Let me start by saying I’m no product / technical expert. My wife and I love our Naim system that we’ve had for over 15 yrs…but we are ready to move on from CD to Streaming.
We currently have a CD5 / HiLine / HiCap / NAC202 / Hi-Cap & PSU / Nap200 / SBL’s.
We like to at least keep the musicality of our current system - better if possible.
My original thought was to have an NDX2 at the front but after that I’m not sure what components I have are reusable.
We are also not adverse to a single box solution, but ideally the SBL’s stay…so not sure if a single box can drive the SBL’s, or what would be needed to get the best out of them.
I think you’ll get a lot of comments on this question but since I recently had to move on from CD, I will add some if I may.
I do now have the NDX2 and I’m a big fan. I also wanted to capture all the CDs I’d bought over the years. I think there are very simple and cost effective solutions to that but I went down what for me was the tech dummy option and got a Core, which the NDX2 sees as a server. The resultant sound I find preferable to streaming the same album and I hear detail I didn’t hear on my CD player.
I’m a big fan of the SBL. I don’t want to imagine life without them. A few years ago I added a BK sub (others are available) just to see what the impact was and I’ve been impressed by how much better the SBLs sound. I appreciate that is a bizarre thing to say but so much of the detail and soundstage they give is now obvious.
I used to drive my SBLs with a single box. I had the crossovers serviced some years ago and that changed things for the better. I’ve always heard that a 250 is the benchmark but I went from a single box to 2x135s and now I have 4 of them. I find the SBLs will always reveal more so if you later added a PS to the NDX2, you’ll hear that upgrade.
There are lots and lots of options. If you want a simplified solution you could go:
NDX2
Supernait 3
HiCap
If you want better sounding set up to what you have with improved amplification you could go:
NDX2
82 HiCap HiCap
250 Olive
Or
NDX2
282 HiCap HiCap
250DR
If you want the more modern set up new classic
222
250
And could add NPX300 as power supply to 222 (optional)
The 222 is a streaming preamp
The Olive 82 and 250 would represent good value for money. You can use your 2 HiCaps with the 82. This would be probably what I would go for. I would also seriously getting 2 x135s instead of a 250.
If you go 282 or 82 I would also consider a Supercap as a better power supply.
There are also DR power supplies and power amps to consider.
I was very happy with 82 Supercap 2 and 2 x 135s combination.
There is alot of used well priced kit nowadays from ebay and it’s very much a buyers market.
What is your budget for system upgrades? Or do you just want to change out the CD player?
All elements are reusable. Adding an additional source doesn’t change the requirements or necessitate any changes or upgrades.
What are you looking to stream - your existing CD collection or access internet based services such as Tidal or Qobuz?
I would’ve suggest work out how to add this to your existing system, understand how this sounds and whether it works for you, before making any future changes.
The foremost question that you haven’t mentioned is budget. Without that, forum peps can come up with a variety of ideas. Does second hand kit appeal or are you looking at new or ex-dem?
For either of the latter, a visit to one or more Naim dealers would be a good starting point.
If you desire the simplest solution, keeping the SBLs (maybe update the crossovers), the NSC222 + NC250 would be an option. Trading in your existing kit, but with a extra funds required.
The other point to bear in mind, is when was your existing kit last serviced? If due a servcie, factor those costs into your ‘system changes’ budget.
If by one box, you are thinking of the Nova, the SBLs will benefit from some form of separates system and a separate power amp. By streaming, do you mean local streaming (of your existing cds) or subscribing to one of the streaming services, like Tidal or Qobuz?
Adding a ND5XS2 would be the cheapest option for Naim streaming - a used example, 2-3 years old can be had for around £1600 from a dealer. Just swap out the CD5 for the streamer.
There are loads of streamers though, so if you’re not fussy about brands and want to try streaming on a budget then the Wiim Pro is a good place to start.
