Hi, we’ve decided to downsize, so I was considering reducing the number of my Naim black boxes as well. So please does anyone have experience of the above two amps and how they compare with regards to SQ, which remains the most important for me. I am also aware that the Nova approach would remove the need for interconnects so further reduce the amount of visual space the sound system takes. Thanks Best wishes Amer
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Are you planning to keep your speakers, or are you in the market for new ones? If the latter, a streaming preamp and active speakers may be a good option.
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Thanks, hadn’t thought of that. Mainly though it’s because I really do like the Naim sound. But will investigate. Best wishes Amer
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I can’t do an exact comparison, but I was planning to get a Nova (which we knew to be excellent because my girlfriend has one) for music when Down Under.
After trying some of my old Naim boxes as an alternative, we opted for the additional faff of ND5XS2/ 82/ HC/ 250 (with Neat Xplorers). It’s a lot less tidy, but it wins on SQ and on VFM. YMMV of course.
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For nearly two years I had a standard Nova with PMC twenty5.21i speakers. Recently I swapped the Nova for an Atom HE and put the active crossover and amps in the speakers. It’s much better and sounds no less Naimy, despite the power amps being made by PMC. I can imagine a 222 would be a bit better, and there are also ATC speakers of course. It’s a way of getting something really good, with just one box. Maybe it’s worth trying against the Nova PE and passive speakers.
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Thanks NoW, I suspected that a Nova set up would not be as good SQ as my current amps, I was just hoping as the reviews of the Nova PE are so positive! Best wishes Amer
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Thanks HH, you’ve given me a lot of food for thought, so I’d better start booking some sessions at some dealers. Best wishes Amer
Hi @Amer, I would agree with @HungryHalibut. I have a similar system to HH and I’m very happy with it.
I’m sure the NSC222 would be better still but a lot more expensive than the Atom HE. However, compared to your other considerations it would be a less expensive option that I would recommend you have a listen to.
Hi @Amer, I’m another very happily running a pre/streamer into active speakers (ATC in my case). I jumped ship a few years ago in my main system when a 272 replacement failed to materialise. Had the 222 appeared a few years earlier I’d probably be running that as front end to my active setup and I’d certainly recommend auditioning it. Though I suspect the temptation of that extra box in the form of a NPX300 might prove irresistible!
Enjoy your search.
Roger
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Just to offer another perspective, while a 222 is undoubtedly a superior source and preamp than any incarnation of the Nova, and PMCs are fine speakers (I’m a PMC user myself), it is still true that a Nova/PE does allow for a wider pairing of speakers to suite your room an taste.
If you think PMCs, ATCs, or another active speaker are your preferred speaker anyway, then a 222 might make total sense. But if your preferences are elsewhere, then a regular Nova gives more pairing options.
Also, it is always worth bearing in mind that reducing box count with active speakers does have a tradeoff which will be very room layout dependent: plug sockets. Active speakers do entail twice as many wires going to each speaker and they might even come in from different directions. Some rooms that will be invisible, others, it will look like wires are coming from the left and the right.
In other words, think it through carefully.
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Yes indeed, the wires are something to consider. Luckily I have sockets under a foot from each speaker. To offset the cable issue is the fact that you can get good quality balanced XLR cables for very little. My Mogamis with Neutrik plugs cost me £60, less than many speaker cables cost for a single metre.
I already had the PMCs, so adding the active bits was a no-brainer, but yes, with active there is less choice. With a Nova you can add any compatible speaker. As you say, it’s something to think through carefully.
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