For me it falls into two categories later streaming gear 100% overpriced because of itâs shelf life but their amps and pre amps though a little bit pricey are bomb proof and retain their value well.
My advise is buy used from a proper dealer.
I guess one way to tell if Naim stuff are overpriced is how market responses to its products thus pricing. Asking uncle google, I was told revenue in 2017 and 2018 were ÂŁ27m and ÂŁ29m respectively; and ÂŁ100m in 2019 Focal & Naim combined. So I guess market is responding adequately well to Naim.
Lets not judge Naimâs performance or any company performance based on this stupid pandemic year.
Maybe we can change our view, so if Naim stuff are more expensive then there are people purchasing them.
I only talked about brand new stuff but didnât mean secondhand are expensive. Of course second hand are much more economical, but if most people buy secondhand, then maybe not many people buy new stuff anymore, itâs like for Naim there is already a cycle in secondhand market. This is not good for Naim
I just wish my wages had been indexed to Naimâs price list increases since c.2008
In the UK, the still active 2nd-hand (pre-loved - whatever that means!) market, provides a route to obtain all levels of kit, and I regard this as a major plus for the brand. Or negotiate with dealers on ex-dem stock.
Unquestionably, 2nd-hand prices have softened but it must be remembered that things like 500 series kit didnât appear much before 2008 (IIRC) and the more expensive kit will always lose value fastest which, for some, means relative bargains can be had.
Many legacy UK hi-fi brands are no more or been absorbed in name only in to larger concerns. Itâs great that Naim hasnât lost its independent identity.
I have a 555PS on the CDS3. While many see the CD as a dead format, itâs my preferred way to listen, and as far as Iâm aware the CDS3 should be serviceable/repairable for many years to come
@Desmond, this is a complicated topic. I donât suppose Naim accepts trade-in although dealers might. I certainly hope Naim would continue to make equipment that are resilient and lasts. I hope Naim would also continue to provide support and firmware updates, feature enhancements and upgrades where it is not limited by hardware.
Making things that lasts (like some cars) inevitably encourages the used market. And one who had an used unit and love it, is arguably more likely to get a new unit one day, knowing it maintains its re-sale value.
That said, it is tough to watch price go up. I know that very well because I waited well over a year for my unit and price went up so far I almost gave up. And using second hand market to evaluate pricing is impossible. With second hand market, sky is the limit. One of my mates just bought a market valued $600 Marantz for $180!
Not sure people really buy outright a new car every 3 years? If they do then price isnât really a worry at all for anything A car is generally the 2nd most expensive items people buy,unless your on this forum it seems. most lease these days as its more cost effective.
Mine is 16 years old and still going strong and cost ÂŁ13000 at the time new and has not cost much to keep running. itâs been the most useful thing we ever purchased. Has been able to supply us with more memories than any hifi would bring at any price.
Thatâs of course absolutely right. Unless people can sell their old stuff for a reasonable price, they wonât be able to buy a new piece of equipment.
I think itâs all rather pointless saying âI think the Fraim is expensiveâ or âI think power supplies are expensiveâ or whatever. Oatibix are expensive compared to Weetabix but I buy them because I prefer them for various reasons. I donât have to buy them. Oatibix and Naim is no different. Buy it or donât buy it.
If it wasnât for a healthy ex-demo or used market then there is no way i wouldâve ended up with the system i have now. Itâs good all round from where iâm standing. Most folks iâve dealt with most recently have been really genuinely nice people to do business with.
Lease is an easy way to buy, but is most certainly not cost effective! You pay ÂŁxxx per month, then at the end of 3 years (or whatever term) either hand the car back or, pay a lump sum to own the car. Either way, it actually costs one heck of a lot more than buying the car outright in the first place. Try buying out early (if your circumstances to be able to make the repayments change for example) so that you might sell it and, itâll cost you thousands more.
I am no tax expert, leasing / novated car lease / fringe benefit tax are not nearly as attractive as they once were. Many schemes require very significant milage to make it worthwhile. Thatâs a large carbon footprint, not to mention the environmental impact of car manufacturing (and battery production for electric vehicles). I hardly even drive this year given the pandemic lockdown.
When we bought our last vehicle, we (politely) told dealer not to bother telling us about financing, paint protection, leather and carpet treatments, etc. We stuck to our budget and are so happy with the purchase! It was great my wife was there to keep me in check.