Do we expect something new from Naim any time soon?

If AI continues along its present trajectory, the most likely component of the current hi end HiFi system to become obsolete will be the human listener :scream::scream::scream::scream:.

ATB, J

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NACA6 is imminent….as an upgrade to SL. The optimal 7m pair will cost you only $25K.

Provided they aren’t forced to radically shift direction (more than they already have) I think enough trickle down changes have emerged to refresh the 552. Not a revolutionary change but evolutionary.

The current NC case.
The resistor ladder volume control.
Balanced XLR preouts on the head unit itself
Mostly unchanged 552 main PCB.

It’s not what some people want but it seems like low hanging fruit at this stage.

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A Solstice cassette deck to match their Solstice turntable, now that really would something for sure, oh and a R2R thrown into in for good measure :thinking::grin:

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And a built in headphone amp too!

Ooh that’s a tough one. A decent headphone stage costs money to implement. 50% or more users don’t use headphones so would resent the cost. But a token one would annoy the other 50%.

Naim underwear? Affordable way to buy in to the brand.

Perhaps Naim socks as so many seem to get pleasure to show of theirs in photos … .

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Listening pants?

Acoustic Y-fronts.

With rear bass traps.

$5k for a set of three.

[addendum]
That is so no more stupid than some of the s%%t audiophiles will buy.

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And a pair of subs…..

Ummm you know sub cushions for gaming chairs you sit on us a real thing right?

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Multi channel AV, I see that coming ..

Not sure but a 552.2 with a headphone amp and some trickle down tech you mentioned could have breathed a bit more fire into a legendary product!

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Possibly. But if I didn’t use headphones, I feel like $2k of the total price was for a feature I didn’t want.

They could have done that with the 552 years ago and chose not to do it, i personally feel they should have.
The only reason i can see for them not doing it was because it made the new 552 sound very much like the S1. I guess they didn’t want that obviously as they want you to buy the much more expensive S1.
But things move on and i should think they hardly sell any off them both new these days, so a new 552 with a much more neutral get out the way sound would be good to see.
But will it happen? Will a 500 replacement ever happen, as been mentioned most have moved on now as got fed up waiting.

Fair points re s1 encroachment and agree I suspect anyone wanting to buy now would probably be less likely to buy a 552.

That said I’m still enjoying my 552 and don’t feel the need to upgrade per se as the music flows lovely.

Endless upgrading and searching for technical superiority is not what this hobby is about for me although I accept it is for others.

Be interesting to see how stuff develops overtime and in the meantime my system sounds lovely and I’m enjoying the music in my first year of retirement!

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I have one month left, and then I’m hoping to be able to say the same!

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I had been in the “departure lounge” for the last 2 years according to my boss, so it was an easy transition to slip into not working!

If you are full on work mode I suspect it will take some adjustment but loads of good material out there to help you adjust!

Enjoy

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Noted. Apologies.

Given the enthusiasm for Naim streamers (especially on the current firmware) a really good CD transport connecting to streamers and Musos for the DAC process, controllable via the app would be tempting, especially when my Naim CD player fails and cannot be repaired. Possibly half width. I do not envisage ever getting rid of my CDs.