That’s the fabled NAC-N272-2 (or perhaps the equally fabled NAC-N372).
I was hoping for a two box solution that would improve on the 272 and save on boxes as I don’t like racks of equipment.
Everything processed to a high level into separate amplification.
I’ve heard an NDX2 into a Super Nait 2 which sounded good but required racks for the power supplies.
I know what you mean. For me I accept a larger number of boxes as that means a better sound
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Not required exactly, just improved by having them. Maybe try a bare NDX2 with other integrateds if the supernait 2 doesn’t do it for you. One member here traded his for a Nait xs and prefers that and there are plenty of other makes around, the Rega Oasis is somewhat sympathetic on the end of a Naim source for one. Naim come from a tradition where the sound justified the means and the means was lots of boxes, 6 mono blocks for instance plus active crossover and preamp with outboard supplies. If lifestyl is your thing Naim have made concessions over the years culminating in the current unitis but they’re more sort of bait than an end in itself. Try a Devialet perhaps.
I thought the range of Naim preamps was there to drive the Naim power amplifier with increasing fidelity up the range at a larger power level (the volume control being an indicator of scaling required). Sources just don’t have the driving power required by the amp and this will result in loss of fidelity. Naively I thought each application stage could be characterised by an effective impedance which gets smaller at each stage.
Phil
There is an earlier thread that seriously overlaps the subject of this one, which may be worth visiting as it had quite a few contributions from all angles.
Thanks, I’ve seen the pre amp and 272/372 topics before.
I hope Naim take note of the topics on this site because I believe a significant number of people wish for a minimalist approach as they no longer wish to clutter their lounge with equipment.
At the speed electronic knowledge has advanced surely its worth considering a different approach.
I think you’ll find that Naim have always understood this desire for smaller systems. That’s why they made the Naits, Unitis and NAC-N streamer/preamps. They all compromise performance to provide the convenience many people want.
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I really don’t get this “minimalist” thing! Why is it fashionable to want bare rooms with nothing in, no carpet, everything white, and small. So harsh and uncomfortable. Tidiness is one thing, but some people’s home look as if they’re living in hospitals or some other institution!
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I would argue that racks of hi fi equipment appear institutional. I would prefer to have other items in a room. I also think a neutral colour palette is relaxing.
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The established institution of rack proud audiophiles ?
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How dare people suggest our boxes should be taken away from us! I’ve spent years (and a few quid) increasing my box count, and I for one am not going to reduce now, not for anyone.
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Sbls, a Nait and an LP12 with nice wooden plinth make every room look nice.
But on topic, a nice integrated digital crossover would make it much easier to run loudspeakers active.
Agree re ranked racks of black boxes, though industrial rather than institutional. Of course, apart from speakers, and anything receiving an infrared remote signal, hifi stuff doesnt have to be on show. My amps are in a cupboard.
Pale walls are good for light in the room, and plain walls are good for dosplaying pictures - both pale colours and dark boldly coloured.
Institutional as in old folks homes!
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Maybe I’m missing the point, but wouldn’t that one box streamer be called an Atom
Naim have been pretty clear that they believe greater integration comes at the detriment of sound quality.
They have gone to lengths to reduce this impact on the Uniti range and 272. But ultimately, once you get to a certain level, the cost-performance of mitigating the impact of multiple components within a single box lags far behind just physically isolating them as separate products.
That doesn’t mean they won’t do it. But it’ll be a trade off.
I’d also say that 2 boxes or 5, the rack takes up the same floor space. And if you prefer to forgo a rack for visual elegance, spending thousands on hifi might not be the wisest path. Or at least not with Naim. Naim believe in heavily in mechanical and electrical isolation (Fraim, external PSUs etc). If you don’t believe in them and want to spend more than a Nova, other brands may be more appropriate.
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HI,
I see no reason why Naim could not build a dac/pre only running on an external psu. we will have to wait and see what happens next, a 273 373 or updated dac, with or without pre, or maybe all of it.
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I see that Moon have now brought out their answer to the 272.
Like it or not this appears to be the way the market is moving and Naim should look to improve on the 272 to retain their share.
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