The Naim New Classic Range - Part 2

For completeness, what streaming source did you have on the 252 to compare this against the 222? A NDX2, and a power supply?

Thanks Geoff! That is very informative.

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Exactly what I was going to ask Mike

Only got half the story

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On 17th May on these forums you wrote

What changes were applied between 17 May and July to elevate the same kit beyond 252?

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Not my experience. I listened to 222/300 into SCM40a a couple of months ago and I was more than perfectly happy to return to my 252/SCDR (fronted by NDX2/555DR). At least one key difference there.

The New Classic is certainly an interesting new approach to performance by Naim, but I do think we have to be careful with some of these comparative statements that might come across as objective.

At the end of the day folks have to make their own ears up for their own reasons. But, because many are unable to listen to new kit, and buy based on research, I felt it important to give another perspective.

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I just wish we had Naim back in NZ (and Aus) so we could go and have a listen. That would be nice.

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Youā€™re welcome :+1:

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ND5 XS 2 and a DSDAC 1.0 Advanced/Deluxe were used with both.

NSC 222/NPX 300 still had reserves in the tank and then onto NAC 252/SC DR.

NAC 252/SC DR are excellent and Iā€™m glad youā€™re enjoying their performance.

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Reading your comments about the performance of the 222/300/250 likely seem outrageous to some and before owning the 222/250 I was skeptical. But having owned the 222/250 for less than a week now your observations seem more reasonable. The 222/250 on their own and not yet fully burned in are blowing away my expectations. Iā€™m loving these two boxes. I owned a 252/SC2/250.2 in the 00s and found that combination to be very disappointing. With a CDS2 and later CDS3. I was happy to move them on. The 250DR was a huge improvement over the 250.2 and I assume the DR versions of 252/SC were as well but I canā€™t comment. I do know that I much prefer 272/555DR/250DR over the aforementioned separates and the 222/250 are very much enjoyable on their own, much more so than the 272/250DR on their own. Canā€™t wait to get the 555 hooked up. The new line has changed the old hierarchy in my view. Personal preferences vary and itā€™s perfectly fine if people prefer old classic separates over the NC kit or vice versa. No biggie.

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Iā€™m intended to do the same thing as eagerly waiting for my nap 250-3 which is scheduled to be delivered in September.

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@Richard.Dane can you please support to get the exact part number for the cable to be connected from SN3 to new nap 250-3, as still Iā€™m struggling to get the exact part number to order one.

Not quite. The SN3 only has one DIN4 output so itā€™ll need to be a DIN4 to 2x XLR cable, hence @BackToNaim ā€˜s question to Richard for the correct cable assembly number to order.

Good to hear and theyā€™ll get even better as they settle in :+1:

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I donā€™t know the part number for this. Itā€™s one that Naim will need to advise. Best ask your dealer to request it of Naim.

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Part number is on left.

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Yep - Will be using 350ā€™s with a 552.

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I believe Naim marketing is totally missing out on what the dev teams have created. Letā€™s start.
https://www.naimaudio.com/product/nac-332

Versatile Preamplifier

NAC 332 is the ā€œanalogue centreā€ of your system, delivering optimal performance to your amplifier and loudspeakers. Naimā€™s most versatile preamplifier to date, you can connect headphones as well as the NVC TT phono preamplifier for listening to vinyl. Use the included remote control to control the volume and inputs in just one click.

So the most important key selling point for the 332 after years of dev spent is that it is ā€œversatileā€. Thatā€™s what shall catch your interest and continue reading about a 9 000 EUR pre-amp.

Continuing with its unique featuresā€¦ Connect many sources. Like no one else can and never been done in the past, right?

It allows you to connect many sources, from an amplifier to headphones, as well as a turntable or CD player. Its optimised Naim circuits deliver enhanced musical performance from all your sources and limit internal noise for uncompromising sound quality.

Then on to Naim know-how. So rack installation on the 332? Huh? Metallic holes for the components? A high performance transistor. Thatā€™s what someone who knows nothing about what they write would write.

Added to this are a high-performance transistor and balanced outputs that preserve sound quality over long distances and allow rack installation.

Printed circuit boards with metallic holes

Then onto some standard lines on design.
Naim products are designed to be both contemporary and timeless.

And then that it is a great match with the other 3-series components. Yes?
Perfect integration in a complete system
NAC 332 links perfectly to the streamer NSS 333 and power amplifier NAP 350 from the New Classic range.

Then to wrap it up with one of the BIG news so you feel really tempted letting money go.
Easy to use
Simplicity is the key. Buttons on the front panel allow quick access to standby mode, mute, and the inputs.

And thatā€™s it. Is this really the best the marketing/web team can come up with? Sit down 2h with Steve and it would be killer great. Iā€™m speechless really. Come on.

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Itā€™s the best the company handling Focal communications could come up with.

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