NSC 222 has a built in MM phonostage (sure you know that). I use the MM built in to my SN3 as an example, also with a Rega deck and a Goldring 2500, perfectly acceptable performance and a good starting point unless MC is mandatory.
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Main system Phono Stage is a Cyrus Signature with PSX/R2 & that wonât be changing.
The new phono stage will be for the second system which may be the 202/200 system running the Project Perspective.
Currently the Roksan Amp in the Media Room has a built in Phono Stage so I havenât needed a separate one for the system, but if I bin the Roksan then a Phono Stage will be requiredâŚ
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Main System is LP12 with MC Apheta 3
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Lehmann Audio perhaps? Decade for example.
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Instead of the GS Era Gold V , i suggest you go for the Reflex M , worth the extra money. It is a great Phono preamp and you should be able to try it at home with GS loan program.
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Being the second system, I have set a ÂŁ limit of ÂŁ500.
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Rega Fono for an mm cart.
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Your post is not much different than some observations made when the current classic kit was introduced back in the aughts. I wondered similar when I got a 252/SC2/250.2. It lacked the magic of the olive kit. So nothing really new here.
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I agree, we have choices and I would be looking at competitors and what I can get for $30K USD for SQ and box count. When the time comes for me to consider upgrading Iâll be looking at Dan DâAgostino since they are local to me and Iâve heard great things about them. If I can get a better sound with fewer boxes Iâll be saying goodbye to Naim.
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You have an excellent eye for detail @anon19832906 âŚI guess thatâs why youâre a Naim customer 
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@110db. Could you explain more about this, and apologies if its been covered already in this very long threadâŚ
I understand the pre of the 222 is purely analog so is balance control achieved via dsp on the streamer and so not available for the phono input or is via a tap per channel on the volume control ladder ? Will the 222âs method be used on any future pure pre-amp and so require an app to operate or will they have no balance control option.
Thanks
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Sure, itâs entirely up to youâŚ
Like everything.
Personally I would never buy Dan DâAgostino, way too much bling for my taste, but we are all different of courseâŚ
Hi @Deeg,
NSC 222 Volume control
The left and right volume controls are completely independent. This allows the left/right balance to be set for all inputs at zero loss of sound quality (unlike a separate balance potentiometer or DSP)
The volume control is âfly-by-wireâ. An ARM chip sends signals to reed-relays, the relays select tappings from a fixed resistor chain. The higher up the chain the louder the signal and the lower down the chain the quieter the signal.
(Reed relays are electrically controlled switches. The switch contacts are hermetically sealed in a glass tube. The control side is galvanically isolated from the signal side)
Being fly by wire also allows inputs to have their respective sensitivities set. e.g. boost MM by 3dB. When an input is selected an âoff-setâ is added to the master volume level, as is the balance off-set. Balance and input sensitivities settings therefore have zero effect on sound quality.
The ARM also keeps a second master volume setting for headphones. This way thereâs no surprises when pulling out the headphones after a loud session.
âŚyes, this volume control architecture is also used on Statement (pure analogue pre-amp) and will be used on future products.
Cheers
Steve
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Thanks for the info steve 
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How do you know? Have you listened to it?
Give me an example please
I think best to get back on topic here - posts specifically about the new Classic kit. Thanks.
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A/B comparisons may reveal differences but IME you wonât be able to realise the whole picture. A far more useful test is to live with both sets of equipment and then decide which is the one you prefer.
Also I wouldnât say a 552 âblowsâ a 282 away. Not having owned the 282 but Iâve owned the 82 which I had paired with nap 300 which was a very entertaining system. The 552 betters the 82, sure. But I always caution hyperbole, I know itâs your opinion but i donât think it helps the community when they have unrealistic expectations of equipment.
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