Hi all, just a very quick thank you for the input/advice/observations/shared experiences already offered. A lot resonates and already very helpful as I try to organise my thoughts and next steps. I’m currently into my work day (trying to make some £ to pay for whatever I decide to do next). I’ll come back with some answers to the questions and engage in the conversation later today. Thank you again! Already proving to be helpful!
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And some girls are bigger than others.
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Only you know what’s best for you 
it’s all about music !! Enjoy the process of getting there
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Ha ha good comeback HH 
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lol
Out of interest, when did you get your first Naim? I bought mine in 1983, and I know there are some on here who have owned it for even longer.
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1979
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Excellent. That’s the year I bought my first LP12. I used it with A&R, then Meridian. It took four years to get Naim amps, from the excellent Sound Advice in Loughborough.
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After such a great comeback as well…
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Wow I wasn’t even born yet
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I lived in London in the 70’s ( like you bought a LP12 for I think 70 quid , just to look at it and sold it on at a profit) , came to Sydney late 1979, there was a HiFi show on with Naim exhibition
That did it for me, I read about it in London , couldn’t believe it was here , so here we are today
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I think it’s right as others have said to keep an open mind on this. That said I would drop that particular dealer. It’s a fine line between offering sensible alternatives and being too pushy…
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I am not sure that the website was perfect was perfect in 2006 either.
We can guess at which decisions are made in the UK or France, and we can allocate blame for the expanding disaster down under how we like. However, guesses, rose-tinted spectacles/ hearing-aids and allocating blame are perhaps all a bit irrelevant.
Do you believe that the 332 and 333 are poor products and/or made in Czech Republic? Of that first gets a “No”, would the first matter even if it were true?
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Well I’ve just purchased the NSS 333 and can I say it’s one of the best Naim products I’ve purchased in 40 + years
And 2/3 years ago I wasn’t the least bit interested in streaming
That’s why I keep the faith with Naim
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Going back to the OP. The NC series do sound a little different to OC (more detailed and a bit more controlled), but I don’t think any less enjoyable. I suspect your dealer was pulling a fast one (as others have said).
Worth listening around a lot though AND doing some home dems at that cost…
I personally love the Naim amplification sound, but haven’t been quite so keen on the streaming end. I have a hybrid system (Linn streamer, Vertere TT and cables, Naim NC 332/300/250, Atom speakers). As a fellow Londoner, you’re welcome to pop over for a listen some time if you want.
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It’s a poor dealer who tries to influence your choice rather than just agreeing with you or pointing out the sonic differences. If he has such a poor opinion of Naim why does he still hold it? Desperate sales technique and I wouldn’t trust his opinion of anything.
On the wider point re Naim. Long term buyer here and Naim has changed both their sound profile and their company operating practices over the years, particularly more recently. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing only you can judge, but at a more independent dealer or better still at more than one dealer. You have the perfect opportunity with your proposed changes to try many combinations. I would not be rushing to make the changes with just one dealer sample.
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About ten years ago I heard a demo of some Focal Utopia speakers at a show and noticed they were using a PS audio DAC and transport.
A couple of years ago a favourite hi-fi shop; Fanthorpes in Hull had a trade in transport so I arranged a demo. For comparison they had a Cyrus CD as a transport. It was a more update modl of what I was using.
They are PS Audio dealers and they guy was convinced that the PS Audio Memory player was better. I prefered the sound of the Cyrus and have recently bought a second hand version of the Cyrus CD player off ebay.
I still feel a bit guilty about wasting their time but I can highly recommend the shop!
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Not sure what you’re getting at: I was only identifying clear things showing that the Naim, the company, indeed is not what it was some years ago.
To answer your questions, though totally irrelevantly directed at me, I have no view on 332 and 333 as products though would be surprised if they are poor; from past things posted on this forum my understanding is that they are not routinely made out of UK; I have no view on whether good or bad made anywhere worldwide as long as quality control is exemplary, though as a lifelong British citizen it is nice when things good things are made in Britain if done well and affordably.
I think this opinion of Naim is interesting. As a long term customer I am very impressed with both their products and service. But if I were to just read the Forum my opinion would be more mixed. I have made my bed, YMMV…
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Yes I’m with you Stuart
This is a Naim Forum after all
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