My first SN3 had bad channel imbalance despite been checked by naim whilst having relays replaced. Replacement model is perfect. I can empathise with your annoyance. You might consider Exposure or Norma. Having home demoed 222/250 I would avoid as a SN3/NDX2 replacement.
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Had an Aethos and it was very good.
Switched for non - audio reasons .
Sorry to hear that, James. I have just written my update to my thread on transformer hum, and that might be helpful as it explains the process I followed. I think a lot depends on the support you get from your dealer. The one I bought my SN3 and NDX2 from provided an excellent financial deal but zero after-sales service. The one I dealt with for the repair could not have been more helpful. I don’t have channel imbalance on my SN3 so I don’t think it is something that cannot be resolved if you have it. If you like the sound of the SN3 it might be better to persevere rather than, potentially, open another can of worms by moving to another make. ‘Another make’ does not necessarily mean ‘no problems’, although it might do! Good luck and best wishes.
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When I owned a recently serviced Naim 52/Supercap/NAP135 amplifier and wanted to reduce box count, I tried a Chord Ultima pairing. Much to my surprise, it had even more boogie factor (when appropriate) than this classic Naim amplifier. You need not have any concerns about lack of PRaT with the Ultima amplifiers.
Best regards, BF
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Naim and the dealer have been very helpful in very difficult circumstances. The problem appears to be with the power amp section as the channel imbalance remains when used in AV bypass.
I would like nothing more than to stick with the SN3 but this issue arose over a year ago and I’m on my second unit which has the same problem as the first.
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Hi James, no, I have not missed the exact Naim sound and the PRaT : boogie is still there. See also @Bluesfan comments above that suggest the same. I think the biggest issue with chord amps is probably the looks - you either love them or hate them!!!
Certainly worth a demo if you have the option then you can decide.
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You’ve made me neurotic about the channel balance on my SN3! Listening to it now and I’m convinced, track after track, that the channels are balanced exactly. I am sure that the problem can be solved by Naim - it is such a fundamental issue for a stereo amplifier. If Naim say that the performance is within tolerance but you don’t, I can see that the situation would be very difficult for you though. I hope it gets sorted.
If you stay with NDX2/SN3, consider a power supply for the NDX2. I have the XPS DR (I know that the 555 is far better, ‘night and day’ and all that) and it certainly makes a difference.
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The closest things to a SN3 would be in my opinion:
- Exposure 5510
- Rega Aethos
Cheaper yet interesting alternatives could be:
- Exposure 3510
- Rega Elicit Mk5
But the Kantas would surely benefit from more power.
If you were to consider S/H gear I would evaluate:
- Naim NAC 202 / NAP 200 DR / HiCap DR (which are much better to me than the SN3; keep in mind I’m considering only the DR versions)
- Naim NAC 282 / HiCap DR / NAP 200 DR (or 250 DR according to your preferences)
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I recently auditioned a NDX2/SN3 as I was considering a NDX2 to replace my old ND5XS2. I felt that the NDX2 (without a power supply) wasn’t much of a step up so next to listen to was a 222/250/300 and that beat the NDX2/SN3 by quite some margin. So much so that’s what I ended up buying.
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If you don’t want to stay with SN3, and don’t want to wait for a new edition - then a Rega Aethos might be satisfying solution for you ?
Moving to very different performance may not be a final solution, others have suggested Exposure, Heed, maybe PMC, which is good amps.
Going to Denon or Luxman would certainly require a listen demo before decision, many amps just don’t have that “live feeling” as the British.
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Don’t forget if you move to a non naim amp you’ll lose system automation with the NDX2. FWIW I’m on my 3rd SN3 and touch wood so far so good after 2 years. Pushing your dealer/naim for a replacement with fresh warranty might be a viable alternative.
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It’s starting to look like it’s irreplaceable so why on earth is there no forthcoming SN4/5…?
That’s one for Naim’s suits.
I get the feeling that they are moving away from (what they would call) mid-range separates.
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How about a Nait 50 although no remote control and less inputs?
Agree, though my preferred tense would be ‘have moved’.
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Production of the SN3 had to be halted rather earlier than planned due to component(s) supply issues. Knowing just how long it takes to not just design a bit of kit, but then get all the parts orders in place, with lead times on parts that these days usually run to a year or more at least, I’m not at all surprised that a replacement has not been announced yet.
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Yep, when I decided to replace my 272/250DR, I wasn’t convinced by new Naim. But likely wanted an integrated too.
Of those you have listed, I did try the Anthem. Blimey, it was boring!
OTOH, I liked the Michi X3 s2 so much, I bought one!!
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The lack of remote and suspicion that it would struggle to drive the Kantas put me off the Nait 50.
Thanks Richard that makes sense.