For the record, I really liked the 222 when I borrowed it. I just get a bit fed up by some of the ridiculous hyperbole constantly posted by some owners and dealers (not you!).
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The NDX2 is more buttery and smoother than the the 222 in my experience, kind of a bigger sound signature that one can call also more immersive?
The 222 feels more detailed, better instrument separation, better soundstage and more air, more (a lot more) immediate and present, faster and with more tempo (to me at least).
In the end it’s about what you prefer more than anything but if it’s the NDX2 advantages, I can see why you may think of the 222 as more “edgy”. The 222 settles over time but the above signature definitely remains and that’s what I like about it, and why I personally prefer it to the NDX2.
May be the misfortune with the volume control on your 222 unit has been a lucky thing to have given you the chance to compare and stay with the NDX2 if it’s more to your taste and may be setup and speakers too?
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thanks, I think you’re spot on with your observations, listening to the slowdive album really freaked me out as to how it was unable to render it. Theres a lot to like in some areas as you describe but to me it fails in other crucial aspects that go beyond preferences. As you say maybe it will improve with time but not a gamble I’m willing to take.
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Yes, the 222 may improve as it settles (becomes more natural and relaxed in way) but not losing the above signature, this will not change. I think if you prefer the NDX2 now, you would prefer it later too.
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Stop torturing yourself just get your gear back and enjoy.
The grass is just as green. 
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One might expect that an NDX2 would sound better than the 222 as a source, but any such comparison would be more meaningful if you said what preamp you use it with, as that is an equally important factor.
I don’t know what one might expect but as an owner I’ve had both with different preamps, amps, speakers and cables - everything makes a difference but does not change my impressions described above (they’ve stayed constant), or preference. I can say though that I had the XPS DR on the NDX2 but have not heard at home the 222 with the NPX300 yet.
No although you are not the first to describe the sound as being edgy it’s not how I would describe it but network, room and speakers probably have a more significant influence on this. The 222/300/250 to my ears sounded very good out of the box and whilst I did have an issue I liked the combination sufficiently to go through the remediation process with Naim but I’m not sensing that is the case for you. If you like the NDX2/SN3 combination enjoy it and save the cash – win win!
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No offence was meant at all by my post. And thanks for sharing your hifi journey part of which influenced my recent Innuos purchase which I must say I’m very impressed with - thank you. (Similar to you I managed to purchase before price rises 
).
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My 222 didn’t sound edgy at all, not even from the start. Given your problems I don’t think you’re getting an accurate representation of the product’s SQ. I didn’t get on with a naked NDX2, sounded thin and on the harsh side for me esp with a SN. It needs a PS to sound decent. The 222 sounds more realistic which is why I get on with it so.
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hmm strange that we’re having polar opposite experiences with both products
Is it still muting? It’s unfortunate you got a defective unit. Have you decided what you’re going to do? Try to get a replacement? Or send it all back and call it good?
yes still muting
Just to wrap this up, faulty 222 & 250 returned and brand new SN3 and NDX2 arrived today. I liked some of the NC sound but certainly not all and not enough to get a replacement 222, also was not comfortable getting another graded unit so opted to return to my original pairing but with new units courtesy of Naim - Thank You! Having said that the NC’s do some things very very well to be fair - dynamics, sound stage, bass control to mention a few but these were probably mainly down to the 250, at the end of the day they dident really make the grade for me as a combo. I was a bit nervous as to what my impression would be after having the NC’s for a few days but after a few hours of acclimatising there is no doubt the NDX2 is a fair leap ahead of the 222 particularly in terms of refinement and rendering of more complex music, overall a more sophisticated and controlled delivery imo without the edgy grittiness I was getting from the 222 and the SN3 effortlessly backs it up. Perhaps a 300psu would help the 222 but it should be good enough on its own. I think these new units I got today actually sound better than my originals even after just a few hours. For anyone considering changing from SN3 / NDX2 to 200 series I strongly recommend you audition in advance and definitely dont buy blind. I would think from my brief impressions you’d need to jump to a 333 to get a meaningful change and even then it might not be huge. For those with a Nova or Atom the 222/250 would make a more appropriate upgrade perhaps.
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Good job
Yo Ho Ho
That’s a relief
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I’m pleased for you @Hollow seems like source first wins and the NDX2 is a clear winner over the 222.
On a personal adventure I’ve kept my source Chord Dave, MScaler, ND5XS2 and this now feeds a Nait 50 all I can say source wins every time, my opinion of course but as a Naim owner of many years (I think 30 years)
Great to hear order is restored.
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So you bought a 222 & 250, traded in your used SN3 and NDX2, paid the difference, discovered the new ones didn’t work as they should, returned them, got the difference you just paid back and got a brand new SN3 and an NDX2 as goodwill? Then I would be satisfied too.
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eh not quite, I won’t go in to the details but yes, there was goodwill.
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As it should be with a good dealer, that wishes to retain a customer. Glad you are back on track now.
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Just asking but are these Salisbury or European made?