I’ve recently dug out my ageing NAC N 172 XS streaming pre-amp. The screen was u/s (not strictly necessary) and, cost-wise, not worth rtb but too good to junk. On that basis I’ve now replaced the screen myself courtesy of our French pal. I’ve updated the firmware and plugged it into a NAP100 and some Totem Sig 1’s and it sounds really nice for a legacy streamer albeit not capable of supporting streaming services beyond Spotify and Tidal. No big deal though. It was introduced along with the 272 but was it only in production for 3 years. Why? It’s certainly not a dud so why did they discontinue it so soon after?
Anyway, on to the main point of the the thread. I cannot remember what amp I used to use this unit with but suspect it wasn’t Naim. However, what Naim power amp would be a good one to use with it until I hit the limits of this 172 where the power amp quality outstrips the 172 capability? Would it be OK with a 200 or 250 say or would that be a silly combination? I’m thinking of stepping back from my main system for a short while and just listening to this unit for a bit longer before donating it to a family member. I want to keep the NAP100 because that’s usually connected up to my DAC-v1 for headphone use in my office.
It’s not up to dedicated streamer SQ but then again it’s a lovely sounding unit and ably demonstrates the law of diminishing returns against the former.
Never listened to one so probably not qualified to comment but based on 202 experience I’m thinking 250 might be a bit much whereas a 200 should be a good pairing…….
The more natural partner would be a 150. Eventually nap 200. I remember some using a Nap 300 Dr with a 272, but powered by a 555 ps. For example @HungryHalibut .
I use my 172XS in a TV setup, it match nicely a 155XS - same dimensions, The little 100 is fine too as 172XS is self powered. Guess any Naim poweramp could be a match.
No surprise TV sound one hundred seventy two times better this way.
I spent a bit of time with a 172/200 and thought it sounded very good. On paper a 250 would be too much for it, but who knows.
The 172 was released a while before the 272, I don’t remember exactly when but certainly at least a couple of years before. I got the impression that it wasn’t very popular, possibly because the range was a bit crowded with products such as the Uniti range and the ND5XS at the time. It’s a shame, because I thought it was a great performer for the price. The 272 was certainly better, but for me the 172 was better value.
According to my timeline spreadsheet they were both introduced in 2014 and the 172 was on production for 3 years and 6 years for the 272 but you may be correct. This was my source
I didn’t realise that the 272 had such a relatively short run too. Your explanation of why the 172 was unpopular in the crowded product range sounds right because it’s a super little streaming pre-amp in its own right. I wonder how many they made. Can’t be too many of them around anymore.
I run my 172 as a source into a Beocenter with Beolab 6000 active speakers. It is a perfect fit for the purpose of integrating my main Naim system with this satellite system.
Seriously - don’t get a 5Si. Unless you want flexibility to split off and build another system around it. You’re paying for redundancy you don’t need, and I’m fairly sure that a 155 is going to sound better.