Did anyone compare the progression integrated against the 332/300/350 already? Quite interested in the results 
Hey guys, I finally had the unit at my place to test it out for about 4 hours.
Test equipment:
Rockna WaveDream DAC via USB (Iso Regen)
Roon NUC (LPS, Audiolinux OS)
Some mid class German XLR cables which I cannot remember the name (not my usual Ansuz C2)
I’m not good at expressing all what I hear so I’m going to keep it simple and short, also it’s only my subjective opinion and obviously my specific system/room/preference.
If I had to describe the comparison with my Naim system in a few words only, it’s impact vs scale.
The impact is slightly on Naim’s side, and the scale is full on D’Agostino’s side.
The only advantage Naim has is the bass impact, but when looking at the whole picture, D’Agostino isn’t much worse in that regard, especially since it excels in more or less all other aspects. For a lack of better words, it’s like Naim plays music from a tunnel, while DD plays music on a field unconstrained of any space limitations. The tunnel making the sound more pressurised and therefore punchier.
The sound is richer, it’s precise but coherent and engaging. Naim’s sound in contrast seems thin, lean and shy, with a lot of disconnects. It’s like you look at a flower/s vs a bouquet.
Similar to Naim, DD is very well balanced, with complete control at high volumes. Better than Naim, DD is exceptionally musical, with plenty of space and air, and a huge soundstage. Mid range is soft and a bit warm which plays great with my Borresens.
The high’s are extended but silky smooth, no fatigue or any sharpness even at very high volume.
Resolution and dynamics are on the DD side, Naim is maybe a bit faster and PRATier.
DD has exceptional bass control and texture, but not as punchy as Naim.
Overall, DD compared to Aavik U-588 which I’m also testing, is a much better performer in my system.
Given all that, we’ve decided to ask the dealer for an offer including the trade-in of my Naim stack.
Hope this review helps!
21 Likes
I’m sure you’ll love it! Plus it looks great!
2 Likes
Aavik U-588 had no chance?
1 Like
Thanks! I hope we come to an agreement with the dealer.
It might be too early to judge given it’s a new unit, however the clear indication for me is the damping factor of the U588. It has a massive grip on the drivers which makes it sound like a laboratory grade drill machine. It is brilliantly precise and fast but that much of a speed makes my Borresens sound too dry and clinical. It loses massively on the musicality. It might be a good thing for certain music styles or listening preferences, however it’s not suitable for me.
2 Likes
That description of the D’agostino vs Naim 300 seems pretty accurate to me based on what i have heard at shows. Naim is better on music - eg prat and base drive, D’agostino is a bit soft but does fabulous on hifi stuff - soundstage etc. the issue for Naim is that unlike the past the D’agostino does not trail the Naim by much on music. It is close. D’agostino seems very well built and supported as well. They seem to be very fine amps. They have an extensive higher end line…Naim could compete with Statement but doesn’t seem to want to aggressively do so which i think is a mistake. Also there is a big hole in the upper part of the Naim line…the 500 is a fantastic amp but at the end of the day it is only a 150w amp. I think a ‘NC 500’ series to replace the OC 500 is needed and it should be mono amps at minimum 250w.
3 Likes
It reminds me one day a colleague asked me what is my main hobby. I answered « music and hifi « . He said then « ah, hifi. The watts. « .
This is where Naim is failing in the market in my opinion. Decades ago they had terrific value for money; not so much today. In this case, a forum member is choosing a $21,000 integrated amp from another manufacturer over $37,000 in Naim separates. One box for almost half the cost is winning in this case. It’s time for Naim to stop this BS of purposely putting DR modules in another box, charging an arm and a leg, and telling us it’s the only way.
4 Likes
Naim has always done their high end stuff in separate boxes with power supplies for preamps and power amps for some time.
There has been talk from forum members for some time about the wish for Naim to produce a Super high end integrated amp.
Naim aren’t replacing the 500 series any time soon. They have discontinued their original classics and have the new classic boxes and Ci series released not long ago.
Things are tough for hifi manufacturers right now with the market being difficult. I believe Naim are holding tight for now.
Perhaps they are struggling somewhat… 
Naim had a sharp drop in sales last year. When i look at their position i think the following…
- The dealer network aggravation is serious. Long term dealers are annoyed and the guy who posted his story about moving past Naim is not an outlier.
- The lack of marketing is serious. Naim should be posting videos of their new very fine 300 line working with all top brands of speakers. Dynaudio, Kudos, Quad 2812x, Wilson, Magico, etc. The Naim/Focal showing all the time is beyond getting old. Please note i haven’t criticized Focal…nothing wrong with the combination…but the straightjacket is not working in the market for Naim.
- Product line issues. I just got the 332/300npx/nvc-tt and i think it is fantastic. Naim have the perfect core to build on. They need to go up (replace the 500 series with a more powerful successor and emphasize the Statement) and down (a 300 based integrated that is extensible).
Just my 2 cents.
11 Likes
I think in the UK the prices of the two amplifiers are quite similar.
1 Like
I believe Naim are holding tight for now according to a video from Jason Gould not that long ago. Naim don’t give details of new product lines until they are close to release.
I am sure we all want Naim to succeed in difficult times. They have been going for as long as I have been born, which is 52 years. They will be prepared for every eventuality.
It may take Naim a few years to improve sales. They need to demonstrate strength in a difficult market, but I don’t think they can invest too much in terms of R and D in such a market.
Being combined with Focal provides them with strength in many respects.
Naim can’t act alone in this partnership. They would need authorisation from the Vervent group. They will have a stategy and be targetting the market for sure.
In Europe, the Momentum costs 27 k euros. A bit the same as 332/300/350.
1 Like
It reminds me the same description some years ago on Lotus hifi , people were comparing Vitus RIA 25 vs 552/500. Some preferred still the Naim , other Vitus.
And for the same reasons you described.
1 Like
The size and potential of the US market are unmatched, not being competitive there could severely damage your bottom line beyond recovery.
2 Likes
I think the UK and EU are probably pretty important markets to naim and the group as a whole too.
1 Like
It certainly looks pretty smart, enjoy.
1 Like
Bottom line is OP is making a move to something he likes more. It’s a free market and he is about to get a great one box amp! Let’s celebrate his new acquisition when he does the deal!
10 Likes
Certainly, didn’t mean to imply otherwise, but my statement holds true regardless.
1 Like