A year. Check the last two years threads.
Lets not forget that FPGA is typically used for FIR filtering - not DACs them selves.
Currently Naim use Analog Devices DSP filtering using the AD SHARC architecture.
If there is more interest in FIR filtering or DACs generally then there are two likely possibilities
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The current Naim high end PCM1704k DAC converter chipsets are discontinued and aging - alternates that almost certainly Naim are trying out may be sounding better with FIR filtering as opposed to IIR - and it may be there is a preference to undertake FIR filtering outside of the SHARC processor.
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There may be more interest in more advanced FIR filtering for advanced room/speaker correction etc which can be highly advantageous in real world environments.
As far as shared manufacturing - I believe that happens already including in the high end components such as the streaming digital modules made by StreamUnlimited Engineering GmbH and I understand jointly developed with Naim. These days digital electronics manufacturer is often quite modular and distributed.
When I visit the factory at Salisbury I am quite surprised how small the production facilities actually are - and given where it is situated there appears no obvious significant expansion space.
Simon
Yes, even back in my days at the factory, IIRC there were some feasibility studies done for extending the roof space where currently Goods Out and the canteen reside in order to add some much needed production space. I seem to recall that because the immediate surrounding area was rapidly evolving from industry and retail to residential that such a plan was a non-starter as the residents would block it.
Very well done I say. Better to end the production delays and expand in a cost effective way than to combust, which could be a very real alternative if delivery delays escalate. Demand for new products is rising, especially with a whole new range appearing and Iām sure this expansion will allow the Salisbury core to properly focus on even greater advances, to the benefit of all customers.
Iāve managed business in Slovakia and they have a huge number of very skilled people who generally work very professionally.
In Poland they donāt. Distributor sends it to Salisbury - expensive and takes ages.
When you send something outside the EU for repair and the product returned was changed (repaired) you get to pay customs and VAT for the change. And this is if everyone fill out the forms correctly - otherwise you may be hit by the full value. Still a lot off crap to fill in and if you get one field mis-spelled ā¦ you are out.
Which is why many brands have service/distribution-center at one place in the EU where they have templates for all these forms and do this for you (or service the unit)
There is probably something wrong with me but I have used Naim since the mid 80s and I have more seen them as something like the Morgan Motor Co. A bit weird and nerdy. Not impressed when having a look inside. But they deliver the musicality
The new classics impressed me.
But I must confess I never look where a product is made.
Naim have always had that nerdy but enthusiastic cottage type industry feel to me and the products hand made and bespoke.
This to me seems like the same way other Great British Hi Fi manufacturers have gone only its not China this time.
Very sad and the end of an era.
You are spot on, there is no comparison. Rolex have a business model which is unique. They sell a million watches a year, all effectively made to order, with no stock held at dealers. This fuels demand, as evidenced by the number of āusedā watches selling for big premiums, having been bought by speculative buyers looking for a quick turn. There isnāt a hifi manufacturer in the world who could replicate this.
As I mentioned before, I donāt think thereās any great surprise in what NAIM are doing. Life goes on. The communication of it all is a shambles thoughā¦
I think most in the queue for a new Rolex are just investors. In fact on delivery I think dealers offer more than rrp to buy them back for the āusedā market. Silly comparison with Naim.
Maybe there will be a ā Grey ā Dealer network for the Salisbury gear.
I wonder how distribution will work? Will both UK and Slovakia products be available in all countries, or will some territories get either all UK or all Slovakia products?
It could basically become a crapshoot when buying. I wonder if some customers will demand a UK made piece?
Gibraltar
Which other HiFi brands have production in Slovakia?
Living 25 mins from Salisbury I would find it a very bitter pill to swallow if any new unit was sourced from Slovakia.
Trying to source ālocallyā is important to me, notwithstanding the dealer in between.
Whilst clearly not everything I purchase is UK sourced, it would make me think twice about buying Naim in future if I couldnāt guarantee UK made, based purely on that mantra, not through any question regarding quality control elsewhere.
I would
Reduced prices like Tesla?
But, to be fair, if youāre in the UK and you sent a product to NAIM UK for repair, if there was a charge then you would be charged VAT on the charge. As per dutyā¦ I doubt very much if there is duty on this service.
Hopefully not Tesla build quality