What do I put in it? Could do a power supply… but I think maybe I should listen for once in my life and do a preamp. But which one?
Here’s my twisted logic: I wanted a top flight Naim/Focal setup from the moment I was corrupted by the denizens of various high-end shows and this forum. I did not want to buy, then sell to upgrade, then sell again to upgrade, and so on several times. So I figured I’d cut corners and start with the 300 DR, then add the 372 when it came out, then the power supply. But I got tired of waiting, so I added the NDX 2. Now I can rest here for a bit, or bite the bullet and add the preamp at the same time hoping my wife won’t notice the extra box…
Options:
Wait, be patient, add a new 282 or 252 preamp next year.
Used NAC 82 (remote control is a must - by the way, will the NDX 2 remote work with a NAC 82 using System Automation?)
Used NAC 282
Used NAC 52
Used NAC 252
I know each step is supposed to be better than the last, but I’m wondering about fit within my system and bang for the buck versus diminishing returns. I also know I should audition, but that’s not an option in rural Indiana.
The so called user manual is on the Naim website, it’s a FAQ based system, not very good imo. I have a similar system, with a 252, sounds very good imo.
Pedro, I suggest the 252, being thats the “natural” partner, but that will also need a Supercap, a used combo from a reliable dealer (if available in USA), skip the 282 option. Then, to spend more of your hard earned money, a power supply for the NDX2 - it never stops
Freaking awesome. Better than the Classé Sigma SSP Mk II that preceded it. But a little inconsistent. Some of what I listen to is staggering, some sounds restrained, far away. Maybe it needs to warm up, though I don’t understand how that would affect a DAC. Maybe it needs a preamp… thus my second guessing my earlier stance.
Thank you perizoqui I shall be watching to see how your story goes. I am in a similar position in that I jumped for a nap300 and now looking for a front end, but not at any price. I have considered a 72 or a 82 and the easy answer of the well healed of this form might well say “get a 252” but that is going to be one very expensive volume controlled buffer and too greater price for me.
Again thank you for your feed back, i look forward to your outcome. In the mean time I will have to set up my own dealer demo when I can justify the cost of the purchase, but it isn’t going to extend to a NDX2 and a 252 + PSU
How does the NDX2 straight into the 300 work? How is it connected? Our glorious leader (RD) repeatedly stresses the need for the pre-amp to be part of the amplifier ‘whole’.
Hi Gavin, I run my Superuniti into a 300. The SU has a 4 pin din and phono out, either can be connected to the 300 xlr inputs. You can make up your own cables to achieve this or some independent HiFi cable manufacturers will make up cables to do the job. What this arrangement doesn’t do is route cables via a dedicated Naim power supply intended to feed the naim preferred arrangement of a pre amp inbetween. I understand this is in part designed to optimise the star earth arrangement. As my system has the pre amp integrated into the SU I’m not sure what the benefit of the naim way would be, but I do intend to try a few more combinations out this year with my dealer.
Indeed Gavin, but I believe the principles still apply, whilst it may not be optimal from Naim’s perspective. I understand that the NDX2 has a low impedance line level output which can be configured to be variable in order to comply with some apple protocol
Flashback sells: “Naim Style RCA Plugs 3 Pin Male XLR” cables. I already had these to feed my 300 from the RCA output on my Classé, now I use them to the RCA output on the NDX 2.
