Funny that although the Focal post on Linkedin that Slamdam copied was three weeks ago, but neither Naim nor Focal nor Vervent are mentioned in the CES list of exhibitors. That list on their website conceivably could be out of date, but on the eve of the show that seems odd - maybe Naim/Focal didn’t manage to secure a place or have pulled out…
We’ll know soon, but if they’re not there everyone has another month to speculate before the next show that Focal says they’ll be at…
Which means yet more non-matching boxes for many on an upgrade trajectory.
Provided connectivity is the same especially if there are tangible sonic benefits then not so bad if say a new NAC was still compatible with an older NAP.
I’m using a pair of confidence 20s , was looking for the heritage special but these (used) were a better price, although I’m not sure they are a better speaker. I’m thinking of re-doing everything and leaning towards kudos titan 606 - basically takes up the same space as far as placement and think they’d work well. Probably going to move on from naim boxes for the most part, partly because I can’t deal with so many wires and boxes and their all-in ones won’t sound as good or better than what I currently have.
I’m not 100% convinced by the styling but they’ll probably grow on me. Guess they’ve tried to bring in new while not looking too different against the old stuff. One thing I know the pre amps needed an upgrade to keep up with their opposition.
I’m end game (pending non-Naim orders) so it doesn’t matter.
Personally, only a phonostage would be compelling, but given I have a Z-Foil Airplug/Superline/SCDR/HiLine/PowerLine I don’t see any changes happening for me.
Having used a Nova effectively as a streamer to a NAC for years the presumed 272 replacement would have been interesting before I got a 282 and later Supercap DR. If the new streaming pre doesn’t work with a Supercap DR and the 252 is discontinued then my long term plan is probably dead in the water unless I go pre-loved. Potentially provides many options thinking laterally though.
Not keen on the white lighting on the volume, hopefully dimmable or defeatable.