New classic or Nova PE

[ChrisSU]

@SussexNaim

250.3

What’s that?

[HungryHalibut]

It’s what some call the NC 250.

[ChrisSU]

OK, seems a bit muddled as in between the 250.2 and the New Classic there was the 250DR. I prefer to stick to the names used by Naim.

[SussexNaim]

Hi ChrisSU, was not trying to be controversial but Naim call it NAP250 which is not very helpful either… so I have seen 250, 250.2, 250DR and 250.3 used as well as NC250. Anyway it is a massive step up on the SN1 Power Amp and as you say it needed some expensive extra cables so I jumped to The 250 rather than faff about.

[back_in_the_game]

Hello John,

I am also looking to upgrade, though mine is a streaming-only system.

Depends how important LPs are to you (I note you have the excellent but modest RP3/MM) but it is possible that a good streaming system might have better SQ and that might be what you need.

So, assuming streaming IS the main source (acknowledging that it might not), then I my research has lead me to the conclusion that a basic streamer coupled with a great (more expensive) DAC could lead to the best SQ result, and might work for you even with your existing system.

Something like the Innuos Stream1 and the Chord Hugo TT 2 (together £6k new), might just blow you away for online streaming and your FLACs.

You might even have enough left for a good (newer) integrated amp, if that’s the way you wanted to go.

I realise this is not what you asked for, but sometimes we need to be challenged and the cost here is an afternoon with a dealer to see what YOU think.

Hope you find the right answer.

[Johnzappa]

Thanks to you all for your interesting and varied comments. Looking forward to spending an afternoon with knowledgeable stockist to compare various options