@cephas The other option would be to buy new or demo from a Naim dealer in California. Start fresh with a new system. Be prepared to audition Naim and alternate brands from the local dealer. The OP needs an ongoing relationship with a local dealer.
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I would search for a local audio repair shop that are confident that they could at least find the issue(s) with your amp. Doesn’t mean you couldn’t send it elsewhere for a recap, etc.
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No, they don’t need to form a dealer relationship and overspend by purchasing from a dealer. A “relationship” with a local dealer only affords you free shipping to the service center when something goes wrong. The dealer, after a sale, does almost nothing. Even then, that still doesn’t change the fact that an authorized repair of Naim products in the USA is a problem. If AVOptions services said product, then you have to pay an arm and a leg for a repair (severe up charge). If you send your item to the service center in Canada you’re going to get mixed results. I wouldn’t send anything to them again after two hiccups/problems both times I’ve done it. Naim ownership is a problem one way or the other in the USA and buying from a dealer doesn’t make any of it better.
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@Smoothfidelity i am not moved by your anti dealer and anti Naim sentiments. I get a huge amount of deaker support. I could not have gotten back into high end audio again, given my disabilities without dealer support. My dealer carries many brands and I would get the same level of support no matter what I purchased. If I needed service I would seriously consider AV Options, given their background. I accept that high end audio carries significant cost, both in terms of acquisition and service.
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Assuming there will be any U.S. dealers left. At least in the case of my dealer, none of the issues are their fault (and they aren’t selling Naim anymore anyway.) It’s Focal Naim America.
AVOptions is more expensive (as noted), but they are a great option because you can rest easy that service will be done right, without drama. Not so true for FNA, which is why I have listed my NDX2/XPSDR and plan to go with something else for digital that my dealer can support. I’ll keep my 252/300 because I know AVOptions can take care of it.
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With all due respect, this conversation isn’t about your disability and the special support you need from your dealer. You’re a special circumstance. You can’t continually give advice to others based on things you need and they don’t. The majority of us don’t need the extra help and attention that you need, so our decisions on where to buy are based on other factors. For most people, dealers play a very small role and an almost nonexistent role after the sale. You keep telling the OP to develop a dealer relationship as if that will change the current state of Naim support in the USA.
In addition, I’m not “anti Naim”. I’m pro rational thinking. I have more boxes in my home with a Naim badge on the front of them than most people on this forum. I’m just not a loyal fanboy that ignores all other manufacturers. I make decisions based on my bottom line and well being; not a blind dedication to a dealer or a brand.
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Well said. I’m pretty much in the same boat as you. If FNA wants to crap all over the U.S. market there isn’t much the Naim dealers or U.S. customers can do about it, but respectively stop selling and buying the product.
I’ve been a loyal Naim customer since the mid-80s when I worked for a Linn/Naim dealer, but can move on if I have to. Naim isn’t the only game in town. It’s not being anti-Naim. It’s just going with the flow that FNA put into motion here in the states.
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Going back to the OPs actual question my advice would be to get your 180 serviced either by FN or AV. It is a great amp and an olive separates system tuned well is superb. To get significantly better you will have to dig into your pockets substantially.
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You may want to reach out to Hawthorn Stereo in Seattle about servicing, they may have some options for you.
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I changed from 222 and Nait 50 amp to a Uniti Nova PE and am hugely impressed with it.
No concerns with the 150w Class D amp section which sounds “very” Naim. A really neat one-box solution with outstanding SQ.
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That of course is a $10,000 (plus sales tax), box. Can’t remember off hand what the sales tax is in California.
Yes but in UK costs £6500 which is good value for money but accept with exchange rates and taxes can rise substantially.
Keep in mind that the UK price includes 20% tax (VAT), so the actual price to compare should be £5400 in the UK as opposed to $10000 USD or $12000 CAD in Canada. We also need to add the tax which is 13% in Ontario. So not such a good deal outside the UK.
Interesting, because a Nova is one of the options I’m considering - esp if I can’t source an SN3 and NDX2 pair. I don’t feel I would require the PE model; as I’m only driving my ProAc Response 1s bookshelf speakers. I’m assuming your listening space is fairly large, or you have floorstanders or hard to drive equipment?
Hello Richard,
I have been looking into sourcing an SN3 and a NDX2 - most likely as open-box or ex-demo, from a local dealer. So I’ll see where that takes me.
I plan on listening to that pairing - in addition to a Nova, for comparison. Although I expect an uptick in functionality. My feeling is that whatever way I choose to go, I’ll sonically be taking a step backwards - in terms of what I’m used to? I appreciate this is entirely subjective, but how far do you personally think each option would regress my listening experience? Ultimately, I’ll be able to make a judgement when I audition both options. But would really appreciate an authoritative opinion.
Thanks,
Dan
Hi Jaybar,
I am in the process of arranging an audition of my two current favoured options;
An SN3 with an NDX2
A Naim Uniti Nova
Further to your alternate suggestion of adding a Uniti Atom HE, with an NC250. I appreciate the power amp is a very credible replacement for my NAP180. But wouldn’t the Uniti Atom HE be a huge step backwards - compared to an NAC82, powered by a Hi-Cap, and sourced by the NDX? I mean, the DAC and control stage in that all-in-one unit is surely inferior, by a significant margin?
Also, looking around I am seeing some previous generation NAP250s and NAP250DRs. What’s your opinion on those, if I can’t source an NC250? Sadly, at $9000, I’m looking for ex-demo or open box deals at those prices; as this has come out of left field, at the worst possible time.
Thanks,
Dan
Hard to say really, but the NDX2 is an sppreciable step up on the NDX (I had an NDX and while it was fine it ultimately disappointed me sonically). And there’s no substitute for getting the front end as good as you can get…
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If you can get your 82/180 functioning I’m sure you will find it superior to the alternatives you are considering. I will admit that it’s a while since I listened to an Olive amp, but the later equivalent, the 282/200, was a substantial improvement on a Supernait, which in turn, with the right source, improved on the Nova.
That isn’t to say that a ‘downgrade’ wouldn’t work for you. The simplicity and the updated streaming services may well appeal, and if your old gear is in need of attention it may sound worse than the alternatives. If you don’t mind the extra boxes, and have them set up properly, my choice would be to get them serviced and keep them.
One further consideration is the NDX. If it develops a fault, some parts are, I believe, no longer available, so upgrading to a Mk2 will give you some future-proofing as well support for more services.
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Thanks, that’s useful to know for the DAC.
How do you feel the amplification side of the equation would pan out - whether it’s an SN3, or the amp section of a Nova?
Thank you for your insights on these topics - it’s very much appreciated.