev

I just recently became engaged (to be married) and we are about to do a major remodel (new 2nd floor, kitchen etc....~200 K USD) on the house, I offered to significantly downgrade to my 52....system to pay for the architect (15K) and get out of the little bit of debt I carried.

She offered (and it was serious) her 1.+ ct. diamond engagement ring before the 52....system goes.....

Suffice to say, she loves the sound of the 52...system and I will definetly be marrying this one.....

Oh, and she loves her Ceylon at night.....

If you haven't done it yet, you should consider the ~200.4 K USD remodel and get a dedicated line. It's as good as a box upgrade for a lot less money.

Yes, that is in the plan for sure...