Seems the day of attainable affordable products from Naim aka CB and Olive days are well and truly gone, now it’s heading quickly to an elite range. Sad. And another round of price hikes in NZ I noticed yesterday.
I suspect that, in general, good hi fi is a bit less affordable than it was 10, 20, 30 years ago. I think that’s the way of all “luxury goods” and hi fi has largely become “luxury goods” – even though those who grew up with it never thought of it that way as the time (?) Or even if it was, it was nevertheless relatively more affordable.
And I’m sure this feeling contributes to what @NigelB refers to as alienation; customers who already are alienated by the prices may well be moved further that same direction when they see the brand associated with a $2.5 million car.
The bubble are the elitists who can afford a car that costs enough to feed 1000’s of starving children. The rest of us just work, pay tax to help others and try to have a decent sound system that doesn’t empty the bank of a lifetimes savings.
Pure ego, does nothing for the people who buy their products.
This was probably the most insightful post last night. “Ecstatic” for polo shirts, and with that reference “very excited” is really as far as even the greatest Naim supporter could go for what the announcement actually was about.
I’m glad I went to bed before 11pm.
Best
David
Bummer. I was hoping for a new turntable.
While a tad disappointing to read that it’s not the expected new product, it looks like a good move, especially as it’s associated with an electric vehicle (albeit a rather expensive one).
Good PR for Naim in this present climate and Naim for Battista sounds better than Naim for Zoe.
Nobody has mentioned yet the possible upgrade path,the reference private jet!
No merger with Linn? Well that was an antiKlimax
Hmm, another tiny-market hyper-car which, a la La Ferrari, may already be surpassed/equalled in performance terms within a few years…and which in media terms (using old language) is likely to be become fish & chip wrapping very soon.
Of course, the ‘in’ with the Italian styling house may generate potential opportunities for others in the same/similar segment.
It strikes me that the auto-market is very different than that for domestic hi-fi and Naim/Focal may have greater ambitions in this direction, noting Focal have been active for many years with car-speakers but it’s the leveraging of the Naim branding and mutual packaging which is now opening opportunities. Interesting though about the use of Be in the speakers given this is toxic - I wonder how that flies in accident testing? - but the batteries will be even worse.
Well you all know why your screen still freezes on your atom, naim were working on a hifi in a car four people in the world can afford.
There is a slight smell of ‘home fires burning’ when newsflow like this is lauded so much by the PR team.
Dear @Richard.Dane I wish Naim would not create the pre announcement news anymore
just announce it…
I cannot tell I am satisfied about this launch, I am with the crowd for mamy of the reasons expressed so far… Good for Naim If this open the doors for future project and because links Naim’s naim to the Electric cause.
However, having worked 6 years for Pininfarina many many years ago I am happy they can join forces with such a respectable company as Naim and I hope it will beneficial for them
@charlie.henderson if there will not be an update for the 272, please just say so now, and let people go on with their upgrade decisions
Can this lame car branding thing just end. It’s only the companies themselves that thinks it’s cool. No wonder nothing else comes out when resources are spent on this crap.
What’s on Board:
• Best-in-class sound individualization
Naim don’t do this stuff. So someone else implement the DSP code. Harman I guess.
• 1300 W of sonic power
So in cars the DNA and story with few transistors never delivering more than 100W doesn’t matter. Otherwise give me a 2x500W amp please.
• 10 speakers and 8 active channels
• Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer
It’s 2020
• Built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) system
Yes all cars have today.
• Symmetrical speaker layout recreating an auditorium-like studio effect
Come on.
• Extended frequency response at 40KHZ
Ok and why? I believe Naim is one of those that do a sharp filter down at 20k normally?
This is just marketing. If there are 10% naim in this car the customer should be happy.
This ‘Naim For Barrista’ stuff Is all about high-end positioning and brand reputation I guess. Keeps the PR department occupied. ‘Willy waving’ probably sums it up well.
Well, I suppose, at a stretch (a long one) the sound individualisation may be a useful thing for future products.
Otherwise, I hope Naim are clear of any software for said posh car, given the inability to fix screen freezes on the streamers.
Probably also explains the recent price hikes, we’re paying for all this rich-boy d@ck waving stuff.