Sorry if this is a bit off-Topic, but will share my observations on US pricing and hope feedback may shed light on this. First, the data:
NAP 250, NSC 222 and NPX 300 all “list” for $8,995 each.
eTailers selling NAP and NSC for $7,995 on their sites. (Not selling NPX online except at list.)
Larger national eTailers also selling used Naim gear and listed 250/222 for $5,500 each.
Currently, there are units for sale on USaudiomart for $4,500 to $5,250.
I have not seen such a price erosion delta between “bid and ask” on used market so soon after such an acclaimed product launch.
That is generally an indication that the regional distributor’s mark-up, even given favorable currency exchange rates, is placing the units outside of what the market is willing to pay for them. So the secondary market “layers off” the overhead of the distributor and starts setting real tolerance points.
Based on comps and current listing over t5he past 6 months, I could see list pricing like this:
Full disclosure: I own a 250/222 purchased from TMR Audio (used) and they had two 222s for $4,800 and $5,200. I do not burden local dealers with auditions or data mining…
With the above “stack” at $8,995 each or $27,000 total, we are already seeing listings on secondary market for $15,750 with no sales tax!!! Again, have never seen that before.
No hornets nest to be kicked here, but would love to hear your thoughts.
Cheers.
I too saw those units on US audiomart, struck me as a little odd, being so new why the sale
but as far as price goes only time will tell and the markets will do the talking.
Canadian Pricing is higher. As for the influx of pricing, the unit may be either an in-store early or discontinued unit, a demo, a pre-owned unit, or a consignment sale. As viewed, online sales may be a dealer’s online store of the same units. or privately sold.
I have noticed the same thing about the NC pricing, and I have been shocked by the very rapid price erosion. Either people new to Naim that don’t like the Naim sound, other financial considerations, or maybe something else going on.
Additionally, I’ve noticed that - apparently concurrently - there has been a mad dash by many to sell their 500 Series components: particularly the number of 552/500 units up for sale has resulted in a bit of a saturated market on the US audio sites (s/h or demo). This has also surprised me, because many have dropped to the $10-12k region, and they are NOT moving. Given that Naim are still a few years off from a 500 series replacement, I’m left with the possible deduction that people are moving their 500 series components for the NC 300 series…which is very surprising if true.
But it has also worked the other way. A US made item is priced in the US for, let us say, $xyx, but in the UK it is priced for £xyz. The figure is the same.
It’s something that has annoyed us Brits for many years.
Yes, they could be moving on to something else entirely (from Naim). The most prolific US Naim dealer by volume has been moving his long term customers from Naim to a Danish brand, so that may be part of the explanation, and indeed many of his customers were in the 500 series territory.
corrected would to which should have been wouldn’t. your assumption and view as replied is spot on which I also have seen happening in Canada. Not only of Naim but also of Linn; especially of the LP12
A lot of it has to do with the current economy. Everything on the secondary market is cheaper now than it was 2-3 years ago. It’s not just Naim products. People just aren’t spending money now like they were a few years ago. It’s a good time to buy if you have the money.
It may get more expensive yet if higher import tariffs get put on imported goods into the USA.
I do not know the ins and outs of the US pricing at all but it does seem quite high, somewhere around $1000 over just converting the UK price. However, there will be import duties I guess and US wholesale and retail mark-ups.
It is also true when looking from the other direction US Hifi can be similar to Euro and Sterling’s prices being equal or greater than the US dollar price.
Whether in the UK, USA or elsewhere in the world the new Naim range does come at a very premium price to my eyes for sure.
The big picture when it comes to numbers, like Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, is a measure of how we’re all making out when it comes to our standard of living, Inflation refers to a broad rise in the prices of goods and services across the economy over time, eroding purchasing power for both consumers and businesses. In other words, your dollar (or whatever currency you use for purchases) will not go as far today as it did yesterday
The problem for AGD Audio Group Denmark owners is the pace of new products coming into market. Much faster than Naim is doing. Good if development is creating new better products but not good for holding second hand value, even in the short run.
