Not NC 200 or 300 Experiences?

[ratrat]

@stuart.ashen

I like the new look now and I’m sure it sounds great. I am also sure it builds on the performance of OC. If I were building a system now I think I would be more than happy with it. But changing from OC to NC is definitely off my radar…

That’s how we feel. Particularly, the bit about changing.
Maybe in the future. Who knows.

Looks like the addition of a SCDR allowed you a version of ‘complete”, with your OC system. Nice

Best wishes
R

[JimDog]

@IainO

SMSL 100

What’s that?

Is it a cheap dac?

[IainO]

It’s an SMSL PO100 Pro, USB to SPDIF converter.

It is allowing us to use Tidal max hires (24/192 where available) streaming into NDX2. Stopgap until naim firmware allows this.

Works very well with iPad and Raspberry PI.

Sound quality is very good for a 40 quid device, not at NDX2 level but good.

[ratrat]

Hey @QuickSticks

I remember you considered NC, specifically 222.
Did Tony audition with the NC250 for you too ?
But then you chose 282 - HCDR - 300.

It would be fascinating to hear your story and understand an individual perspective and decision making.

[Django84]

Interesting. Just to clarify, are you saying that the ND5/ndac/sn3/HC was preferred over the NC 222/300/250, or did you just compare ND5/ndac v 222 into sn3/HC? Many thanks.

[marcusman]

This is interesting but not completely unexpected from my experience. I came away listening to the NC200 series thinking it sounds great but in the back of my mind I was thinking to myself “I’ve got a pretty damn good system currently”.

[ratrat]

Dear @QuickSticks

First, thanks for your comprehensive reply, via another thread. Copy below…

282/HC DR/300 DR or 282/SC DR/250 DR

To @ratrat and any others that wondered how I chose my final solution (please see profile). I started my Naim journey just 1 year ago. In fact the first system wasn’t actually installed until the 2nd October 2022, which will be a year on Monday. That first system was a NAC 202, NAPSC, HiCap DR, NAP 200 DR, Dynaudio Evoke 50’s. Sources were my LP12 (pre Lingo 4) and my MacBook Pro through an AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt for streaming from Qobuz. My problems with the Dynaudio’s are well documen…

Seems like you were looking for something quite specific, which incorporated thinking about a special listening environment, existing pieces and also musical tastes, etc. These nuances, all understood, for any hifi journey.

I guess I was also hoping for some reflections or thoughts on decision making, comparing NC and OC items. Having chosen a new OC system, this year, etc.

BTW, currently listening to Steve Wilson “The Harmony Codex”, which is brilliant. His latest album, just released a few days ago. Probably his best work yet. Thoroughly recommend. An interest in prog’ rock lives on, (in me).

Best wishes
R

[Mike_S]

@ratrat

BTW, currently listening to Steve Wilson “The Harmony Codex”, which is brilliant. His latest album, just released a few days ago.

I’m really enjoying it too, highly recommended and top notch recording.

[bruss]

Sitting, listening to Auralic stream of RP mellow mix, through the 552/300 DR and Spendor 9.2 set up. Isn’t it just amazing how good this Naim kit is ( and how fortunate we are to have it). Some tracks I’ve never been a fan of- Bozz Scaggs, Crowded House, followed by the well worn Fleetwood M Albatross. Everything just sounding fresh and new. I shall now revisit all three bands.

[Chielhierpuntnl]

Only in 2023:
NAP200>NAP250DR >NAP300DR
HC>HCDR
NDX>NDX2
NAC202 >NAC282
I think that’s about it.
And I am very happy with the setup.

[QuickSticks]

Also in 2023
NAC 202 > NAC 282
1x HiCap DR > 2x HiCap DR (awaiting Delivery)
NAP 200 > NAP 300
MacBook/Dragonfly > MacMini/DAC V1 > ND5 XS 2 > NDX 2
I can fully agree with you, it’s been a heck of a year and that doesn’t include Linn upgrades and speaker changes.
2024 is going to be a music year, where I sit back and enjoy the system I have built. I hope you get the chance to do the same.

[ratrat]

Sure. That is correct.

ND5 XS2 → nDAC → SN3 + HCDR was preferred to NSC 222 + NPX 300 → NC250.

But it’s a little more nuanced…
The NC option clearly has a different sonic character.
In terms of sound quality, focussing on individual instruments, felt the OC system just as good. All things being equal, the OC system was significantly less cost. So, “value” becomes a major factor.

IMO, the ND5 XS2 + nDAC is a better solution, compared to the streaming component in 222. Plus, offers the option to add XPS or 555PS to the nDAC for a further improvement.

We already had the nDAC and other classic pieces.

A few words about a SuperLine too…
Also, we added a better phono stage into the house, preferring SuperLine + HCDR to the NC options available. The NVC-TT (and psu) is really good, perhaps more flexible. However, the SuperLine is so much better for SQ.

Hope that clarifies

Best wishes
R

[JosquinDesPrez]

My classic system is complete and needs no improvement. If anything I will lose the Superline/Supercap DR for a non-Naim phono stage that supports two inputs. The NDX2/XPSDR/252/SCDR/300DR are staying. They aren’t very old anyway. I don’t expect to change them. I’d rather upgrade my 9" tonearm and add another pair of RELs first. The New Classic are rather expensive in the U.S. anyway.

[Django84]

Thanks R - great to hear there is still some love for the ‘old’ stuff. I’ve decided to stick with mine.