The Naim New Classic range - Part 1

Yes, this is something I was looking into as well. So far I haven’t read about anyone who heard an NDX2 with the new NPX300. Should be interesting.

regards

As far as I know the Classic cable to connect the new 300 to the NDX2 hasn’t been released yet. My hope is it’s better than the XPSDR which I have tried twice and isn’t a good value in my opinion.

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On that point I asked a local dealer about setting up an NDX 2 + NPX 300 with a SN3 in my case, for demo purposes. They requested suitable cables from Naim HQ and were advised (last week) they were in the process of making an initial batch and would be sending them out to dealers (UK ones at least) in 3-4 weeks time.

Good to know! I’m using some cheap Designacables to connect my SupercapDR to the 250.3.

Interested to see what the Naim cables add.

They aren’t cheap I know that much!

I’m thinking of setting up a second system in the guitar room (spare bedroom). 222 might be great news for my aspirations as I have a 1985 chrome bumper 250 ready to go to Darren at class A for a service and then hoping to front it with a trade-in 272 that I’m hoping might become available at an affordable price. No sign of any yet, but maybe it needs folks 222’s to actually arrive before that happens🤞

You might be interested to see the Temple Audio Bantam One had two transformers, a large one that is 60VA…
Perhaps not Naim style build appearance, only three cable ties…

(Not my picture)

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It’s not aloud anymore to have two transformers in one box,Naim had to redesign the 52 PS according to these regulations,then came the Supercap with one transformer,if I’m correctly informed.

This Yamaha CD player was available 8 years ago at £3500, with two transformers.

The Holo May KTE NOS-DAC PSU-box has 4 trafos (dual mono, each with PSU:s for analog and digital).

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My 6-year old Accuphase DC37 with two toroidal transformers

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Even my Roksan Caspian m2 which is now boxed and kept in store room has two separate transformers, smaller one with 60va is for pre amplifier.

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A single transformer isn’t really a single transformer though. It’s multiple windings on a common core. So really similar to multiple transformers.

I think people should be careful what they wish for. A Naim box with two transformers has twice as many chances to hum :grin: Maybe best to keep it simple.

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Right! Thanks for the words of caution. I’ll remember that. Most likely I will pass XPS DR and will go straight to 555 PS if the price difference with NPX300 is not much.
I just hope until then (when an opportunity to acquire 555 arise), NDX2 will be “bearable” enough on its own to pair with 552 :grimacing:

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I was probably a bit harsh there. The NDX2 will be fine, but it will way better with the 555PS when run with the 552. That will be a fabulous system.

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The same EU regulation against twin transformers in a PSU applied to the Naim CDPS,became a XPS with one transformer,I’ve heard.

I think it’s fine to have twin transformers as long as the fusing arrangements etc conform to the relevant legislation. I guess this means “costs more to produce”.

Often it can save money as it means you can use the same transformer for more items, just double up for bigger versions, our use an off the shelf Tx.

Big custom built transformers with multiple windings are very costly - especially if you have to reject it for whatever reason (e.g. exceeds noise limits).

Now, best get back on topic.

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Here are some observations, I will avoid speculation…

First, I have had my NSC222 and NAP250 for a month now and am absolutely delighted with them. :grinning:

A number of posters have mentioned that it was a big step from my previous SuperUniti. This is true, but where else could I have gone?

A Uniti Nova wouldn’t have been a big enough step up and I wanted separates.

My original intention was to go for a 272/250DR combination but the former was discontinued. I decided to wait until a replacement was available.

The other option was to go for an NDX2 and SN3 but, to my mind, this would have given me a better source but a poorer amplifier.

If you look at the path from the Uniti Nova to the 222/252 to the NDX2/252/300 to the lofty heights of the 500 series there are some quite considerable price jumps. Are there some missing rungs in the upgrade ladder?

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Yes, multiple, the best is yet to come!

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