I briefly considered a 222 system and decided against it. I wanted to move to MC and the 222 only supports MM. Also I wanted a better streamer than the 222 offered. Since cost was not an issue for me, I was able to get the 332/333/250 combo.
Same here on NSS 333.
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@ElMarko Since I don’t buy used, I felt the 555 PS was more than I wanted to spend. I am satisfied with the NPX300.
I didn’t want to exceed 3 boxes and prefer the balance of the 222/555/250 to the 333/332/250. If I go 333/332 I’d have to add a PS and likely 350s and I’m not interested in the complication of that set up.
The 555 is the only OC kit that I hands down love. It transforms everything it’s attached to.
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@ElMarko Can you contrast the 222 and the 333 regarding sonic signature? The box count did not bother me directly, however I needed new racks to accommodate my 332/333/250/NVCTT. Even with new 5 shelf racks, I did not have enough space or outlets to consider the 350 amps or the power supply for the NVCTT. Domestic tranquility did not allow for taller than the SolidSteel Series 5. Audio can be a compromise.
Personally I think the 222 is a step down even when you compare it to the ND5 XS2, such a pity. In my opinion, it lacks of clarity, depth and detail. It becomes fine only when you add the NPX 300 but this is my personal preference, I know some disagree and I can see why. So in the end a 333 is much, much better and it’s the natural evolution of the NDX2 in my view. I wouldn’t feel the urge to quicly add a PSU to the 333 despite the obvious benefits.
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It’s a shame actually. It’s a perfect example of Naim dumbing down products, which isn’t going to fly in the future as other manufacturers keep shoving a lot of SQ into smaller boxes. Once you remove the preamp of the 222, the only difference between the 333 and 222 is a small analog output stage board. It could have easily been fitted into the 222 alongside the preamp. In my opinion, this is exactly what should have been done, even if the MSRP on the two products were swapped.
222 - $11k but with the same analog output stage as the 333.
333 - $9k (same as current product and very close to the NDX 2 price)
Both products would all of the sudden appear to have much more value for money.
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@Blacknote The 333 is really hugely better. I agree. I used it without the PS for several months and was satisfied. If funds are tight, a PS for the 332 is more crucial. Because I had the $$$. I added two, but I could see myself being happy without them.
The NPX makes a huge difference on the 332. Enjoy
Not sure how to explain it. The 222/555 is more balanced, the 333/332 emphasized some things at the expense of others. Not sure if it needs a PS or 350s to sound right for me. And I’ve already had a stack of expensive Naim boxes, I won’t be doing that again. Not worth the effort. I’m very happy with the 222/555/250 and think it’s best $$/box/SQ combo they’ve had so far. But I’ll likely downsize again in the future when I’m traveling more.
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Did you buy a 333 to feed your 222 then?
not yet = i want to look at other options eg chord - but that means finding other dealers
I went up the ladder
222/250
222/300/250
Atom HE/332/300/250
Linn Organik KDS3/332/300/250 - plus Vertere redline loom
A step up at each point. Having seen what the 300 could do I felt it a must to have. The Linn was because I didn’t want the cost and rack space of an extra 300. I have only so much of my 20 year old quadraspire acrylic reference…. The 332+300 is hugely better as a pre than the 222+300….. in the end I moved to a Nait 50 on the amplification side. Almost as good and way way way cheaper…..
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I think if you can afford it is a no-brainer. When I bought my 222 soon after release, I listened at length with and without the NPX300, and despite the steep additional cost, it was worth it.
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@Jaybar the 333 is much better than the 222 / 300 indeed. If one wants to go the cheap way, the NDX2 would easily be my choice and it’s not miles away from the 333 in my view / taste. Or if one wants something from the NC, the 333 is the obvious choice. If I’m not mistaken, adding the 333 to the 222 / 250 was better than adding the 300, that was an interesting comparison.
Absolutely agree on that.
Thanks to everyone for your comments and I have decided to buy the NPX300 for my NSC222.
It may be an extra box but still one mains plug. I looked at the 300 series upgrade but decided against that as it means more boxes and space is at a premium. So better to drive the sound quality up with what I have. The NSC222 are feeding some limited edition ATC SCM 20 Actives.
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Slightly baffled: 222 + 300 = 2 boxes, 333 + 332 = 2 boxes……..
Rejection on grounds of cost makes sense - albeit accepting a trade-off in sound - but rejecting on no. of boxes??
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I think the OP was thinking 300 was a given so 3 or 4 boxes, but agree 333/332 should be in the frame if not for cost….
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it is only 2 days since you opened the thread - i would really recommend you listen to the various options for yourself
It’s a while since I did the demo but I much preferred the 222/250 with the 300 probably due to the double hit the 222 receives (both streamer and preamp functions are improved) by the off board power supply.
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