The Naim New Classic range - Part 1

What I can say having unboxed the sealed packages yesterday evening (thanks to my dealer for a home trial with a NIB set), is that it is sounding very good since at the very first ignition… it is probably less sensitive to the always on tradition respect to the old classic series.

I think the new classic series is technically superior than the 272/250DR/XPSDR thanks to the combination of the upgraded 250 amp and the refined pre-amp. So, for me, it makes no sense to make a comparison of the single units head to head: my feeling, let’s say to test the new 222 with the old 250DR amp, is that you will lose speed and power and you will retain some refinement and details of the new 222, of course with all the new streaming board benefits.

If needed and based on what I’ve heard with this new classic series, I may suggest a step-by-step upgrade path as following:

  • For all those that would like to keep two or three boxes count only, upgrade with 222 first, then the new 250 and finally think about the NPX300;
  • For all the others, I think upgrading with the new 250 first is preferable, you will then decide to wait for a new separates or go with the 222. The new 250 is that good!
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Oh I’m quite happy with rumours and speculation :slightly_smiling_face:

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If you try the new 222 then you will feel you miss something with the 272. The 272/250DR/XPSDR combo is already very good, but the 222/NC250/NPX300 is vastly superior based on what I’m hearing.

It is always a matter of compromises. With the new NC combo, you have a little more of everything.

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For those like me who have a transformer buzz issues with the 250DR and XPSDR, with the new classics equivalents the noise is imperceptible when the units are on and dead silent when in standby.

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If there was ever any doubt as to the ‘value’ of this forum, to Naim Audion, this thread is now approaching 4000 Posts… :astonished:

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What the new series lacks compared to the old one for me:

  • The always on display with date/time;
  • The IR (infrared) capable remote (for those that are using universal remote control like the old Harmony Remote). The new series is using a new Zigbee remote like the new Unitis. The only way to control the new units with a universal remote control other than its remote or the mobile app is to go for a Control4 with the recently released driver.

On the other hand, system automation between 222, NC250 and NPX works very well.

No rumours on here, thanks.

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In my case it will be the streaming preamp and ps, as they will be connected to ATC SCM50ASLT active speakers.

So I think, if there will be a 300 streaming preamp also, it will be the right partner for 300 ps and ATCs

Because speakers are top level and they need top partners. And XLR connections are now in every case are present

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Based on what has been released now, I’m expecting a NC streamer unit and a preamplifier. The streamer should be already under testing but this is just my feeling. I’m not aware (who could it be?) of any preamplifier under development, but logic says it should be.

The Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

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The demo was done as part of Cultured Audios 2 day event to celebrate the New Classics release. They had timed bookings so every single permutation couldn’t be tried (unfortunately) :wink: As far as the ‘standard’ 2-box system without any extra PSU comparison, the new classics are a big step up on vivid realism, openness, bass texture & that live in the room feel. You really need to hear this kit for yourself & draw you’re own conclusions.

As a point of interest, Mark & Darren, both from Naim Audio, were in attendance & gave some very good insight into the history of Naim & the development of the new kit. Apparently the ‘matching’ prices were used by R&D to see how good they could make each box for the maximum £5700 price band…

I think they nailed it! :pray:

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I didn’t realise we aren’t allowed to talk about a famous Fleetwood Mac album here. I know not everyone likes it, but this does seem a bit harsh.

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That would be Rumours…

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No rumours from me. The reference to the new 200 series sources and preamplifiers is in the 300pxr brochure.

To date speculation and rumours have centred on possible forthcoming NC 300 series kit for which afaik there is no reference in the NC brochures.

They must have really struggled with the 300 psu :roll_eyes:

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The same prices as in Sweden then. I paid € 6,150 for my system when I bought it two years ago, a pre-loved NAC-N 272/XPSDR/NAP 250DR. It feels very difficult to justify a purchase for € 21,700 when the old system still sounds as good as it actually does.

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Official retail prices in Italy two years ago (June 2021) of that system were:

  • € 5.100,00 NAC-N 272
  • € 5.750,00 XPS DR
  • € 5.600,00 NAP 250 DR

So a total of € 16.450,00 for the combo. If you paid your pre-owned system for a total of € 6.150,00 you really got a very good deal: It is quite difficult to find such prices in Europe for pre-owned Naim gears.

There is a difference of € 5.300,00 between 272/250DR/XPSDR and the new classic series, I personally think it is expensive but justified by the quality upgrade.

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According to NAIM manual, yes !

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Yes, I know… I made a very good deal, but it also took time to put the system together. Each part was bought separately from individual Naim owners spread across the country so there were many miles in the car to look, speak, and test listen. But I met a lot of nice Naim owners and put together a very affordable system, so it was definitely worth it.

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Had my 272/XPS/CDX2/AV2 for the same price

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