The Naim New Classic range - Part 1

So now that you have the NAP250DR, is it true what the Americans say, ‘there ain’t no replacement for displacement.’ ?

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Yeah, I’m aware that some folks like that preamp. I’ve yet to understand why in 20 years.

I think it is very fair if you want to gauge how good the respective pre amp and streaming sections are if considering whether its worth the switch from ones existing system.

And If one wants to connect another source like a decent turntable, CD player for example then one will be using the 222 as a pre amp.

With the principle of source first system heirachy I disagree that my LP12 source is wasted on a 202. Could it be improved upon going forward, probably but thats not the point. From my perspective I would say that my LP12 front end might be more likely wasted through the 222.
I dont see ones musical taste being a particular factor, better is better or not better is not better using ones own ears.
Were moving away from the original point anyway and I’m sure as you suggest that Pete is and will make up his own mind as I have mine.

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I dont understand American :thinking:

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Thanks for your feedback. Out of interest did you do a comparison with the 222/250DR vs 272/NC250 before making a decision?

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You’re entitled to your beliefs, I’ve explained why they don’t hold up to a useful comparison. You clearly think source first is a mantra, I find it’s best used as a practice, and it doesn’t support the disparity you have in your system. Your ears are all that matters for your system so it’s neither here nor there at this point.

Thanks for that - much as I suspected

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I’m sorry but I dont believe you have, unless for some reason you believe your subjective view to be more valid than mine.
Now your going on about "mantra’s?
The comparisons are useful as I’ve opined ad nauseum if considering whether theres value in switching from an existing system to the 200, its as simple as that. As I’ve already said for me its a clear no.

You dont have to like my opinion and if you dont fair enough, I’ve got others :wink:

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Yes, I have my own ears, perception and mind, is that acceptable? :wink:

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That is exactly what I have just done, I have bought a dedicated streamer and plugged it into the 272 and what a difference it has made bypassing the streamer built into the 272.

The DAC itself seems to have got a new lease of life.

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The 222 is a streaming preamp. If vinyl is your primary source you’re wasting your time with the 222 so the comparison is silly. If streaming is your main source with the occasional vinyl spin then the 222 may work for you. If you listen to those sources equally then you should probably stick to separates. Right tool for the job and choosing the right tool is important, kinda like matching a LP12 and 250 with a proper preamp. :smiley:

Now you kind of appear to be agreeing with me albeit from a different angle which is a bit puzzling.

I stand by my opinion and will continue to enjoy my disparate system without a proper pre amp if thats ok with you :wink:

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I will wait until I see what comes out. Perhaps a 300 series streamer would be quite tempting. For absolute convenience and usability I think the Auralic Altair G1 is very well thought out and engineered. It sounds pretty damned good as well for for the price I paid for it. For sure I will not go back to the older streaming solutions that Naim have to offer.

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Your taking me out of context, at least show me the courtesy of bothering to read in full what I wrote rather than selective quotation.
Thanks

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Yes, if streaming is not your primary source then the 222 is a compromise imo. I’m glad you enjoy your system, it would be a shame not to. Don’t demo a 282, the shock will be too much for you after all these years. :smiley:

:sleeping:

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The phono amp in the 222 is very good. Considering the quality, using the 222 primarily for vinyl is a great solution for people who want streaming as a secondary source in one box.

Btw do you listen with headphones?

My local dealer Cultured Audio in Oxfordshire are doing a 2 day event to celebrate the release of the new classics in Feb :sunglasses: Look forward to hearing them when they’ve had a few weeks of running in :+1:

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I’m sure it’s good but if vinyl was my primary source I’d be building my system around that and not my secondary source.

No, I had some grados in the 90s but moved them on.