I have run olive 82/250 for decades and upon its launch reviewed the 552 for HFN. I have also lived with the 252/SC/300DR system for 2-3 months very shortly before I reviewed the 333/332/350 for Soundstage Ultra. That 300 series review ended up running to over 10 000 words spread across various articles because I reviewed each component in turn.
I won’t even begin to regurgitate what I wrote here except to say I believe the Naim 300 series is a triumphant return to the drama, excitement, power and dynamics that made me fall in love with a Nait 1 in 1988. It is in my view the most beautifully designed, best technically executed, most engaging and most compelling series Naim has ever produced particularly when taking price into account.
Suffice to say that I am in the midst of upgrading to a full 300 series amplification system and it will be as far as I ever need to go. The sense of effortless power, dynamics and pace coupled with the kind of accuracy and tangibility that old naim olive could only dream of has made it impossible to live without it. Music in my home has never sounded so lifelike or given me goosebumps like that system did and I need it in my life.
I hope it’s OK if I quote a little of the conclusion to my NAP350 review:
Make no mistake, this is the most visually attractive series Naim Audio has ever launched, but it’s also very clear that the firm has advanced its state of the art sonically and ergonomically, too. I loved the way these NAP 350s managed to combine the firm’s traditional strengths of pace, rhythm, timing, and dynamics with newfound abilities in imaging, tangibility, and stage depth.
The NAP 350 fits into this new range perfectly, like Audrey Hepburn slipping on a cocktail dress—they’re made for each other. The NAP 350 has superb drive, impressive bandwidth, detail, and power, and is capable of maximizing the performance of any loudspeaker that you might care to use.
I love that the system’s remote control triggers its backlight as soon as you move it, and that it’s omnidirectional. I adore the feeling of reliability and solidity I get with Naim products: secure in the knowledge that even 20 years down the line, the firm will still be around and willing to service and support my equipment. In a world of disposable electronics, this kind of longevity is deeply reassuring.
Perhaps more importantly, this new range displays a little more of the mojo that characterized the earlier series of Naim amplification. When listening to this complete system, there was a visceral energy that I found highly addictive, capturing much of the thrill and energy of live music. This certainly isn’t an amplifier that will cosset you, or blunt the dynamics and impact of the original performance. For some, it might be a little too much; for others, it will be perfect, because it embodies everything that Naim has ever stood for.
This is an audio ecosystem that makes playing music exciting again, and will lead you to spend as much time in record shops or listening to music as you did when you were 16. You’ll sometimes arrive at work looking haggard after a late night spinning just a few more tracks. Your boss won’t like it, your bank manager won’t believe it, and your mother-in-law won’t understand it.
I can’t think of any better reasons for buying it. Turn on, tune in, drop out . . .
JonathanG
