Reading this thread and some others it seems quite obvious that some of us are never going to be happy. There’s always going to be something new that comes along and makes what you have redundant, it’s been happening since we crawled out of our caves. There must come a point where enough is enough, and then you can just sit back listen to the music and enjoy what you have.
But all of these arguments against a 272-2 introduction surely applied equally to the introduction of the original 272 in 2015? At the time, the NDX had been available for 5 years and the SN2 for 2, so not fundamentally different from the product portfolio today. Similarity in cost and box count made SQ comparisons between 272/250 and NDX/SN2 inevitable. HH preferred the former, some others the latter, though adding a PS tended to tip the balance towards the 272. And, paceFatcat, my impression (I have no data) is that it has been a successful product, at least in terms of sales.
Absent technical issues preventing a 272 replacement, there may be good market-based reasons for delaying it’s introduction at least whilst the NDX2 and ND5XS2 are still basking in the glow of the excellent reviews following their launches. There was a 5 year gap between the NDX and the 272 (obviously in part due to the technical problems in the design of the 272). So perhaps 272-2 fans will have to wait a while longer – sorry!
The April fools part was a coincidence I think . I’m in no doubt either that it will appear but the timescale is anyone’s guess , hope you don’t need another hat .
Interesting thread as a 272 owner, I think the 272 introduction was inspired. I have never been happy with the current preamp offerings. I like the programmable inputs, and even if I ‘lost’ the streamer section it would be to me a formidable preamp in its own right. For me a range of analogue/digital preamps with similar interface is needed to replace 202, 282, 252 etc.
While I won’t mention the brand, I’m actively looking outside of Naim right now despite really loving my 5 year experience with my Superuniti. And I understand the sound quality/obsolescence/marketing mix problem of a 272.2 But I need more power than a 400VA system, so the Nova or SN3/NDX2 is out, and I can’t justify the cost or space of a 3/4 box system. Maybe a new 272 could be all digital?? I’ll buy a 300 to match if that helps
If an NDX2 is already £5k (UK) would a £4k preamp and streamer not represent a backwards step from the 272? I would expect IF there was a replacement it would sit above the 282 Pre and NDX2 price points as it most likely would be a better pre than the 202 and a better streamer than the ND5. Maybe a £7k price point with internal PS is a more realistic expectation? Combined with the 250DR it would only come in slightly more expensive than the SN3/NDX2 option.
New 272/250DR would also need to better the SN3/NDX2 otherwise whats the point as that combo right there is an excellent 2 box option…
I have 272/555/300 very happy. Like others comment is the box count. I have space for one rack and two sockets which I have 4 boxes. I’d happily buy an NDX2 but just how many extra boxes does one have to buy assuming not going with SN3 is it 282/252 + hicap/supercarp I don’t know haven’t investigated but it’s just too many boxes which Is why I’d prefer a high quality 372. I think Naim are missing a trick if they think the alternative is simply a one box Nova or something. This is the “classic” community but still have real world issues like space, cost and layout
Totally agree I upgraded to 552 & nd555 and the box count went right up…this has left me with a non optimal sighting situation…as I cant have 2 stacks. Dont get me wrong the system is great…but there is allot of it…so I think the 272 update is urgently needed…not everyone wants a shrine…
My long-time favourite system was simple and clean. LP12, 72, HC, 2 x 135. It worked nicely on 4 shelves. And the Linn Saras worked well out-of-the-way against the wall.
For me the flatearther philosophy was to bring out the music from the nerds. Just look&listen to LP12, Nait and Kan. Two Ikea Lack. In any room.
I think of the 272+555+300+Fraim+SBL as Naims best flatearth system with its musical quality, clean look&feel and the nice proportions with 4 shelves. Integrates in most rooms.
I think that is a description of the non-existent 372, rather than a 272.2.
A 272.2 could easily be positioned in the same place as the original 272 - roughly the same degree of improvement over the 272 as the NDX2 over the NDX, and priced roughly the same versus the NDX2/ND5XS2/202/282 as the 272 was versus the last gen equivalents.
If it made sense to make a) the OG 272 and b) the NDX2 etc, then the same would apply to a 272.2 positioned in this way. If it was worth anyone upgrading from NDX to NDX2, and it seems that many have found it was, then the same worth would apply for 272 owners.
A significantly higher placed model like the one you describe is fine, I’m sure, but it wouldn’t really be a 272.2.