It’s an interesting question about what level Naim themselves view the NDX2. Here people use it all the way up from the integrated amps to 552. But if your view is correct, won’t the NDX2 disappear with the new series three streamer that we know is coming? The problem with the Naim streamers is that there seems to be inconsistency in the relationship between the quality of the streaming platform and the DAC and output elements. For example the streaming element of the NDX2 is an improvement on the NDS, but is the DAC, etc? I have an interest in solving these questions as I consider replacing CD play with a streamer.
I agree with you about the series two streamer - it’s the other side of the coin from my doubt that there will be a new equivalent of the 202.
Your findings are not surprising to me, I have experienced this several times whether it be a demo in the store comparing my kit with new or at home carrying out a similar type of comparison. In fact it was the same NDX2>282>250 combination that I was aiming for and found it maybe a little better than I was used to. I chose to keep my wallet closed.
In my experience once you get above entry level kit most of the incremental changes in electronics are vanishingly small.
Easy to change your mind later, not so easy to undo a decision made in haste.
I would surmise (given that the NDX is not discontiued, unlike the pre amps and power amps in the classic range) that the NDX2 will continue alongside the new streamer. Whether that is to serve those who like green or because the new streamer is at a different level remains to be seen!
I agree with that, surely it makes more sense to go for the 222/250/300 trio or the 222/300 combo.
Neverthless I would be very curious to understand how the sound quality is affected by the different source. I would expect the NDX 2 to sound better, but I wonder how much… or maybe the sound presentation is simply different.
Still I prefer each component separated, but that’s just me of course, many things have to be taken into account when buying new equipment.
Personally, my thinking is that simply different may be best description for NAIM products. We are told that it is as much the algorithms around the core DAC chip as the chip itself that determines the output. I believe that a number of folks on this forum have changed transports, DACs and the like looking to get better/more acceptable sound from their systems. This has resulted in a large number of manufacturers are selling specific products/items to fill this need.
And let’s not forget about cables up to and between transport/DAC…ooops didn’t mean to mention that.
Naim’s own website states:
“Reach a higher level of musical performance with the NPX 300 power supply for the 200 Series sources and preamplifiers.”
That’s plural sources and preamplifiers - so in addition to the streamer and preamp in the NSC222.
Naim staff and dealers are embargoed so we will not get any confirmation until they are good and ready.
However, unless the website changes I will take it that there will be 200 series sources and preamps to be powered by the NPX300.
Also the NPX 300 is on its own a huge product rationalisation as it is designed to be a universal power supply for all sources and preamps in the New Classic product range.
Well, it’s certainly true that all we can do is speculate! And we lack crucial information about sales of particular products that will shape Naim’s decisions. However, I wouldn’t read the Naim website too literally as people here are frequently pointing out inaccuracies. In any case a literal reading, as you suggest, would mean that there would be two Series 2 preamps as well as the NSC222, which seems extremely unlikely. The NPX300 is designed to power all preamps and sources so that might be where the plural form comes from.
One would expect Naim would be more driven by market trends and sales forecasts than a need to be somehow constrainted by the previous generation.
The readout I’ve got from staff comments in threads recently, in particular Steve Sells, indicate the criteria for the New Classic project was framed by a need to simplify the range and make interoperability and upgrades more straighforwards and with fewer specific combinations of devices that previously had reduced interoperability overall across the range.
To my mind, what was curious was how the NPX 300 was released as a 300 Series Power Supply but without a release of a 300 Series range including a preamp and digital source.
This would imply (but not guarentee) a 200 Series NPX perhaps one that is designed primarily for 200 Series preamps and sources but also as a bridge for New Classic integrated amps or even a new Nova.
I think its fair to say at least the most interesting products lie in the months ahead.
I don’t think the 282 or 252 count as series 2 in the new hierarchy. The general assumption here (whether or not correct) seems to be that the 282 and 252 will be replaced by the 3 series preamp.
NAP250 already looks like a fantastic system foundation product.
Universal architecture on the NPX300 piques the imagination. Do you run it for a New Classic source or preamp or go without? Which sounds better? Will people get two?
Will a three box source, preamp, NAP250 lean towards rock and pop? Will addition of Npx edge more towards classical?
Lots of future listening and learning and enjoyment.
What will be interesting is if Naim release an entry level preamp and power amp, along the lines of what the NAC 202 and NAP 200 offered previously. The reason for mentioning that in particular is relative to power supplies. With those products you could use the NAP 200 to power the NAC 202 for a simple 2 box setup (just add source and speakers etc).
However they may simplify things further and focus that level of the portfolio more on Uniti which is unlikely to see any changes for some time, and a New Classic NAIT. You’d expect they’d leave all these products to much later (I’m thinking XS and 5 Series primarily), certainly beyond their current planned release cycles that cover the Classic tiers.
I would expect a 200 Series NAC to require a NPX to power it rather than it being powered by its own internal supply or NAP, but that might be where Naim do something interesting and make the 200 Series NAC work like a NSC 222 without the streaming and be capable of being self powered or externally driven. Then a NAC 300 Series being external supply only and so forth.
They could reuse what they’ve done with the NSC 222 to create a NAC equivalent put another way.