Much fairer, and good prices, very similar to what the 552DR just cost me from Cymbiosis.
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.Absolutely true - no long warranty can be important.
On the other hand, a recently serviced/ re-capped DR should be good for the next decade or so, and further services are (hopefully) possible too. The difference in age between a newer 252 and an older 552 probably wonât matter much if looking back from 2030 or beyond.
In the meantime, the appearance of NC boxes has moved a 552 from âdefinitely notâ to âpossibly affordableâ to a degree that I certainly didnât expect to see so soon.
I still really rate a 52 or 252. I would have been quite happy to stay at 52/252 level until I saw todayâs 552 prices.
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Comparing used vs used seems more rational. The NC gear is widely available used even here in the US at this point.
It really all depends on what youâre after. The 300 series is absolutely better in certain aspects than even the 500 series. Overall better, maybe not. Naim has never staged or imaged well. Now they do. In my opinion, the new gear has finally brought Naim into the 21st century to compete in all regards with other high end manufacturers.
Investing in the new gear also makes it easier to upgrade as time goes on. After owning the 222/250 and now the 333/332/250 and comparing them extensively to pretty much everything directly except for the 500 series, there is no way I would go back to the old gear. That doesnât make the old classic gear bad. Itâs actually tremendous at what it does. However, I would miss the resolution, staging, imaging, depth, balance, and coherence of the new gear.
I certainly agree with you that anyone who is at the 252/300DR level shouldnât feel pressured to lay out a whole lot of money just to switch over, but anyone below that level should seriously consider their long term plans before climbing the ladder with the old classic gear.
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We alll here differently. When I first heard the 222/250 with 300 ps, I couldnât believe that I didnât liked the sound.
It was the first time in near 25 years that I wasnât involved by Naim.
So I thought, maybe itâs a speakers problem.
So I returned much later, to hear full 300 series. With different speakers.
Same impression.
And a third time 2 weeks ago. No way. I wasnât involved, even when I asked the dealer to install my speakers brand.
I am aware that on hifi criterias, a full 300 series is better than for example 282/ hicap/ 250 dr. However, for me, the later would be clearly more enjoyable, at 1/8 of the price. But itâs me.
Now I have full Ear Yoshino with Nds/ 2 ps. The best sound I have ever had in my room.
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