I’m assuming this shortage of supply doesn’t affect the NC range? If it does, I’d wonder why they went with the same design knowing that the supply of certain components was limited.
Good question. Actually they haven’t. The Original NC thread from the launch of the 200 series has some expose on how a number of components that were designed into the product were then not available in sufficient quantity during production. For example, the main PCB has markings for the axial capacitors from one brand Naim have been known to use forever, now instead in production with a different brand and radial capacitors. I think the original stuff is likely set aside for the 500 series servicing.
There even pics of the original and the later production model PCBs in that thread that clearly show the effects of supply chain realities.
As for same design, I’m not sure what you mean. They still use DR. But it’s not like the DR modules are interchangeable. Remember, the DR upgrade for the old 250, 300, and 500 was basically a entirely new amp. The only thing that wasn’t swapped out was the case, transformer, and initial rectifiers.
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I think we can be confident that DR can be implemented in a number of ways and is not specific to certain devices. Like the change in Capacitors implemented for the 200 series.
Thanks for that. Makes sense.
By design I meant using the same components for DR as previously that were known to be in short supply. I hadn’t seen the references to board changes in the NC thread, so that explains the situation (in that they changed the design to use different components / sourcing).
I’m relatively new to Naim (started in 2016 with ND5 XS and XS2) so I’m not familiar with the changes to DR.
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Hi Richard, thanks for the detailed response.
I only asked because the number of “DR’able” products from the old range is now quite low so maybe the supply issues wouldn’t be as much of an issue.
With regards to how long the upgrades were offered, I do appreciate that and managed to get a 552, 300 and two 250’s done, but when one is in the middle of completing an active dbl set up there was just too much to upgrade so the 555 was left till last, then missed out. But if the answer is no, then it’s no and I just have to accept that, my 555 makes my cds3 sound wonderful, its just that it could be even better.
Regards Mario.
The gold axial Promisic caps that they swapped at the last minute had nothing to do with the DR upgrades on any products.
The gold Promisic caps were only swapped last minute out of the NAC 332. They were never within the design of the NSC 222.
I still believe it was a bill of materials cost reduction and not a supply issue, but Naim claims otherwise. The difference in cost between the Promisic caps and the ones they settled on is large. Naim claims these much smaller and cheaper caps sound just as good. I’m waiting to see if they put their money where their mouth is on the new 500 series. That will reveal the truth. If the Promisic caps all of the sudden reappear then we know the truth.
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I’m 100% aware of that.
The point I am making is that supply chain issues have had an impact on New Classic production decisions.
As to the cost difference in caps, in bulk, and in relation to the total cost of the unit, they are still a drop in the ocean.
OK, so I’m confused now! I had thought we were discussing supply issues of components for DR upgrades, so I think my point still stands: Are Naim using components for DR that they know are in short supply for NC or not? Or are the DR designs different from those of OC which can no longer be upgraded due to component supply constraints?
Those of us who were at the recent site visit will have seen first hand that the Service Dept. is just a handful of skilled people in a very limited space. They will have their work cut out just servicing and repairing kit so the additional overhead of doing DR mods is likely no longer feasible.
I believe that until Naim say otherwise via passdown to dealers or through Richard, everything mentioned in the other thread is still the current state. Bear in mind that parts was cited as one reason. Servicing throughput the other. Regarding parts, this is not just components but fabricated PCBs too.
If you demand a comment from Naim on the topic (which is totally reasonable), then an email to their support team would be the logical next step.
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As I said… my electronics knowledge suggests to me (YMMV…) that a DR circuit could be implemented many ways, using different components. But - having decided on and tested/validated a design, the component choices become more ‘locked in’.
As Naim did with some capacitors, for the NC units, in makes sense going forward to check the availability of any components used.
The ‘OC’ DR boards probably could be redesigned around a new component selection, but Naim don’t want to do that, it seems. Rather they are choosing to use the components they can get in their new, prod builds - and not for mods to existing units.
Just my speculation - based on having to deal with similar comment shortages in industry (in gas turbine control systems).
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Careful Ian, the thread title and subsidence is heading towards v. heated air - ideas with a turbine system might just send this issue into forum orbit 
Best stick to steam boilers on GCR tracks - remain grounded 
?
From what i understand, component supply is still one of the issues, yes (And not at all unusual these days either, so I hear). Probably not bad enough to necessitate a substitution or even a re-design, but enough to mean that Naim have to be careful to ensure they have enough for their production needs.
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Of course not. They’ve moved on and other than repairs (where possible), I don’t think we’re going to see much more “service-wise” from NAIM. Let’s watch the OC “recap” story over the next couple of years.
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It will continue sounding lovely for a lot more years……
After upgrading my NDS from a non DR XPS to a non DR CD555PS I would not hesitate (If the funds were available) to consider any non DR 500 series product. In my mind they are just different cheaper versions of the DR products. They are still an upgrade from what came before just a more modest one than full DR. I look at it in the same way as my 52/135 are non DR. I never wonder what THEY would be like DR’d. That being said, I always work to a budget rather than chasing ultimate SQ and I’ve always been extremely happy with whatever Naim product I’ve owned. Spend what you can afford and enjoy.
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I like non DR better,so I ’m happy that Naim don’t offer DR ”downgrade” anymore.
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Lots of Naim owners do Igel
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Well - I for one beg to disagree. I had my non-DR 300 upgraded to DR and it came back a better amp all round. A very significant upgrade.
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