New classic series

[alanbass1]

A couple of years back I undertook a demonstration of the new classic series with a view to keeping my PS 555 dr. I did not report back on my findings as I was ‘emotionally’ mixed in my experience. As time has passed I reckon I have shed the emotion and can report my decision.

I was looking to replace my N-272 with either the 333 initially (connecting my PS555 dr with the 333) and using the N-272 as a preamp until funds become available for a 332. The alternative was to stick with the classic set up and go with a NDX 2 and some variant of a classic preamp.

In listening to both combinations (the all classic system having a 282/hi cap) I found the following general simplification of what I heard - note that the PS 555 was not used in either set ups because of not having the correct burndy cable for the 333:

The new classic combination was up front, bold and very detailed, retaining all the PRaT us Naim lovers appreciate. The old classic combination, whilst less detailed, came across as more musical in the way it portrayed the music. Clearly, my bias steers me to what I was used to hearing and I felt more comfortable listening to the old classic combination. However, the elevated ‘excitement’ of the new classic combination did have a lot of appeal, but also seemed more mainstream in its presentation, very much like listening to many other high end systems that prioritise detail and clarity.

So, I was very much sitting on the fence for nearly a year deciding which way to go. Then came the kicker. To go with the new classic I would have to shell out not only more for the units and an extra £1k for the burndy cable to connect to my PS555, but my SL interconnect between the pre and my NAP250 dr would also need to be replaced (£2.3k) if I were to retain an all SL loom in my set up (and I don’t need any more power in my small room/undemanding speakers).

So, my decision was to purchase an ex-demo (2 year old) NDX-2, which sounds mighty fine with the PS 555 dr, even through the preamp of the N-272. I’m now in the position of being able to get a preamp and can now pick up a NAC552/PS in excellent condition for £8k, and as I can retain my current SL 4pin DIN to XLR to connect to my NAP 250 dr, I can use the money I saved on the interconnect to get the 552/PS serviced.

I may not end up with the latest gear but I’m sure the 552 will elevate my ‘comfort’ listening experience. This does beg the question to Naim as to why they have forgone the DIN to XLR connectivity allowing owners to retain their investment in what is very expensive cables they promote as the pinnacle for connecting Naim equipment.

[feeling_zen]

Well DIN to DIN between source and preamp still exists and is still their preferred method.

Balanced XLR on the power amps is more about compatibility as the NC isn’t as fussy about non Naim preamps. As for cable cost, it depends. The stock cables are’t too bad to replace with base level DIN to XLR. Obviously if you had Super Lumina or something else exotic then an equivalent is a major expense.

Could they have supported two types of input? Probably. But they didn’t so we have to just move on.

[alanbass1]

The new classic preamps have both XLR and phono outs for connecting to a power amp. My point is more that Naim has not provided an option to be compatible with the classic series, causing owners who have already invested in their cables to have re-invest. I currently have a full set of SL cables and the fact that to maintain such a set up comes at a huge additional cost is probably the thing that turned me away from going with the new classic series.