Unhappy with the new NAIM update

Update:
Today I unplugged my 333/332 for about an hour and then did another factory reset. Bass bloom has become very slightly less, however the sound became over relaxed / slow. The fun factor and PRaT seem to have gone down the toilet.
So from one problem into another…

I don’t listen to radio stations, Qobuz and Tidal were working fine for me on the previous update. I really wished I could just go back to the previous firmware. I don’t care about support for new radio stations or things like Tidal Max. I just want my streamer to sound as did before.

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How are you performing the reset? From the home screen or another method?. Do you then set your 333 back up as a ‘new’ device?

G

With the home screen on the device itself and the remote. Then setup as a new device afterwards.

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If you think about the last firmware, with which everyone was relatively happy, then I think your statement doesn’t stand it’s own test of working well in a variety of rooms, speakers, ears, etc.

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I’m in the same situation.
I had a response from Naim support stating, “However, we have spoke to R&D about your concerns and they have agreed to put the firmware through listening a seconds time to make sure that they are still happy with the sound of the firmware.”

Naim don’t appear interested in providing firmware rollback which would appear to be a very simple option.
Let’s hope listening retrospectively identifies the upper range hardness, rather than being blinkered by something initially more impressive.

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I really don’t think that the effect of any update should be so large that it necessitates a change in setup or positioning. Even if performance subjectively fluctuates, if it goes into that territory of requiring system adjustments, I think that’s unreasonable.

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I would agree to you. I also got an arrogant respons that Naim considers the upgrade as far superior. Not acknowledging that quite a number of their important customers have issues with the sound after the upgrade.

Apparently they are ok to have some of their important customers being unhappy. Unhappy customers leave….

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i dipped a toe into the thread on the solstice turntable - naim 's famed customer service really does seem to have nose-dived there

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Love the use of ‘arrogant’ here in conjunction with ‘important’. Oh the irony…

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What do you mean by important? Rich? Entitled? I’m not important. In terms of Naim heirarchy I’m a total pleb. I really like the new firmware. But clearly I don’t matter in the world of the important people. Let six important people determine the way things go. Just like life really.

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I’ve changed my mind I want the old firmware back too. I didn’t think a firmware update to the streamer when using a separate dac would make this much of a difference. There are initial positives but long term I preferred the more relaxed firmware. I keep having to turn everything down.

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I hear you.

Once the novelty of the more ‘hifi’ sound wears off, that’s probably when people can decide for sure whether they prefer it or not. If it sounds great but doesn’t inspire long and varied listening sessions like it did before, then something is wrong :face_with_diagonal_mouth:

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Yess - as easy as it is. I am still waiting for a sufficient response.
Rollback not an option - only if there is a solution that is a next fw which pleases all! If there won’t be one soon and rollback is still not offered… guess what

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Clearly all customers are important… and I think they say many of their important customers are pleased with it, … however are you saying they didn’t acknowledge you were not pleased with it? If so sounds strange.

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Yesterday when I listened toThe Beatles I thought the sound was thin and sharp. Defintely not as good as before the new firmware. Then I played the same tracks on CD (2009 remaster). It was much more pleasant to listen to. With the previous firmware I prefer the sound from the NSS 333. Then the NSS 333 had an almost analogue sound. I really hope the amazing NAIM sound soon will be back.Until then I’m glad I have my Rega P1 and Linn Akurate CDP.

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This is promising.

once upon a time I read Julian Verekers explanation on the power supply design philosophy (this was in the olive days, at a time when people tried to modify the olives) so I didnt expect much of the DR series and even though I liked the SCDR - I think it would have killed the 52, and they clearly changed the name, adding DR to the names warned customers it was different.

In what way? Did they mean functionality or sound quality? And if the latter, are they saying they didn’t get it right the first time?

Or do you have to have Focal speakers to get the true benefit [tongue ‘n’ cheek - maybe].

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If so we are back at the topic of changing the sound (in whatever direction) without notice.
I don’t think they intend to change the sound in any direction. As this has occurred, I think there is something not they way it should - so still hoping

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Suggestion for people unhappy try AirPlay/bluetooth at least on my streamer it’s not effected by whatever has altered with higher quality options like my server or chromecast. I understand most may not want this option long term but short term if your avoiding listening this might help.