After auditioning the 332 i decided to buy it but i was not prepared to what I auditioned. I ve always divided the pre in 2 categories, the vivids (282 and 552) and the relaxed/reluctant (252). What was for me the 332 is both, something not existing before. I felt in love immediately, I didn’t audition it with the npx300, and I assume it will reach his peak, however I would be curious to gather the impressions of whom compared it with 552
How does it sound with your nDAC? Are you using your SN3 as an amp for now?
This is the direction I’d like to go someday.
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@GraemeH is your man.
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I’d find it difficult to isolate a direct comparison between 552 and 332/300 as I changed my whole system at once: from 555x2PS, 552, 300 to 333/300, 332/300 + active PMC twenty.5 23i. There are simply too many variables, sorry.
What I can say is that I find my New Classic system more insightful and musically engaging than the old.
G
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I missed that you’d made a big change, can I ask the motivation as that’s quite a move? Sounds like it’s work out great too.
I wasn’t so in love with my 7 box system (some close to needing serviced). The fact that OC prices were sinking and NC prices were rising year on year plus curiosity of 20+ years of naim advancement made me jump for net zero outlay, including the PMC active modules - the temptation of these another pull factor.
Four boxes now. The way it all plays is better, to my ears.
G
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I regularly listen to a 500 system with ATC speakers so have a good comparison to my mostly 300 system at home. I would say that the 500 system is better yet when I get home and turn my system on and play music at home I don’t feel I am missing out at all, previously I remember thinking I was missing out. I probably could have got a second-hand 500 system for a similar price to what I paid for the 300 kit but for my needs and wants the 300 is ideal. I don’t want 3 racks or have the space for them. I think the NC range somehow merges the voicing of the early years with the voicing of the Classic range and gives me the sound quality I want. I know I could get an improvement with better speakers and possibly by upgrading my 250 to a 350 if it worked better with the speakers, but with my current speakers, on balance, I prefer the 250. So I am very happy with my 5-box system plus LP12 and two half-size boxes for the phono stage. Everything fits in my lounge on one full-sized and one half-sized Quadraspire rack. All in all the 300 series is a bargain albeit a very expensive one.
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Bingo! Well observed and well put Paul.
G
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I don’t have the 333/300 but have had a 332/300 for a couple of months. Like paul I have a 250 as it suits my speakers. All I know is if I put an LP on the Vertere DG1 it sounds simply sublime. I’ve not heared a 500 system but I did have a 252/SCDR/300DR for a while. I too went off the stack of OC boxes and their quirks so wouldn’t have bought a used 500 system. Coming back to Naim for the NC. The 332/300 is a wonderful preamp. I find it more pleasing than my old 252. It’s lively when it needs to be and controlled and laid back when asked.
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This is just the thread I was wanting to read - I plan to one day to buy a 332 instead of a 552… Hope I am not wrong?
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You probably can’t go wrong with either option. The UI of the 332 is certainly appealing.
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Now it is still in demo in the shop. When I will come back to Cairo I will connect it to the sn3, temporary, till when I will swap the sn3 with a 250
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Nice. Please post your results. My plan is also to do it in steps. I’m not a fan of buying a special cable but it is what it is.
I think it depends on many factors, what the rest of the system is so source, speakers. basically the other bits around a 552 or 332. I do like the new styling but I personally wouldn’t swap my 500 series stuff for 300 series. Iv always wanted 500 series for years so maybe im just biased
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I will. Why special cable ?
My limited understanding is you’ll need a cable from Naim that’ll connect the NAC332 to the SN3
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I think you re right, I asked the seller to include it
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This whole special cable situation does discourage me though.
With great expense I got a Superlumina full loom for my 282/HCDR/250DR and it sounds great as it is.
I am not that keen to let go of my Superlumina or Vertere Cables, even for a 332.
I mean I would have to also purchase a New NAP 250 NC and buy new Superlumina cables. Unless Naim make a “special cable” from the 332 to my 250 DR which is a Superlumina?
Unfortunately I do not believe Naim produce the OC-NC legacy interconnects in SL, although you could always ask your dealer if they would make one for you.
However, I can vouch for the efficacy of the SL XLR cables for use with NC components, albeit at a not inconsiderable cost 
.
ATB, J
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The Vertere XLR cable for NC isn’t that expensive…. And you can sell your SL cables.