If the SN3 drove the Kantas OK, I suspect the Nait 50 would as well (I know it has been tried with Utopias). Can’t help with the remote (but there are some ingenous solutions around).
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Well it should do! Eighteen grand vs. more like ten or so with a (second-hand) XPS DR power supply
I have to say that if I were starting again I might have gone your way but at the time, and going for my first streaming-only set-up, the NDX2/SN3 seemed like an irresistable deal.
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Yes I get that but I see lots of comments on here about how the 222 isn’t much of a move up from the NDX2. In the context of pairing it with a 250/300 it absolutely is a big step up. Whether a 222 in to a SN3 would be much different, who knows, but in the real world few people will do that.
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From your list I’d pick the Electrocompaniet without hesitation, if you plan to keep the NDX2 then model ECI 6 MKII which drops the streamer.
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Hi James not sure what you are looking for if I were looking for a compact integrated…I would consider the Dan D’Agostino Pendulum Integrated Amplifier….it’s pricey but solid.
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I’d not panic.
Buying a “boring” so called High End amplifier may very well be a time waste.
I’d just look for some older Naim kit, there’s tons out there, and reasonable prices, most of it can be serviced, likely loose zero when reselling.
Thank me later.
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If looking at Japanese brands then don’t overlook Technics, a couple of us on here have the SU-G700M2 and it’s a fabulous amp (I also have a SN3/HCDR) which has been developed from the SU-R1000, which would be right in the price range of some of your other contenders.
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I read from the beginning and still don’t understand what you want really . Because there is no SN4 , you want to departure from Naim?
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If you want speed, urgency, involvement, don’t go for Luxman, Technics, Accuphase, or Sugden, neither Vitus 101. These give a lot of enjoyment but the former traits are not their strength.
Maybe Chord. But better listen first.
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You realize that none of these sound like a Naim? Luxman is a good choice though..
You clearly really like the Supernait 3, so surely it’s worth trying a third one? If you really have reached the end of the road with it, how about the 332/250, which you say is affordable. It seems highly likely that Naim will release an NC integrated, the question of course is how long that will take. I’m rather expecting to see it when I visit Naim next week, but of course if it was there we’d be sworn to secrecy!
It’s certainly a conundrum for you. I had two Novas with problems and decided to switch to the Atom HE, so very much empathise with your dilemma.
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I’d also recommend trying a 332/250 if you feel you can stretch to it. This is what I have now and in my opinion they don’t need a 300 to sound superb. I’m limited to a single stack so not having a set of burndy cables to control is a big plus for me..
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At that level of Gryphon also lisen to Alluxity both this amps were on my shortlist when i sold my SN 3. Alluxity was the one that finally went for. Very good soundstage and lots of power for your Focal speakers.
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Both are good in their own right however together sonically a mismatch.
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That’s not very helpful Nigel😉
I would second the suggestion for late serial number second hand combos.
NAC202 / Napsc / NAP200-DR is on par with SN3 in my opinion, just different. Even more fun with NAC 282. Can be powered from the 200, add HiCap-DR at will.
This will keep the Naim sound, I would consider it an upgrade, and to my surprise I’m really hooked on the system automation thing.
Sorry to hear about your amp troubles, hope you find a satisfying way forward.
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Yes 282/200(DR) excellent combo.
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If channel imbalance is the main concern, a Classic preamp is somewhat risky as they all use the same Alps volume pots that are prone to this imbalance at low volumes in particular. At least New Classics are a safe bet here with their completely different volume controls.
A used Classic pre from a dealer who would allow a demo to ensure it had a nicely balanced pot could be an option - then again, the now discontinued SN3 could be considered on the same basis.
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I have to agree with other posters here who have said that the sonic signature of a lot of the amps on your shortlist is very different to the Naim sound you like…
However, the integrated amp which I adored when I heard it and reviewed it was the Leema Acoustics Tucana Anniversary which at £6000 ish is without question the best integrated amplifier I have ever heard. Why? Well it has the same engagement, excitement and similar sonic signature to Naim. Combine that with boundless power (150wpc), superb (and I really do mean superb) build quality, fabulous ergonomics, incredible speed and you have one of the greatest high end amplifier bargains in the world. I suspect it won’t be too hard to find my review of it via google because I can’t post a link here. Leema are rather like Naim in that they are very approachable too, so even if they don’t have Thai distributors I bet they would ship to you factory direct.
Of course if you like the Naim sound then the obvious answer would be something from the Naim stable and I second the recommendation for NAC332/NAP350 or NAP250. Be under illusions the NAC332 is a very serious pre-ampliier imdeed and the new 250’s and 350’s are fantastic.
I hope that’s helpful… Do got and listen to the Leema, it really is fantastic and frankly I would say it is up there with a lot of £20-£25k combinations.
JonathanG
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Urgency may or may not be in the music and if it isn’t you don’t want the amplifier adding it.