The Naim New Classic range - Part 1

[Bevo]

Need to listen fir yourself Ryder and make your own decision

[Mike_S]

If the 250-3 beats the 300 DR, then Naim have their pricing wrong. Which seems unlikely. I think it’s more a case or people being somewhat enthusiastic about the new offerings. Let’s wait and see what the new 300 power amp does.

[Bevo]

Spot on Mike

Yes time to just sit tight

[Richardw]

@HungryHalibut

You might expect it, but whether you’ll get it is another thing altogether, especially given what we know but cannot say what we know because we are not supposed to know it.

If you have been told what’s coming perhaps it would be appropriate and polite to follow the staff embargo.

[JamesW]

Agreed, the Atom HE is a very good source.

It’s a plus to me that the 222 will be an upgrade, and then I can upgrade the power supply to get another step up, both as funds allow and with no hurry since the AHE is very fine to begin with. Then I suspect there will be a 300 range…

I suspect these upgrades will be more about subtlety and finesse rather than huge jumps, such is the way the further up you go with audio gear, in my experience. Which isn’t to say that’s not worthwhile, sometimes it makes all the difference.

The upgrade itch always happens eventually!

[JamesW]

@ryder

I’m not surprised the new 250 is better than SN2/HC especially when used on Harbeth speakers. In my experience, the 250DR is the minimum requirement for the Harbeth SHL5+. It sounds good but not great. Another Harbeth SHL5+ user (Slamdam I think) switched from 250DR to 300DR and suggested that the 250DR sounded broken next to the 300DR when used on the Harbeth. In other words, the Harbeth requires the 300DR to give its best.

Harbeth really like power. Honestly as much juice as possible. I own C7ES-3 and the best I’ve heard them was with a 300W/ch McIntosh.

The 250.3 made them really sing in the demo I had, which impressed me. I’ve heard them on Naim SN2 previously and wasn’t that keen, sounded a bit strained and edgy.

I can’t comment on whether the 250.3 is better than 300DR as sadly I’ve never heard the latter.

[ditton66]

Of course he say, otherwise how will he make a living?!

[ditton66]

And what’s wrong about the current 300?!

[DanielH]

I have been dealing with the same dealer for 20 years. He has never steered me wrong.

[Tapp]

The 300 streamer and pre are nailed on this year surely and hopefully the power too.
Most interesting for me is whether Naim believes they can competitively introduce separates at 200 level against the current entry level integrated 222. I hope so but maybe not this year .
A roadmap would be nice but doesn’t appear to be their style which I can understand. Being patient in meantime is a bit boring.

[marcusman]

Boring for me = more time to save $£€

[Mike_S]

Nothing, I have one myself. It’s wonderful. I’m just skeptical of reports that the 250-3 is better. I believe that the separate power supplies are the key for the high end Naim systems

[PeterR]

@Mike_S

separate power supplies are the key for the high end Naim systems

……You mean like in The Statement Mike? ATB Peter

[anon17458420]

Three half fat ladies 333 …… bingo

[Musicraft]

@Stephen_Tate

‘trouser flapping bass’

[saving up for a New Classic 250]

Way past trouser flapping bass. I am using a Gotham g213 v2 which is often a case of quite literally duck for cover and the feeling of internal organs being re arranged

Anyway, nice one

[alainbil]

This looks like the " 4 Pin Din Out to Balanced XLR Input. Low Capacitance Cable"
(ST.PR)SD4.LOCK-SO.LLX.PRNT-3MXXAU(SCAP)
from designable web site. It looks interesting.

I have been waiting for close to two months for the proper NAIM cables to connect a HiCap to a New Classic NAP 250 (aka NAP 250.3)

[Sinewave]

I ordered a pair of Chord Shawline DIN to XLRs for HICAP to NC250.3 - they arrived in a week…

[Steeve]

Whilst I appreciate no significant details can be given about future products yet, I wondered if it were possible to say whether the inclusion of an analogue fixed line out is now seen as a thing as the past or whether it still has a place on any new models.

I still use mine to connect to a Sony D100 PCM recorder so it is of some interest to me.

Thanks
Steve

[nicnaim]

I am using the Designacables now. As they Naim cables haven’t been released here either

[ditton66]

What makes me doubt is the fact that no one has made a comparison between the products, at the level of continuous listening, days, and then expressed his reasoned opinion.
Opinions of this or that ,merchant, or alternatively a member of this or that forum, are not relevant to the matter.
Apart from that, it does not seem to me that the NAIM company operates without profit. therefore-
It doesn’t make sense that a first level product like 300 DR and costing almost twice as much as the new toy, would be inferior to it, in terms of musical quality…
And no, I don’t have a 300dr, I’ve been very happy with the 135s since 1996 and I don’t think it will be replaced either…
But who am I to preach?
People will continue to purchase new products all the time, regardless of the quality of old products…
This is the basis of a free market…