that’s good to know as im looking at the SF Olympica Nova iii
Unity Nova PE is class D, right? So, there’s no separates that will be equivalent to PE. I had a chance to listen to a demo: PE than 200 series than 300 series. Honestly, if you compare like that, PE sucks. I do not like the architecture of 200 series, thought. Streaming preamp… Meh. 300 series look good, but the price is out of my league.
NDX2 + SN3 mentioned above is a good advice but maybe you won’t like the looks and why not keeping the current Unity? I personally have SN3 but I am not buying NDX2. I will buy something modern and nicely looking for a streamer, like an Aurender.
Whilst your listening comparison is valid, the circuit architecture class is of no relevance in determining audio equivalence of an amp.
2 Likes
What’s wrong with a streaming pre? I have a Linn streamer/preamp (all Linn streamers include preamps these days) and it sound wonderful. The recently discontinued Auralic Vega is another fine DAC which includes a fine Class A preamp. Some on here use an Atom HE as a streaming pre with great success. And some even combine it with active PMC amps which have class D amp packs.
I judge hifi on the basis of how it performs rather than the exact nature of the technology in the boxes. I guess not everyone does.
Roger
4 Likes
I was looking at lots of boxes. In the end I didnt want to compromise the music system so I used an eARC → toslink device to have the TV isolated and out-of-the-way. Then I connected via an old Remedy reclocker to get toslink → SPDIF/BNC at a fixed 96kHz sample-rate. And switch to/from TV-input on the DAC used a cheap WiFi → IR device and a shortcut function on the iPad user interface.
Some enterprising company should make a ready-to-use device for this. At least the sound is great.
Nothing’s wrong. It’s just me. I prefer to have an amp + sources (a streamer being one of them).
Also, the lifetime of a streamer/DAC is way shorter than that of an amp.
Remains to be seen. The original NDX was Naim’s first streamer. It’s still out in the field in considerable numbers and still getting updates. We don’t really know what the lifetime of a streamer is yet.
Earlier 16/44 only DACs had a lifetime of about 20 years before technology moved and made them utterly redundant beyond use with CD. Maybe streamers will have a similar life. Maybe they won’t. But it hasn’t happened yet.
2 Likes
The orignal NDX is maybe out in the field, but who wants to buy it today?.. I doubt there will be a lot of bids.
Now, technology moves faster than ever. And I bet people will have a bigger urge to upgrade their yesterday’s streamers than amps. And even if you want to upgrade your amp, it will be easier when it is a separate box from a streamer. But again, it’s all me, my perspective: I prefer my sources separated. And to me, even having a streaming full amp makes more sence than a streaming pre-amp. Though, there’s nothing wrong with having a streaming pre-amp.
1 Like
Your thinking aligns with what Naim have always preached; source first. Their own streaming preamps (222/Atom HE) have dumbed down sources within them. Take the 222 for example. The only difference between it and the 333 is that they removed the volume control and inferior analog output stage and put a better analog output stage in the 333. It’s just a small PCB. They could’ve put the same analog output stage in the 222 and made it a LOT better. However, they dumbed it down.
In my opinion, if Naim were following their own guidance they never would’ve made the 222 in its current form. They should’ve just made a really good integrated amp in the $10k-15k range. Then customers could’ve added a really good source to it, which would’ve ended up being a better system than the 222/250. Source first. They probably would’ve sold more integrated amps than they’ve sold 222s as well.
3 Likes
Indeed Naim could probably have done just that…….
The only problem with that logic is that the 222/250 sounds just great, add a 300 even better.
All other things being equal, speakers, room, mains, etc., of course a 333/332/250 should sound better than that, a 333/300/332/300/350 yet better again….. for, depending on who you are, an awful lot more money, therefore so it should.
We all know that HiFi is a game of diminishing returns, so, strong floors notwithstanding, a Statement should rule them all.
You pays your money and YMMV.
Oh, and full disclosure, I listened to the PE whilst considering the Linn Selekt DSM Organik and found it the more appealing of the two………
ATB, J
I stay with my Nova PE
5 Likes
Nova PE for the convenience, power and understated beast mode.
1 Like
Personally I’m smitten with this combo, but I wonder if it will be a significant improvement over the Nova PE?
Separate power supplies will certainly help, and I will say I doubt the SN3 will struggle to drive the KEF’s. I’ve been using it with a pair of Totem fire monitors at 88 db with zero impedance correction ( no crossovers ) and the amp has more than enough power / control.
What a lovely dilemma to have!
In terms of relative value & performance, the Metas + Nova feels like a good fit -of course more power is always nice, but I wonder if the sound quality will take a proportionate jump with the PE, and depending on the size of your space, the Nova may well drive the KEF’s well.
My experience tells me that to get a significant improvement in sound quality, one is typically looking at spending roughly 2x, and Naim has been consistent in showing improved sound quality with the move to separates ( to my ears at any rate )… so I have to say, if you’re looking for a substantial step up, the 200 series gear is probably your next stop… just be prepared to drop that $ 
I recently heard the 222/250 playing through Focal Kanta No 2’s and the sound was exceptional.
Alternatively, if you can, try the SN3+ND5X combo, for me, it was a good step up from the integrated streamers before spending the money to go 222/250. I ended up buying this combo and I’m 100% satisfied.
Echoing others’ sentiments, perhaps a different speaker will get you the sound you’re after? The Nova + Metas feels relatively well balanced, whereas a 222/250 combo feels like it may be outperforming those speakers.
Having listened to the Nova, Star and Atom extensively, I particularly enjoyed them with the JBL L100 (big, fun, but lacked a certain ‘hi-Fi’ level of detail), Spendor A7/7.2 ( superbly balanced, great low end, detail for days), Focal Kanta No2 ( awesome, amazing resolution, superb overall, but getting expensive ), and Sonus Faber maxima amator ( sublime: lithe, detailed, end-game speaker, also $$$$ ) -all of which have substantially different sounds.
1 Like
Nova PE is available for £4999 on a certain website
i’ve listened to the sonus nova iii with the PE and it was much more to my liking than the meta R7… but a lot more money.
so i’m going to likely hold onto my Naim Nova and replace it when i can afford a significant upgrade
1 Like
An NDX is great VFM if you (1) stream CDs (2) use Tidal for non CD streaming and (3) can find one with a new screen. I’ve got one and would still go out and buy one today if the three conditions above were met.
2 Likes
I guess it’s also if you want a one vs two box solution (and potentially have a turntable as well)
1 Like
If the screen died while set to DHCP with all inputs enabled then a bargain basement dead screen NDX is also fine IMO. I’ve not needed the screen on mine for years.
Streamers with no screens must be banned 