NDX2 vs NSC222

Yeah I get it also FZ

Don’t worry separates will come shortly

But I may not go there depending on what prices come through

And you know do I really need to !!!:crazy_face::crazy_face:

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Actually I can’t wait for the new streamer to arrive - I will happily drop a few £K on an end of line NDX2. It doesn’t suddenly become broken, especially since I can use the new 300 power supply with it.

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Not sure the NDX2 is going to be discontinued. The pre amps amps and power supplies in the classic range are listed as such but not the NDX2.

I’m a potential buyer of the new boxes. As mentioned in another thread my challenge is how best to upgrade. Keep the NDX2 or not. Looking for a bit more grip on my speakers (PMC Twent5.23), want to keep the bass and mids, maybe lose a little bit of the highs. Like the idea of simpler control and improved volume control for low level listening. Ideally 3 boxes, could do 4 but any more will not pass muster. I am hoping that last two options in table will be OK if I put NAPSC2 on floor behind media unit. As mentioned 5 big boxes is not possible.

Max spend £10k ish with trade in.

Options

Currently I have option 1. Thoughts on how to progress, happy to consider other options. Going to see my dealer to listen to option 2 as that is one potential endgame. Maybe there are others.

Understand that there are potentially other boxes coming soon but I suspect that will require more than the ideal 3 boxes. Also suspect that SN3 replacement may not be along for some time.

For options 4&5 you would need a Hicap or other PSU.
You have a brilliant source already so would not be looking to change that.
I’d have a look at rack alternatives if at all possible.
All options look great - enjoy journey.

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Thanks for the detail @Tapp. If I remember correctly HiCap is half size so might be hideable on floor. Unfortunately change of racking not possible as media unit is well liked by MrsO.

option 3 using SN3 as pre may be interesting.

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Your argument of VW beetle vs. Porsche can also be looked at differently. My wife had a new Z4 that I used a few times. I had an old 914 Porsche circa 1972. Across country the Z4 was no match for the 50 year old Porsche. What’s new isn’t always what’s best.

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Hi Orac,
Going to a dealer to demo was good for me but I warn you it had expensive consequences but didn’t have your very high quality source.
You need Naim to accelerate Nait 200/300 :joy: release but they don’t appear to rush things (and for good reason).

Yes looking forward to the demo. Results for me may be a little strange. As you say I have a good (for me) source in the NDX2 but the pre/amp may be a little weak. I’m not saying the SN3 is bad, it is very capable. Will be good to see if a mixed economy system sounds good - no reason why not but the designers will have worked towards specific target units. Although that may be changing a little as alluded to by @110dB in relation to power supplies.

Agree acceleration of releases would be good but I’m not holding my breath…:grinning::grinning:

Yes I think 110dB said c90% of testing on NSC222 was using 250dr i.e. not new classic version so would not think mixing an issue🤞.

Surely your budget dictates your options? @orac mentions considering £10k and having a matrix of 5 options under consideration.
First observation, Option 1 (or do nothing) is a nice place to find yourself already, I’d be inclined to suggest that if you are serious about a move in to New Classic territory, I’d sell everything you have today in Option 1 and just buy a new 222 and NAP 250 now.
Should you later feel the need to replace the 222 with a dedicated NAC and digital source you can trade in the 222 with minimal losses.
I’d expect there to be a future glut of things like NDX2’s and SN2/3’s as well as NAP 200/250’s and the various external PSU’s, there’s already an upclick in these things on eBay and similar, if you’re looking to maximise trade in value I’d not be hanging around till new preamps and sources appear.
I think a move to a NAC 282 comes with more risk and complexity, and longer term may mean you’re left lusting after a 200 Series source and declining trade in values.
I can’t see a New Classic system not being the best overall solution to migrate towards. If I already had a Old Classic NAC/NAP system I’d sit it out a bit, but at the level of a SN2/3 and an NDX2, if you have the appetite, I’d make a jump now whilst your existing kit holds sensible trade in values.

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in that case the 300 was powering the 222 pre only. However i doubt than 222 / 300 was better than bare Ndx2…

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Hi @Mr.M,

Many thanks for comments, and yes, depending on what I hear and what offers my dealer can offer I may just jump to option 2. Currently I’m cogitating over stick with what I have or option 2. As you point out returns on my kit will reduce as time progresses. As in most cases there is always the cost to change dilemma. Provided of course that I perceive the music is better. As I get ever older and funds may be allocated to other needs I may be perfectly happy with simpler systems. Hence my wish to try to stick with 3 box max for now.

I hear you on the “simple” aspect, I’m not so far off where you are in certain respects.
I doubt you’d find the 200 Series lacking and it’ll be a long term investment.
Also bare in mind you could even go to just a NSC 222 and active speakers (ATC has been paired by others here for reference)

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Hmmmm. You do know my dealer stocks ATC. :joy::joy:

Unfortunately they are a little tall and wide for the space I have. In fact the PMC Twent5.23 just fits. Only cm to spare. MrsO would not be too happy if I suggested a major reorganisation of furniture.

Never say never :rofl::control_knobs::man_dancing:

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Yep. But in my case the Porsche was a lot newer than the VW Beatle.
The 72 cant compare to a 282. With the match amps of course.

Read the following, it might be of interest to you…:blush:

When your house is finished, you need to get those PMC Twenty5 23 out of storage. I have never heard these speakers, have yours and i version, as good in my room, as I have today, with 222, 300 & 250. I have used these speakers with various systems. I would even go as far, as saying, “in my room”, both ATC 40 actives and passives, which I have owned.
I do remember, having a pair of B&W speakers, which had ferrofluid tweeters. Like you, I had them in storage for a few years. When I finally got the out again, there was hardly any sound from the tweeters. When I took the tweeters to bits, to replace the original ferrofluid, it had gone hard :frowning:. All was well after scraping it out and replacing with some fresh ferrofluid. :blush:
I hope PMC Seas tweeters cope better with storage or you get them out now again and give them a blast.
Anyhow I digress. If you get the chance have a listen to the new classic series and Twenty5 23’s, I think you might be surprised :crossed_fingers:

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So had a demo session with my dealer a couple of days ago. MrsO was with me as well. Started off with an NDX2 into separate 282 with power supply into old classic 250 and ATC 40s. Very good listened to a few tracks we know to get a feel for the sound. Feeling was that this was better, to our ears, than our system at home.
Changed over to the new classic range still into the ATCs. Played same tracks. Again very good, was it better? On the whole yes, but that is our perception of the music and what we like.
Then had a long chat with dealer about moving from my current setup to something else. Including routes through mixed old and new along with need for special cabling at times. Given that we were looking for ideally three boxes, better presentation and simplicity of operation conclusion was that mixed old and new was not best option for us. MrsO preferred the look of three new boxes as opposed to white green mixture, and different shapes/styles not to mention increased box count. Dealer then threw in an option of a home demo of the new boxes which are obviously a bit run in now, for a few days so we could experience it in our house with our speakers.
So, current situation is that we are listening to the new kit. Does sound, to us, better than our current system. Not hugely better, just a little different that we like. It is more rounded and better balanced to our ears.
Dealer has given me a price to change figure. Wallet is trembling in the background……

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Sounds like you’re enjoying an extended demo although not blown away.
I must admit I like the relative simplicity of the NC 3 box set up, looks and energy conscious operation but if sound quality improvement is only marginal you may have a challenging conversation with your dealer.
Good luck.