My current setup is NDX2 + XPS DR, Supernait 3 + HiCap DR, Pro Ac D20R. I have a Hi line, chord epic cable, Electric 8 switch and 2 full power lines on XPS and Hicap, PL lite on Supernait.
I like Indie and folk, soul and some modern Jazz.
If I went to the new classic range how far do I need to go for an upgrade?
Frankly what I have is great but considering one more jump before retirement.
I did hear the 332, 333 and 250 in a launch demo and was impressed.
Thanks
I think the 332 and new 250 are the killers of the series. If you want to move up go with those. Can always add power supply later.
222, 300 + 250 is worth a listen too.
ATB, J
That option is a good one in general but the OP already has the NDX2 streamer. So he can keep that and go with the 332 for best sound.
I went from a SN3 and an NDX2 along with corresponding power supplies to a 332/333/250/NVCTT/NPX300(2). I found this to be a very significant upgrade. If my budget was constrained, I would have kept the NDX2
My suggestion is invest in where you can retain the most value, long term. Seems like that points to 333 or 332…
I’m not sure if it’s straightforward or even possible to upgrade to NC preamp (332) and use SuperNait as power amp? In Naim Classic wisdom, this would be the known upgrade path. NC 250 or even better 350 pair in the crosshairs for the future next step.
Plenty of enthusiastic support for the 350 can be found here. 350 seems like a huge value for money purchase, but the cost of entry is high.
Otherwise it’s 333, but may not be rewarding enough upgrade from the NDX2 without the power supply? You could possibly use the XPS but expensive specialty cable required to integrate the XPS with New Classic streamer.
Your question highlights a glaring gap without an integrated in the NC lineup…
It may not be possible to use the xps PS with new balanced classic. Whether 350s are beneficial, to some extent depends on speaker sensitivity. The 332 and 333 perform at a much higher level when there are NPX300 power supplies for both the 332 and 333. You can use the 333 and 332 units without the PS. I did for 6 months. I have no regrets about adding the power supplies.
A Rega P10 was added as was a Luxman CDP. I feel my system is nicely balanced.
My objective was to assemble a system at a level that I would have no desire to upgrade from.
Lastly, I find the NC components to be cable sensitive. I started out with the standard Naim interconnects which I found to be ok. Performance improvement was noted when I switched to Chord Samum T.
That’s probably your answer to, albeit an expensive option.
Better value might be the 332 & 250 with your NDX2/XPS DR.
Even better value would be used classic amps in place of your SN3, in which case the choices are all great and only limited by your budget
No votes for swapping the XPS for a 555 power supply?
Thanks. Some interesting options. I hadn’t thought of keeping the Ndx2/xps dr and just changing amplification to new classic. I could change XPS dr to 555 ps and then go 332/250. Maybe a concern would be the balance of mixing old and new. Obviously a listen will be required!
I think that’s your best option. Just do the preamp and amp. Can add power supply and change the digital later if you want.
Enjoy!
In the last month I’ve replaced OC (NDX2/XPS/282+HiCap/250) with NC (333/332/250) - so five boxes to three… So good I cant imagine investing any more in hifi for many years. Its really a very significant improvement (so it should be!) on a very good OC system. Personally I think the 333 is the biggest step up of the lot.
Keep the NDX2 and PS and get the 332/250 if you want to change/upgrade. Personally I would go pre loved and get a 252/250DR. Visually the same, and sounds great. YMMV.
If you don’t mind mixing the visual differences of old classic and new classic, The 332 plus new 250 will sound great with your NDX2 and XPS DR in my opinion. The 332 was a significant step up for me from my previous 202 and later 272. There are several good dealers in Hampshire where you can hear a similar combination and may be get a kit loan for a week.
No problem with the older streamers you only lose out of the part of system automation that has to do with automatic power down.
I moved from 252 to 332 without external power and I still find this to be a small move for the better. One advantage for some of us is that you skip all the problems with v balance when playing low level with 90 db or more efficient speakers.
I love my 333 with 555PSDR on it. Yet there are those that think 333 is just another NDX2 in a new costume. Wrong 
@Westcroft i agree with your assessment. It will get very much better with NPX300 power supplies.
This very summer I have seen unbelievable good prices on Nap 350 (demo items).
If I were into that market I’d not hesitate one second, they are great poweramps.
Wonder if Barco are setting up new price strategy ?
@PerF Whether or not one goes with the 350 or the NC 250, to some extent depends on speaker sensitivity. Also if rack space is limited, one might have to forgo the NPX300 power supplies for the 333 and 332 units. The power supplies make a very significant performance improvement. Since I have limited rack space, my dealer felt that the benefits of two NPX300 power puppies outweighed the benefits of the 350s. My speakers have a sensitivity of 90db