A french Naim enthusiast, my setup currently consists in: a pair of ATC SCM20 PSL, a Naim NSC-222 preamp-streamer, a NAP 250 (2023) power amolifier and excellent U.S. “Transparent” inc. loudspeakers cables.
This setup is very stable and highly performing, really not the little frustration with it.
Open questions however: does anyone has any experience with the NSC-222 and a pair of NAP 350 in replacement of the NAP 250?
It is even not clear for me it this setup is technically possible. I know that the combo NAC 332 + NSS 333 is the natural companion of NAP 350s, but it is much too expensive. Thus, I wonder if switching the NAP 250 in favor of two NAP 350 would make any sense.
It’s technically possible but I’m not sure the 222 with 350s would be balanced, unless you added an NPX300 power supply. If it were me, I’d try some SCM20ASLT active towers, using balanced connections from the 222, adding an NPX300 at the same time. You’d then have only two boxes and very likely a better sound. It would work out cheaper and you wouldn’t need expensive speaker cables.
hi jb
i have a 222 and 350s with pmc twentyfive-26i speakers and standard naim cables. i love my system and certainly no technical issues. when i auditioned i had a budget that didn’t stretch to 332/333 + phono-stage so went for 222 as source after that it was a case a deciding between nc250 plus npx300 or 350s. although the npx improved on bare 250 i thought the 350s blew that combination out of the water - better in every respect. i considered the theoretical concepts of source-first and system balance but to my ears 222/350 simply sounded better. had pmc active module been available at the time i would have demoed that and active speakers may well be better than 350s only your ears can tell. time for some demos!
Agree with your comments. Rumour has it , depending on how well the two way PMC actives sell, that a 3 way module for the 26 will appear in the future.
I would buy the NPX300 first. The 222/300 into the NC250 is a well-balanced system and sounds great with ATC speakers. When I upgraded to a 333/332 I elected to keep the 250 and add another 300 as I felt this was better. I know others feel that the 350s are a better match.
Many thanks for your rich and interesting testimonial…
Actually I potentially consider this 222 / 350 combo as interesting for my SCM20 only, or comparable future speakers. If ever I evolve on SCM50s, I will probably favour active versions of them rather than passive.
Anyway, Naim doesn’t communicate on this combination, but it is an interesting possibility between the strict 200 and 300 series.
@HungryHalibut
OK, many thanks for warning me about balanced / unbalanced issues. I will deep dive on it with a french naim dealer to understand this more precisely.
I know the 20 ASLT but prefer the design of passivf version…
@paulbysea
Great, thanks for your testimonial…
I don’t consider going to 222 + NPX + one pair of 350s, too expensive, but good to know it is technically possible this way…
I ran a 222 with a 250 NC, then changed for a pair of 350’s. Yes, it is a step up. However, only you could decide if it is worth it. I replaced the 222 with 333/332 and a pair of NPX 300’s,but that’s another story.
Is that because you prefer a stand-mount? If so, I’d be a bit surprised if ATC didn’t introduce a stand-mount version of the active 20s in their regular finishes in the fairly near future.
A few months ago I listened to some 3 box New Classic systems at my dealers for a couple of lengthy demo sessions. 222/350 was OK, but a little disappointing. It was the first time I’d listened to the 350s and as the successor to the NAP300 I was hoping to be impressed by their grip and control, but although they were kind of doing everything right, the magic wasn’t there.
Switching to 333/332/250, everything changed. The two 300 series boxes make it a bit more expensive, but suddenly the music made more sense and I could just relax and enjoy it. No contest.
(Speakers used for the demo sessions were Kudos Titan 808.)
If anyone was going to pick me up, it was bound to be you, Nigel! I’ve corrected my post and resolved not to post so late at night. BTW the blue model is a (very) limited edition.