The Naim New Classic range - Part 1

I believe it was mentioned earlier in this thread the the process of manufacturing the transformers had changed for the new series. Also the way they are bolt down to the chassis and the position of the transformer in the chassis has changed.

2 Likes

@Garydod The D.C. blocker was a MCRU Excelsior Mk2.

That’s my experience too. I replaced my XPS-2 (which had a constant hum and a tendency to blow fuses) with the new 300 power supply last week. It does not hum and in terms of sound quality it is a considerable step up.

4 Likes

Richard, many thanks for your efforts as allways!

1 Like

Well, all I can say is that Naim have done a very good job :+1::ok_hand::blush:

6 Likes

:sunglasses::sunglasses::sunglasses:

2 Likes

@Garydod I just remembered, that I the blowing fuses, was particular to the XPS. The 555 never blew a fuse, but I put this down to the higher rated internal fuse in the 555. I have seen other XPS owners on here with blowing fuses. I changed the XPS for the 555, no more blowing fuses, but more hum. This is when I bought the Excelsior and the hum was reduced to a level that was not noticeable, besides sticking my ear next to the 555 :+1:

2 Likes

Too late to delete that post now Mike :cowboy_hat_face:
Maybe reword it to ā€œEverything I own was at least made down the road in Salisburyā€!
Let’s hope things remain as we’d all like them to be. Worst case we can all defect to Linn and pay over the odds for the ā€œMade in Scotlandā€ badge on their stuff :face_with_open_eyes_and_hand_over_mouth:

3 Likes

My guess would be the new NVC-TT external phono option will be available with a separate PSU option too.

So it can be used with Naim legacy systems and other brands.

My hope is such a PSU option might also be used for other equipment. Like a HiCap.

We have to wait and see :wink:

1 Like

Sent an email to my local dealer requesting a comparison
i) between my 202/Hi Cap (instead of my no Naim PSU)/stageline/DSD Dac
ii) NSC222

My Dac and the 222 acting as Roon endpoints, and an LP12 Majik to compare phone stages, will be at least mid Feb, need a couple of DSD digital tracks to compare, I have a small library. I am in no great rush, will be a few weeks before I can make the purchase.

The 222 can be upgraded with the 300 as a minimum, my 250-2, could be upgraded all long term.

You could also use your existing DAC as either a digital or analogue source to the NSC 222.
Out of interest what exactly is your existing DAC?

1 Like

Arghhh. My dealer is giving me much more than I expected on trade for my 250DR so I will be picking up a New Classic 250 this weekend.

12 Likes

That’s interesting, I thought it’d be the opposite right now. Look forward to your opinions.

1 Like

There’s not as much Naim Gear here in the US so I’m sure that helps. I figured I’d jump now as things could change in the next few months

2 Likes

I think it’s the opposite here I believe there’s a bit of unsold stock that the distributor hasn’t been able to shift.

2 Likes

Managed to get my first listen of the NSC222 with NPX300 this morning. Power amp was 500DR (wanted 300dr but there wasn’t one available) comparison was dCS Bartok straight to the 500. I found the comparison very close, the Bartok more detailed, slightly leaner, the NSC222 somewhat richer tonally, great low end bass control. It seemed a very accomplished product and congratulations to Naim - could happily live with either, decision, decisions.

10 Likes

So true. Guess there’s now a classic 250Dr out in the wild.

That sounds pretty impressive considering the Bartok is double the price of the NSC222.
And I am making this comment as someone who owned a Bartok and currently owns a Rossini APEX.
OBVIOUSLY running through my 552/500 :grin:

Best
Gregg

6 Likes

About 2/3 the price! Still impressive if it gave a good account of itself.

2 Likes

I saw it as Bartok (using it’s internal pre) so Ā£15,750 today vs 222/npx300 combined at Ā£11,400. So still a good outcome. Bartok is about to get Apex and a price hike to Ā£19,000 though. Can get an ex demo Bartok for Ā£12,250 so that’s what I really had in mind (and that’s for the headphone edition).