The Naim New Classic range - Part 1

Dear 110dB,

I still see no mention of the NA009 transistor in the power output stage for the audio,

It looks like smoke and mirrors to me .

Having said that I applauded your audio engineering, wonderful stuff.

Warm regards,

Mitch, ex-Clock Doctor. Cs 133

Hi @Gigantor ,

I work in Naim R&D and hereā€™s a link to our website:
https://www.naimaudio.com/product/nap-250-2023

SMPSU
Yes, there is a SMPSU in the new classic NAP 250. The SMPSU is only and exclusively used in 0.5W standby mode. When the amplifier is playing the SMPSU is 100% switched off. The main large toroidal transformer and linear DR regulators then take over and power the whole product.

Displays
In the NSC 222 app the display can be turned off during playback.

Outboard linear PSUs
The NPX 300 is an outboard linear PSU. When it is connected to the NSC 222 the internal PSU is completely off.

Win me over
I canā€™t do that, hopefully you get the opportunity to have a listen.

The multi-disciplinary new product innovation team designed the new classic range to be:

  • Better sounding
  • Easier to use (the app works the same for mu-so, Uniti and new classic - see posts on the NSC 222 volume control)
  • Easier to upgrade - interoperable PSU i.e. will power all new classic products released now and the future, no more pre-amp exclusive PSUs etc

Best
Steve

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  1. But you did.
  2. Thatā€™s all it is worth!
  3. But again, you did.

As a naim owner for nearly 40 years, and someone who has worked with the genius talents in the factory, I find this post very disrespectful, trying to hide behind polite language.

Steve @110dB has and will provide all the answers you require.

Regards
Geoff

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Hi @Gigantor,

I apologise, you are correct, there is no mention of NA009 on that page. I will message the Marketing team and have them add the information.

The NA009 is mentioned in the press packs and may get mentioned in subsequent reviews.

I can assure you there are eight NA009 in the new classic NAP 250. We are audio enthusiasts and open about the technology we use.

Best
Steve

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Itā€™s in the Brochure section (Manuals and Downloads) on that page

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Thank you @james_n, I was just about to post that.

Best
Steve

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Calling the senior Naim electronics designer a liar is what you are doing here. I bet your team were relieved when you left the Cs 133 project.

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Have a good weekend with familyā€¦.you have earned itšŸ‘

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Sorry but i asked some posts back, perhaps not directly enough. How does the new 250 compare with a 300 (DR/non DR)? Just browsing the specs it seems on a par with a 500 power amp and reading what you have just written, seems that it should better the 300 amp at least

I didnā€™t know you played the piano.

More importantly, I would like to say thanks for this and all your other really helpful and informative posts in this and other threads.

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You missed out the words

I allege thatā€¦

To the following sentences.

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@paulbysea haha, that made me laugh!

ā€¦and thanks for the kind words

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Today had a long listening session with the new classic range including power supply. Cables were full loom Chord Epic/Signature/PowerHous and speakers Sonus Faber Olympica. All I can say (as a 500-series owner) is that I could easily live with this setup.

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Excellent responses from Naim Staff @110dB , in the face ofā€¦ (a lot of) rather provocative comments. IMO, YMMV, etc

This is the Naim Audio forum. If you really donā€™t like Naim and think its all Smoke & Mirrors, why are you hereā€¦?

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FYI if you werenā€™t aware of this post.

Ok thanks. Appreciated. I was hoping for a more technical argumentation w.r.t. higher specs over classic series elements, in particular frequency response which appears to be on a par with a 500 and power output bettering that of a 300. I may try to have a home demo at some stage.

Does anyone know how much, if any, of the new technology developed for these new Naim designs can - or will - be incorporated into older equipment sent to Naim HQ for servicing? (Even if that means paying extra, on top of the standard servicing price.)

I ask because I am about to drop off with my dealer in the next few days a pair of Olive NAP135s, which Iā€™ve owned from new just over 30 years ago, and are long overdue a service, which (Iā€™m ashamed to admit) they have never had before.

I need hardly say that I would be thrilled if they were to come back with performance brought up to current spec, rather than to the spec at which they left the factory 30-odd years ago.

My apologies if this question has been asked and answered. I havenā€™t seen it anywhere.

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Graham, I donā€™t think this will be possible, although your 135s should return sounding at least as good as when new once serviced by the factory service dept.

When fully refreshed with a factory service, NAP135s are still great sounding amps.

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I think none of it will be incorporated in products sent for servicing. Itā€™s as simple as that.

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Thank you, Richard. They have sounded fantastic for 30 years, so perhaps I was just being greedy. It will be a thrill to plug them back in, and hear how good they sound, when they are ā€˜factory freshā€™.

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