About the same price as a 332 + 250… Will look into it thank you.
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Not here in Thailand, I’m afraid. There are bits and pieces, but not a steady reliable stream of second hand stuff. Importing is a huge rigmarole…
No integrated really does sound like the SN3, so it seems…
I may give a third one a try. Surely I can’t be that unlucky. The first one took over a year to present with the issue, the second 15 hours. So I’d be living with the uncertainty of whether the issue may arise possibly when it is too late and warranty has expired.
I’d love an SN4. I’ve asked and been told “no time soon” and Richard’s post above noting that the end of the SN3 happened unexpectedly so Naim weren’t prepared for a successor makes me think it will be well into next year or beyond.
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I’d be happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement now if it meant getting an SN4 in a few months!
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The first “operation” the SN3 had was to on the Alps volume pots. This did not fix the issue. I ran more tests and when put into AV bypass mode, the channel imbalance is still present. Same with the second unit. It’s not marginal either, 2.30 on the balance knob to get it right. Fresh out of the box, neither units had issues and sounded amazing.
Thank you for the suggestion Jonathan. The list was compiled with availability (Thailand has a good but not great selection) and price in mind but also trying to keep close, but not identical to the Naim SN3 sound (which is going to prove difficult to replicate). I’m prepared to take a slight detour from the SN3 sound but ideally want the engagement and excitement, as you say. I’ve had a quick search and can’t see that the Leema is available here, but will keep looking. The Gryphon and the Kinki on my list would hopefully bring some of the signature sound I’m looking for. I’m going to give them a listen to find out.
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You could look into an Esoteric F-02 (or the F-01 if you want pure Class-A albeit at lower power). Does pretty much everything on paper. I can’t say how much boogie factor it has as my Esoteric amp experience is owning a preamp from their Grandioso range. It definitely has snap, clarity and authority but I can’t speak to Esoteric’s power amps as I haven’t heard them.
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You would need the NPX 300 I feel for it to be broadly comparable.
Never heard one of those, but I want one.
Take my money!!!
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Just to clarify for me, when you mention that you need to adjust the balance you are referring to the AV amp and not the Naim unit.
Accuphase E800s
Hi James,
you mentioned both SN3s being fine at the beginning, with the channel imbalance appearing at a later stage. Was the imbalance to the same side with both amplifiers? If this is the case, there might be something wrong with the loudspeaker on the softer sounding side. Is there a way you can check this out? If the speaker is causing the problem, any other amplifier might be impacted the same way.
When the SN3 is in AV bypass mode, the channel imbalance is present, so I suppose if I kept it in AV bypass mode then, yes, I’d have to adjust the AV / pre used in that set up to get it centred. Where I refer to 2.30 setting above, it is on the SN3 in normal integrated mode.
Hi @Mulberry Imbalance is identically presented on both the SN3s I’ve had. Tests done already are:
- Balance knob travel tested. Equal left to right extremes.
- Switch speaker cable connection at amp end (channel imbalance switches to right as right speaker is connected to left SN3 output). Rules out speakers and room.
- Switch actual speaker cables left to right. Channel imbalance remains on left.
- DIN and RCA from NDX2 used. Same on both.
- Different, less sensitive speakers used. Same.
- Input connector switched from Stream. Same.
- Different source used. Same.
- Volume attenuator replaced. Same.
- SN3 used in AV bypass mode. Same. This one is the most telling as it indicates an issue with the power amp stage.
Flagship! Nice. What are your experiences? 50w is enough?
Are the serial numbers close between the two SN3? if this is the case maybe a problem on a component, a batch issue on this or these components that would not be detected because it comes after several hours of use…
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Ears tested? Said only partly jokingly!
Both amps needed to be at 2.30? That’s quite a bit out and a bit weird both were the same. Did you check serial numbers - maybe you got the same amp back? Again, 2.30 is such a large amount out I cant believe it was not detectable on the bench in Naim.
Good list of options, can’t see anything getting near the Gryphon for drive or Pass Labs. for refinement and beauty.
Look up Pilium in your country, the distributor would be a good place to start. NDX 2 is next level through a Leonidas and it would make your Kanta 2s sound like nothing before.
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