Welcome from me as well! I too am in the States. I look forward to learning of what you think of the Nova. My own Naim journey took me from a low box count integrated amp system, to now 2 stacks of black boxes. I wanted to hear what the fuss was about; we do LOVE what we hear. My wife and I sat and listened to the Billie Eilish album today. We try to stay current
I’m not all that much younger than you. I too foresee some sort of one-box solution sometime in my future . . . but for now this is ok!
You’ve done a much better job than me at getting the 2 bases at the same height
We’re going to get our wood floors refinished, so it’s all coming apart within the next few weeks. Another chance to re-align the bases so that they’re even with each other.
And I’m going to use your photo to see if I can talk my wife into a wall shelf for the tt.
I’m rather anal about getting my two racks to look matched. It wasn’t that hard really.
Bart, how are you liking the SuperLine? Do you have a PSU for it or just bare on the 552? I’ve wanted to audition one but that’s apparently no longer possible with the new owners of Naim distribution in the US (Vervent). I might keep my eyes out for a used one.
We really like the Superline. A huge step up from the Rega Aria, and between Superline and Aura we slightly preferred Superline – powered from my 552. (Aura was a bit more ‘in your face’ and my wife didn’t like that sound.) I just found a 2018 SupercapDR for under 50% of MSRP, so here comes yet another box.
It’s a shame about not being able to audition. I had the same problem with the Rega Aura, but thankfully a forum participant who lives 20 minutes from me let my borrow his! If you were close enough to Boston to drive and pick it up, you’d be welcomed to borrow mine.
Well, I’m making a change already. Sending the Nova back for a supernait3 and nd5xs2. Still only two boxes. Enjoyed the Nova a lot and want to stay in the Naim eco system (like the sound, app, features). But I realized I don’t need or want the display and big volume control. I can see and do everything I need to on the app and I’d just as soon not get off my derriere and go look at a display. I also rationalized that the overall sound quality will be at least as good if not better than the Nova alone. Also, digital steaming technology changes fast so this way I retain the option to change out the streamer in the future if needed without scrapping the amp. Finally, it’s not that much more expensive to go with this pair over the Nova. Hope I won’t regret it as I really like the Nova.
To the OP.
I have never listened to a Rega amp myself, but I`m thinking.
If you`re looking for an alternative to your current amp based on it should present music in an involving way and less complicated due to cables, upgrades and such. If your approach is "not necessarily as good as 252/300, but as involving, you have to listen for yourself in your room, with your current speakers… IMO.
I used Uniti Atom with my main speakers for a while, due to 272 (that I owned at that time) was on repair. The Atom was so involving and made me think; I can live with this. When 272 arrived, it was just so much better, but didn`t take away the involving Atom experience that I had.
Within a few years I may own a Uniti one box system with suited speakers myself. If balance is right and one ignore the word “better”, musical experience could still be there.
Life is full of possibilities and choices, just grab what suits you
By the way, 282 is more than good enough
I didnt say I was satisfied with the sound.
I said I was not tired of the sound.
I dont have any «expectations» Im only asking a question.
… Recaping IS a «Naim thing» in that respect that serviced/not serviced is a big price issue when selling ten year old Naim equipmemt.
I have never been asked about recap/not recaped when selling an amp of any other brand.
Let me clarify:
After 15 years or more moving up the Naim ladder, some «fatigue» is creeping up on me.
Feeling the boxes, the services (time/money), the cable jungle behind the system, the insane connection system, the price vs sound value, Even the surface of the cabinettes, so sensitive to scratches.
Dont get me wrong, I like Naim a lot.
But are there nothing else out there?
My question about Rega is simply because they make good turntables, and phono preamp (I hear)
I have the Naim Superline.
I have heard better (even with the air-plug)
My ATC 40MKII is so much better than any Naim loudspeakers I have owned (N-Sats, Arriva, Allae, SBLmkII)
and they reproduced music as the Naim loudspeakers should have done, but didnt.
I used to have the LP12, with Armageddon, Naim ARO, Superline.
Guess what, the Rega P9 gave more detail, dynamics and PRaT.
Again, I like Naim - a lot.
But Im not brainwashed.
Others might do the «Naim thing» just as good.
Or better.
And perhaps.
For less money.
Just switched to a Rega two box system from a Naim five box system. It needed servicing and I may be able to get it out of the rack but with my knees getting the wires connected and all back together again would have been nigh on impossible .
I do however have two Naim sources that I am very, very happy with and a UnitIQute that acts as a DAC for the Av system
If Rega can challenge Linn on the LP12 it can challenge Naim on amplification
I can relate to you questioning the rationale for staying with Naim. If I ever jump ship I think it would be to a brand that has better presence and dealer support in the U.S. Simaudio and Boulder come to mind as two examples. But for now I plan to stand pat with what I have.
No one says that you MUST stay with Naim. . . . If you’re really wanting to try another brand – why not!!!
I definitely enjoy the ‘Naim sound.’ I’ve heard fantastic demos of other brands, but unfortunately from hardware that’s much more expensive even. I did try a Devialet one-box solution at home a few years ago; it had an initial appeal but that wore off pretty quickly and I was really pleased when I put my SN2/NDS at the time back into use.
The brands I see most often mentioned as possibilities include Hegel and Vitus. I just like what we have and have no incentive to listen to those at home. But if you’re ready to move on . . . have at it!
I would also echo some of the thoughts in here. Whatever you do, you have to realize that you are stepping away from the sound you have appreciated. And getting the same sound signature from something else is not possible, as just everything else has it’s own signature which you might like or dislike. The only option I would see is to move to Devialet which in a way is a small one box solution, although they also sell now to combined ones as a kind of mono blocks. The question at the end will of course be, will you like that sound signature or not.
A friend of my have an Audio Research pre and two Electrocompaniet Nemos.
Not bad sounding at all, even If his sourch is the LP12.
I like the thought of beeing loyal to a brand - until a point were the disapointments is getting just a little to many.
And the question had to be asked - do Naim deserve my loyality?
Im using the Naim Hi-Line with my CDX2.
It broke.
Its hardly ever plugged and unplugged.
Where is the craftmanship?
It appears to me that you are decidedly unhappy [with your system] and have decided it is time for change. There is a huge variety of kit out there, some better than others - however the gist of the responses to you seems to be that if you want the “Naim sound” then part of your system (I’m guessing preamp in particular) has to be Naim - so there’s your choice. It’s a tough one if you want the Naim sound but don’t want Naim gear. The best option there would seem to be to get the simplest Naim solution, minimising extras like additional power supplies - maybe an Atom or Nova. Or walk away and decide after a while whether you’re happy with A.N. Other.
Personally I don’t have a preamp, or rather what functions as a pre-amp is built into my DAC (Chord Dave), and my amps are Bryston, and I am very happy. I have no idea if you would be.
Regarding Rega amplification, I haven’t heard so can’t comment. Wouldn’t the simplest solution be for you to go and listen and decide for yourself? (Take your amp to compare.)
Im not unhappy. But how are you doing?
When my local Rega dealer get one I will certanly have a listen.
In the meantime I wonder if anyone had some thoughts on the matter.
I have Rega in my system. I have Naim in my system. I have ATC in my system. I have Chord in my system. I have Dynavector in my system.
Its not a «Naim system» to me.
Anyway.
Just wondering If any one have heard a Rega amp which could compeed with Naim 252/300.
