To 222 or not 222?

Hi-Fi Corner
109

I agree on the noisy environment - in the past there was at least an option for an externally powered phono.

I owned about 10+ phonostage over the past 25 years - I am looking at a phono that could keep up with a Superline or Urika. And IME Lyra likes direct amplification without step up…Also box count at least +1 or 2 with these solutions.…

The reduced box count is tempting for at least my LP12 Klimax/Aro/Kandid/Urika system. My DPS3/Schroeder/Lyra Atlas will need that 552/Superline replacement.

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110

But to be honest, do you really see a product like the 222 as suitable for you?

111

From an integration point - yes! Limited space in a Condo. Current Naim in my second system is AtomHE/52/SC/250 with the LP12. 222/250 would be a nice reduction in boxes.

However have tried integration in the past for my main system with DPS3 tt and Devore speakers: Started with Accuphase E600 with phono and DAC boards but now at E800+DC37+C37 phono….so failed there!

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112

I think the MM stage on an expensive preamp seems okay. After all, there are $10k MM cartriges out there and plenty of high end high output MC carts that can similarly connect to it.

MM adds a lot of options, even for high end listening, without the expense of two separate stages. If you can only choose one, then even on high end gear, MM would be the way to go In my view.

To be honest, on top of that, if you are buying a streaming preamp, then almost certainly streaming is your primary source and vinyl a secondary or not at all. Dare I say, for users with $30k decks and high end MC cartridges, this preamp is not aimed for them. The analogue purist almost certainly has another product for them waiting in the wings if they are patient.

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113

IIRC, the aspect of ‘why no MC phono stage’ was raised for the SN3 and the response was that there’s too much variability in MC outputs, and trying to deal with a very low output signal within such a cloistered environment would be challenging.

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114

The NVC TT phonostage can be added to provide support for Moving Coil cartridges.

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115

Brilliant solution, I think.

116

Either what Mr.M suggests above, or run your existing stage into the analogue input of the 222 (it has phono and that 8 pin DIN which can take a normal source DIN i/c)

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117

Ticks all the boxes for those needing it (built in MM or external MM/MC powered by NSC 222 preamp 8 pin DIN +/- 18v analogue input) , leaves those things out for the majority that (likely) dont need it (MC), allows those with no interest in using an analogue source to simply switch off within the Naim App what’s built in (dedicated RCA MM input).

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118

Wow I had missed that they were re-releasing the nvc

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119

That came from a comment from Steve (Sells) on another thread which I linked to accordingly.
They clearly had these things in mind when the Solstice Turntable package was designed and released.

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120

The revised NVC phono stage was referenced by naim on the New Classic thread. The 8 pin DIN on 222 will power it.

The NVC is mentioned (with model number 3xx) on various UK dealer sites listing New Classics, in name only though - no pictures.

Full NVC 3xx details including image and specs were released on US websites at the same time as 222/300/250. They also indicate the expected release date and USD pricing. Possibly someone was over keen :smiling_face: No surprises really, have a look at Solstice phono.

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121

i have an EAR 912 pre with a wonderfull MC phono board inside, The cart is Lyra Kleos. The amp is 250 dr. They both work very very well together, with a top dynamic and prat, and very nice tones.

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122

but not sold separately…

123

The NVC-TT, (also seen as NVC-331 on some websites) is certainly a curiousity.
It looks to be expected around June time.
Looking at those USD $ prices, my assumption is UK MRRP will be about £3k, (or maybe similar to existing SuperLine @ £2,799)

Steve has said it cannot be powered by the new NXT-300. Fair enough.
It can be powered direct from the NSC222, with the 8 pin DIN arrangement. So, we might assume a similar arrangements will be available on other 200 & 300 pre-amp / control units.

It appears to be Naim’s “New Classic” high quality external phono option, maybe in particular for MC cartridge users.

I think all that can be relied upon?

Steve also said the only other way of powering this high quality external phono, is with the partnering NXT-TT turntable PSU.

That last bit has got me wondering?

How far might we go with speculation…
Is it too far to imagine several components from the Solstice project might also be available separately, such as cartridge and tone arm, as well as the phono unit? Maybe even the PSU, in one form or another?

The bit that I’m really interesting to understand, is if there will be any external power supply option, for use as (1) a NVC-TT PSU upgrade option ; or, (2) at least for powering the NVC-TT, as a stand alone phono solution, first for legacy Naim systems, and second with other brands and turntable solutions?

All speculation?

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124

Not yet, however, It will be made available as a standalone (Non Solstice bundle) phono stage.

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125

Sonos port keeps my n272 up to date

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126

That is the solution and flexibility I was looking for - that is a perfect solution. The NVC TT would also be flexible for upgrades to the pre later up the line!

Thanks - I missed that on the other thread!

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127

You’re welcome, in the thousands of posts I somehow managed to specifically remember that one. It also came out of a discussion of a lower tier power supply in the form of the NPX TT rebranded as the NPX 200 and at around half the price of the NPX 300.

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128

SuperLine is thought to be ending soon?
With NVC-TT assumed to be near replacement, within New Classic, expected maybe June.

Which leads to thoughts about which is better / best, if we have a choice (for a short period)?
In this regards, have you any thoughts or experience, which might be interesting to share?

KR
R