HiRes Audio, Is it really the be all and end all of audio,
I’ve heard some fantastic vinyl audio in the 1980’s, And still can’t get the sound out of my head.
And it was when Linn and Naim worked together, I hark back to the Naim six pack with Linn Isobaraks.
I think it will be a great shame if Naim doesn’t introduce a new Nait integrated amplifier or two
If Naim only have the ‘lifestyle’ and very high end products available going forward then they will, I believe, loose a lot of business to Arcam/Rega etc
This is running parallel to the N50 thread - questions on the Brio / IO vs the N50. Just goes to show that people really do want a high quality one box solution. With a phono stage.
I think the new Cambridge L/R active speakers with StreamMagic and MM input will be a huge seller this year. It’s where the younger market is at.
I was talking to Steve Sells at Naim and said that what we need is an Atom DB. I still think it’s a good idea. Something to kick the Linns into the weeds.
This is what happen now, yesterday and tomorrow, really strange, there may be a reason we don’t hear.
It’s not a case of losing business.
It is fact that naim have withdrawn from the market segment.
But…. is it temporary or permanent? Time will tell.
I just think you have to be a little patient.
ND5XS2 still available online and round and about. Concerning integrated amps, there’s a few still knocking about online too. SN3 and NN50’s still out there for now.
I succumbed to the NN50 over a year ago; I then thought I’d get a SN3 for my bigger system downstairs and pair it with a ND5XS2 or a NDX2……..
However circumstances and “chance” have led me down a much cheaper and more engaging route.
NN50 + Node Icon in big room and a WiiM Ultra [Qutest on hold] + NN50 in study upstairs….
I’ve ended up with a better amp [at half the price of the SN3] and streamer [less than half the price of the discounted ND5XS2] at NAIM’s expense as they options simply didn’t exist in my local store to buy a bigger SN3 / NDX2 or ND5 combo !
Not only that, but the NN50 / Node Icon / TX9’s sounds absolutely fabulous and has such a minute diminutive footprint with my TT I am over-joyed…..
It sounds so good, I must satisfy myself that there are no further changes.
The NN50 into TX9’s replaced my Cambridge EXA100 which was in the big room. The difference in control of the NN50 Icon compared to the EXA EXN100 combo into my TX9s is a partnership of heavenly proportions !
In summary, the lack of NAIM options has led me down the online “bargain-hunting” route, to MY advantage !
Chapeau !
As some do,
The issue with missing Naits as I get it…., the average man on the street no longer experience new Naits on the shelf at his local hifi shop. Either he will be offered Mu-So, Uniti or separates if wanting Naim. Or presented for Rega, Audiolab, Arcam, Denon, Cyrus etc.. integrated amps - there’s tons of other integrated amplifiers, but none from Naim.
Hey TLR, I had completely missed you have the Node Icon, how have you found it? Looks like positive experience, I’m considering one at the moment, looks a good stablemate for the N50.
It’s genuinely superb. However, it’s probably not as good as a WiiM into a Qutest….
I don’t need the bells and whistles it offers (XLR out, HDMI, etc) but the dual mono DAC arrangement and the sound it produces outguns my EXN100 I reckon…..
If you need the functions though it’s a steal.
I got mine cheap as well which swung it…and its form factor is perfect with the NN50…..
Thanks for the info, I’ll stick with my Wiim’s into Dacs then, I prefer the form factor of the Ultra I have to the Pro Pluses in the other system’s.
I would move the ultra into the house from cabin system but it uses coax to Denafrips into N50 and usb into Fiio (or other way round) into Densen, so getting two for one from Ultra out there and no USB on pro pluses.
Yes! Can’t we all just chill for a bit? It’s hardly even going to be a hot minute until the Bristol Hifi Show - the perfect event and market to launch a good value streamer… maybe a new integrated too??
I can’t believe Naim are turning their backs on this section of the market. These products have been multi-award-winners and reliable in terms of sales. Something must be waiting in the wings!
Maybe a surprise
Yes, I don’t think you need to look very far, the Atom , Nova etc seem to be Naim’s biggest sellers and the likes of the CD player, ND5XS2 , SN 3 have all quietly disappeared
Bear in mind that when the 272 ended production, it was several years before the 222 came along. In that time, the topics from forum members who had given up and gone with other brands noticeably increased and many formed new brand loyalties with desire to return.
Naim can leave a market and intend it to be temporary. But with every passing day, re-entry becomes more challenging.
And as for not no longer selling well compared to Uniti products, it’s always framed like separates in that price bracket in general aren’t selling well. The truth is they were and are, just not the Naim ones. There’s a lot of choice for consumers in the price and product categories Naim no longer have offerings in. Probably too much and the slice of market pie is ever decreasing.
I saw Tysons were selling the NS5 XS 2 for , IIRC, £1749 just after the announcement that it was being discontinued. When I visited their website they had one on an “open box” offer for £200 less. Made me a happy bunny. Early wireless connectivity issues were resolved by making it top-of-the-rack. No problems since. In use at least 12 hours a day.
Bargain for a new one. Enjoy!
