(Possibly Obvious) Questions On the "New" Naim

Posted by: Paul B on 15 September 2002

I am rather disappointed at the lack of information coming from the Heathrow show. IIRC there was far more feedback from the previous Bristol show when the SL2 and 552 were launched. Perhaps it is due to the apparent "static" display of much of the new gear.

However, before I go any further, let me thank those who have posted so far.

Yet, considering that this is probably Naim's largest wholesale product change in their 25 odd year history, I am surprised that Naim has not been more forthcoming especially to its "loyal supporters" on the forum. (I know I am being impatient). However, I think many of us in the colonies (former or otherwise) or elsewhere in the world would appreciate it if Naim officials would answer a few questions, which I hope would be common to many of us (and not just my personal concerns).

Is the (planned? - or is it finished?) CDS3 a completely new player or a reboxing of the CDS2? This also applies to the CDX2, XPS2 (?), 252, 282, 250, Supercap, Hicap (and any others I might have missed). Further to this, for example, could the new 250 be partnered with a 250 (recent olive box) in an active SBL system? There is conflicting information about the changes that have occurred to existing gear. Naim, IMO, needs to clarify the situation. Is it completely new or just a new box?

Is the 300 power supply the same as the 500, or completely new? (My hope - probably in vain - is that the PS is the same thus allowing a possible upgrade to a 500 later, in the same way one could upgrade a 82/Supercap to a 52/Supercap. It would also be nice if the 252 accepted the 552 PS as well as Supercap thus allowing an upgrade path here too. I wish for too much, no doubt). Personally, IMO, the 300 is the most interesting of Naim's new lineup. It willl be interesting to see how it compares to 135s in a passive SBL/SL2 system, or active SBL/250s.

Will it be possible to revise any of the older gear to the new standards (if they are electronically different and not just reboxed)? For example, could a 52 be revised to a 252?

Which of the new/revised gear will use a split rail (or is it dual rail?) PS (as in 552/500)? Will all Naim gear eventually adopt this technique? What advantages does this split rail give that a single rail does not and why the change (since split rail power supplies have been used elsewhere for some time I believe)? I do not intend to be critical of this change just curious as to why it is taking place now (and didn't perhaps happen years ago).

Is there a new tuner?

Have other products been discontinued or revised as well (for example the Aro, Prefix, Armageddon, SNAXO)?

What are the projected release dates of the new/revised gear?

And, how long will the olive boxes still be available?

Other forum members - please feel free to add questions to this thread.

My thanks in advance for any answers forthcoming from Naim.

Paul
Posted on: 15 September 2002 by Paul Stephenson
"Is the (planned? - or is it finished?) CDS3 a completely new player or a reboxing of the CDS2?"

Its a new player!

"This also applies to the CDX2, XPS2 (?), 252, 282, 250, Supercap, Hicap (and any others I might have missed)"

cdx2 xps2,252,282 and 202 are all new though the basic circuitry is pretty close to the older models. All of these have a degree of new application of engineering attached. The cdx2 has a new transport/chip set etc.......


"could the new 250 be partnered with a 250 (recent olive box) in an active SBL system? There is conflicting information about the changes that have occurred to existing gear. Naim, IMO, needs to clarify the situation. Is it completely new or just a new box?

New 250 and cannot be used with older 250 amps in active systems.
Some updates will be available in the Spring 2003 for older models.


"Is the 300 power supply the same as the 500, or completely new? (My hope - probably in vain - is that the PS is the same thus allowing a possible upgrade to a 500 later."

No the 300 ps is not as the 500 ps therefore the upgrade is not possible.

"Will it be possible to revise any of the older gear to the new standards (if they are electronically different and not just reboxed)?"

all power amps and small case power supplies and crossovers can be updated to the new look. Some electronic upgrades may also be available in the future.


"Which of the new/revised gear will use a split rail (or is it dual rail?) PS (as in 552/500)? Will all Naim gear eventually adopt this technique?"

Split rail, and no this will only be used in the 500 series components.

"What advantages does this split rail give that a single rail does not and why the change (since split rail power supplies have been used elsewhere for some time I believe)?"

lower noise.

"I do not intend to be critical of this change just curious as to why it is taking place now (and didn't perhaps happen years ago)."

We did use it once before in 1979, the nac12dr about 6 models were made.

Is there a new tuner?

2003


"Have other products been discontinued or revised as well (for example the Aro, Prefix, Armageddon, SNAXO)?"

no changes to aro and prefix, arma and snaxo look updated.

"What are the projected release dates of the new/revised gear?"

late October/November 2002

"And, how long will the olive boxes still be available?"

not certain as yet depends on demand but no-one should have and short to medium time frame problems. Our dealers will have the latest news as we run over the next year.

Lots of info to follow over the next few weeks, sorry for the one line answers. I have just got back from the show and I am about to finish work on the new web site!
Posted on: 15 September 2002 by Paul B
Paul,

Many thanks for your answers even if they weren't quite as I had hoped.

Paul
Posted on: 17 September 2002 by FangfossFlyer
When will a new catalog be available with details of all the new kit?

I am also can't wait to find out the differences between all the old and new kit comparing the 252 v 52, old 250 v new etc...

Must ring my local Hi-Fi shop (Sound Org - York) to find out when they will have some more details + kit for demo.

Richard
Posted on: 17 September 2002 by Mark Rampling
Is the new XPS2 also split-rail (for low noise)? Somehow I was expecting the CDS3 to have this technology, following on from the NAC552. Or is there an as-yet unannounced 500-series CD player waiting in the wings?

Mark R
Posted on: 17 September 2002 by Matt Gear
quote:
Or is there an as-yet unannounced 500-series CD player waiting in the wings?


mark

i spoke to doug at the show and the CDS3 is a straight replacement for the CDS2. a new super CD (CDS500) to match the 552 / 500, is on the drawing board, but no idea with regard to launch date or specification.

cheers

matt
Posted on: 17 September 2002 by Martin Payne
quote:
Originally posted by Mark Rampling:
Is the new XPS2 also split-rail (for low noise)? Somehow I was expecting the CDS3 to have this technology, following on from the NAC552.



Mark,

FYI the XPS1 (and the CDPS which preceeded it) is already split rail.

The XPS2 has continued this.


Speculation re new player - well that's something else again.

cheers, Martin
Posted on: 17 September 2002 by pac
With the recent announcement of the new product lines, were any members surprised that there was no addition of a DVD-Audio or SACD player?
Posted on: 17 September 2002 by herm
No surprise whatsoever.

Herman
Posted on: 17 September 2002 by pac
Can you expand on that Herm?