Seems like I’m in the minority here, but I listened to NC222, NC250 & NPX300 and didn’t like it anywhere near as much as my NAC252DR & NAP300DR. Might be a familiarity thing but it didn’t allow me to get into the music to the same extent.
The 300 stuff is a different kettle of fish however. But even then I’d be tempted to go down the Linn Selekt route and reduce the box count.
1 Like
Hi GraemeH, which position do you have the sensitivity switch on your active mods? If mine are on+ the system can sound over bassey, and if i switch to - then it corrects the situation. However I have to turn the volume up to beyond 50 to get a reasonable sound level
The default is +, so I have it set to that.
G
Could it be the 222 was not a good match with your Totems Mani-2?
I’ve listened to 200 and 300 series back to back at a ‘Naim Open Day’ at a very reputable dealer in Bedfordshire.
The 250 really shows its mettle when fronted by a 332; there is a step change in insight, involvement and drive.
2 Likes
I’ve yet to hear any of the active PMCs but I do run active speakers, ATC in my case. I’d certainly not call the sound “thin”, rather the opposite, but what active operation does do is give a much more precise and stable stereo soundstage with a lot of air between the instruments in, say, a good acoustic recording. This is a major attraction of active operation for me, but not every listener has the same audio preferences and I’ve certainly met people for whom that openness is too much and prefer passive speakers.
Ultimately, though, if you’re not listening to a good part of your music collection, it’s not the right setup for you. There are several alternative routes to building a pre/streamer + active speaker system, or perhaps active is just not your thing.
Roger
I considered the Isis/Osiris pairing, however, there’s a feeling that at 15 years on, they’re pretty close to being eol, and whilst you can access the Isis DAC, it’s pretty low res by current standards, although perfectly adequate for all that.
Build quality is simply formidable, and the pair still represent an excellent two-box system, just not for me.
ATB, J
I believe it’s down to the pre. If the 300 can drive the Mani 2’s then the NC250 should be able to as well. I just think the 252 is better than the 222.
I’ve heard the NC200 series stuff with Neat Iota Xplorers as well. Didn’t like that combo either.
Ok, I have the 222+active SCM40 and couldn’t be happier after selling my 282/250/SC.
I hope you find what you’re looking for.
1 Like
Thanks, so this proves my point even thought I haven’t been able to demo both kits.
Only listened out of curiosity.
Have no intention of moving away from what I have. I had a 282 before I changed to 252.
The 252 in way ahead imo.
1 Like
I listened to the 252 and preferred the mellowness of the 282.
All good over here! No plans or desire to change system setup 
1 Like
I’d have said the 252 was more mellow than the 282. Indeed, there are folk on here who criticise the 252 in that regard. The 282 is far more strident and in your face and a long way from mellow.
5 Likes
I remember saying a few years back that given the choice, I would go straight to 552 instead. I never like the 252. Just my opinion.
Glad you’re happy with yours.
Happy listening.
I bought my 222 when Naim offered the ‘free’ legacy cables. This meant I could use the full potential of the 555DR I was using on the 272. I had a 250 DR at that stage. I think it takes a while for the full potential of the NC range to show itself. When it did I wanted to go all out to see what the new NC was really all about! So I added 350s🤘
Can’t be happier. System into PMC fact.8 is amazing. I don’t think there are many of us using 555 PS, but discussing it with dealer he really thinks a 300 could be sideways or downgrade. So I’m holding out a 500 series PS that I can add😂
I would add that I like the NC presentation but also think it really takes a long time run in.
1 Like
Everyone has their own ideal endpoint and I’m at mine.
The only thing that would change my stance is if the much discussed house move came to fruition. We all know how a different room can unravel a great sounding system.
I’ve never yearned for a 552, it’s just above what I’m prepared to spend on this hobby. Ditto the NC300 stuff.
The 282 and the NC200 stuff I heard had the same impact on me. Initially impressive but ultimately not quite “on it”.
My order of preference : 282 > 252 > 202 / Hicap / Nd5xs2 > 222.
1 Like
Enjoy your system, Steve!
