I have passive SCM40s with my 333-300/332-300 and NC250, and think they work exceptionally well together. When I had a 250DR with the SCM40s, I was very happy with the system. Replacing the power amp with an NC250, the bass was deeper with better grip, the mids were more articulate, and the top end was clearer and cleaner.
5 Likes
@NigelB Have you received your new system? Your profile still points to 222/250/300.
Yes, I have the new system, but it remains in boxes while I get some internal building repairs done. Hope to have it operational mid Jan.
I will however update my profile now.
4 Likes
I did a comparison between one 300 + 250 and the two 350 (no 300). These two options were hooked up to 332 & 333. For me the 350 option was a winner.
It shows how different each one of us experience sound. Very interesting and very good that we do.
6 Likes
@mr_christer There is never an absolute. So many factors come into play. Our speakers were easy for the NC250 to drive effortlessly. The biggest factor was rack space. Although we got new 5 shelf racks the 350s would have meant there was not enough room for the two NPX300 power supplies needed. My husband did not want the racks to get any taller. I needed to accept that as he is otherwise tolerant of my purchases.
When comparing 250/300 vs 350s, each pair on 332/333, much will depend on the speakers being used, and dare I say it, whether the 300 was powering the 332 or the 333. The room (size and layout) will also play a part.
It would be helpful if you could advise on the above details, if you can recall them.
Even taking these details in to account, I suspect there might be a split decision if a few people were in that demonstration.
1 Like
I don’t think you’re alone in this assessment… I just need stop reading these threads 
1 Like
I could have bought a nice place in Mexico if I didn’t read these threads. LOL
6 Likes
Good remarks and good questions! I’ll try to answer.
I did this comparison at two different dealers, alone with them and (no one else but me and the dealer). At one dealer using Sonus Faber Olympica Nova floor standing speaker like I have at home, at the other dealer suing Marten floor standing (do not remember the series, but not the smallest ones)
Max space for me is 4 boxes. I was hoping I would be fully happy with 3 boxes – the 250 does look like enough, on paper, for me. This is why I wanted to try the different combos.
What I experienced was that the 350 handled everything with more confidence and in a much liter way. There was better separation of instruments, more air, more precision in details and a friendlier sound to my ears. Also, more control. Even when adding external power to either 333 or 332 I could never reach that sound with the 250. Remember – this is all my experience, and I am 100% sure that other people may hear it differently or have other preferences. No one is wrong here.
Ofcause there were differences between the two demo places (different rooms, different speakers). But, in my experience, the main differences in character between the two combos remained the same.
I was also in a position that I could wait longer, save more, and not needing to go 3 boxes. I could do 4 boxes. I could save for the higher price of 350 compared to 250/300. And what I described here was my experience. I did a quick comparison again, about a year later, before making the actual purchase, just to be sure.
I intend to stay with these boxes for a very long time. If I get in a situation where I have space in the future, I also have the option of adding the 300. If I find it making a difference big enough for the money spent. For now, after about 6 months with this setup, I have no need at all for any upgrades, though.
2 Likes
Yes. My impression is that you were very careful about getting a lot of different parameters to work out in the best way possible. I understand that you really thought everything through very carefully. Finding the solution that works best in reality is the most important thing. It seems you did.
Good summery. Very identical to my listening experience with SF Olympica Nova 3’s.
222/250 was lacking. Adding the 300 did improve much to the soundsignature. Like the 300 it exactly did what it promissed to do. For me it certainly removed any sceptisism regarding Naim “ external psu “ policy.
Switching the 250 and 300 with 350 resulted in an ever greater uplift. I am certain that it was due to the NAP 250 driving the speakers but just not 100% to their capability. And maybe there is a different soundsignature between the two. In the end the better control resulted in the improved SQ you described. More then compensating the loss of the 300.
Adding the 300 again for a full 222-300/350/350 added some SQ ( detail, darkness in the music) but in a way smaller quantity then initially adding a 300 to a 222/250 or replacing the 250 by 350’s.
In the end I think its both personal taste and the most relevant bottleneck that you want to remove by going up in (Naim) equipment. With moderate speakers / space thats adding an NPX, with more capable speakers it might be picking the added power of the 350’s first.
1 Like
Good analysis, Jvd. Makes sense.
Thank you Mr Christer, for the detailed clarification.
Your analysis makes sense, and it looks like both sets of speakers you heard in the two separate demonstrations were needing the added power and control offered by the 350s.