Naim NAC-N 272 Streaming Preamplifier

Posted by: bicela on 15 February 2015

Dear All,

 

following the posts and rumors around for months I'm pleased to see that Naim is releasing this new model.

 

Some useful comments are already here: https://forums.naimaudio.com/topic/bristol?page=1

 

I'm really interested to buy it as upgrade of my Uniti2, with NAP250/2 that powering the Quad 2905 (these last two are already very well matched for my taste).

 

Maybe is not perfect as we wished, we can so post here any comments and hopefully get answer by Naim.

Let me to start:

 

- The analog input for phono (Stageline) is not powered? If so, is possibile to use SuperCap for powering the 272 and simultaneously the Stageline? Special cables are so needed?

 

- Has 272 a new DAC and/or improvements that are not present in previous streamers?

 

- When it will be shipped to costumers?

 

Warm regards, Maurizio

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by Big Jo

I know it's subjective, and only listening will tell, but with respect to it's placement in the classic range, is the 272 meant to better a 202 and NDX? Of is it kind of in between, so better than a 202 but not as good as 282 as pre but with streaming capabilities thrown in?

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by PhilP
Originally Posted by Big Jo:

I know it's subjective, and only listening will tell, but with respect to it's placement in the classic range, is the 272 meant to better a 202 and NDX? Of is it kind of in between, so better than a 202 but not as good as 282 as pre but with streaming capabilities thrown in?

Well Naim say that the 'starting point' power amp to partner the 272 is a 250 and that a 300 is also a suitable partner.  That would imply pre-amp performance at 282 level at least.

 

To honest I wouldn't partner any Naim digital source below NDS/555 with a 300.

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by engjoo

Clever naming as a "272" and not a "292" ! 

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by PhilP

If the 272 sounds as good or better than a NDX/282 then it will be extremely attractive in terms of both box count and £ savings.

 

Up until now a typical mid-range system would have looked something like:

 

NDX/XPS/Hi-Line/282/NAPSC/HiCAP/250  i.e. 6 boxes + Fraim base and 4 levels at a cost of £19,024

 

Whereas a new system look like this :

 

272/XPS/250 + Fraim Base and 2 levels at a cost of £11,929

 

Quite a saving if the sound quality really is the same

 

E&OE

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by dayjay
Originally Posted by PhilP:
Originally Posted by Big Jo:

I know it's subjective, and only listening will tell, but with respect to it's placement in the classic range, is the 272 meant to better a 202 and NDX? Of is it kind of in between, so better than a 202 but not as good as 282 as pre but with streaming capabilities thrown in?

Well Naim say that the 'starting point' power amp to partner the 272 is a 250 and that a 300 is also a suitable partner.  That would imply pre-amp performance at 282 level at least.

 

To honest I wouldn't partner any Naim digital source below NDS/555 with a 300.

Actually they say "Paired with a NAP 200, NAP 250 or even a NAP 300 power amplifier, the 272 is an ideal choice for those seeking the convenience of a single box streaming"

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by nickpeacock

I for one am interested in this product. To my mind, paired with a 250.2, it's an alternative to SN2/NDX and I am interested in reducing my box-count.

 

BUT - can anyone tell from looking at the back panel and the specs whether I can bypass the internal DAC with my Hugo? It certainly seems to have a digital SPDIF out, so presumably it can be made to operate just like my ND5XS into Hugo into 282...

 

[Sound quality is a separate matter, and I'm not going to debate that here, thanks.]

 

 

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by PhilP
Originally Posted by dayjay:
Actually they say "Paired with a NAP 200, NAP 250 or even a NAP 300 power amplifier, the 272 is an ideal choice for those seeking the convenience of a single box streaming"

 

Yes, but on the Suggested System link they say :

 

"A Naim Retailer will recommend the right system for you, however you may choose to partner the NAC-N 272 with the following as a start: Naim NAP 250

 

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by dayjay

Ever so slightly confusing then, they need to edit one or the other perhaps

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by PhilP

To be frank, given the price differential I highlighted above and the (Naim) one-box approach I would be surprised if the SQ is as good as that of the separates-based system.

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by james n
Originally Posted by nickpeacock:

I for one am interested in this product. To my mind, paired with a 250.2, it's an alternative to SN2/NDX and I am interested in reducing my box-count.

 

BUT - can anyone tell from looking at the back panel and the specs whether I can bypass the internal DAC with my Hugo? It certainly seems to have a digital SPDIF out, so presumably it can be made to operate just like my ND5XS into Hugo into 282...

 

[Sound quality is a separate matter, and I'm not going to debate that here, thanks.]

 

 

If i understand you correctly Nick, you want to use the Hugo as the DAC, fed by the S/PDIF output on the 272 and then use the 272 as the pre-amp at the same time, then no that wouldn't work. 

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by james n
Originally Posted by PhilP:

To be frank, given the price differential I highlighted above and the (Naim) one-box approach I would be surprised if the SQ is as good as that of the separates-based system.

Depends on the compromises you wish to make - reduced box count, cabling, setup issues, servicing costs against a bit more of an improvment (maybe) in SQ from the separates. Could be a very close call. 

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by intothevoid

Well it's not going to out-perform a 282 as that's over £4k, and this comes in at £3k. A 202 is £2k, so is this 'just' a 202 with added streaming/DAC capability?

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by PhilP
Originally Posted by james n:
Originally Posted by PhilP:

To be frank, given the price differential I highlighted above and the (Naim) one-box approach I would be surprised if the SQ is as good as that of the separates-based system.

Depends on the compromises you wish to make - reduced box count, cabling, setup issues, servicing costs against a bit more of an improvment (maybe) in SQ from the separates. Could be a very close call. 

Yes, you're right.  The reduction in materials costs involved going from 6 boxes down to three + removing the redundancy of power supplies etc. must be very significant so maybe Naim can engineer a similar level of SQ for a much lower cost.

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by Aleg

I would position the N-272 as a combination of a NAC-202 and a ND5XS 

 

HH had a nice premonition about two years ago:  https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...87#25360285720443287

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by Fueller

I'll be auditioning one - the form factor is excellent and if sq stacks up then working towards e.g. XPS / 272 / 250 is a realistic propostiion for me aesthetically and financially in a way that the pre-existing range is not. I'll only be tempted if there is also a decent usable volume range though, the lack of which I find highly irritating in my SN.

 

Ok I'd have to sell the NDX but at least I've lived with naim streaming long enough to know it works well for me - I have no interest in lossless streaming services which seems to be a be a deal breaker for some.     

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by Fueller
Originally Posted by Aleg:

I would position the N-272 as a combination of a NAC-202 and a ND5XS 

 

At 'bare' level this seems likely but otherwise will depend very much on what ps are used - at face value a big advantage of the 272 is that a ps upgrade should benefit both streamer and preamp.  

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by Zeny

Look on the bright side - the black box is still in fashion!

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by karlosTT

Seems to be basically a SU without the power amp stage.  Hopefully with step improvements in all the areas/functionalities that are retained, given its only 200 quid cheaper......

 

However that sounds a good proposition to me.  If one is take a purist, or at least semi-purist, view on hi-fi (separates), the one piece you'd always want to break out separately is the heavy-lifting power amp, and keep all the soft & gentle electronics elsewhere -  even together if necessary, as Naim have done here.

 

To address the concern over upgrade-ability down the path (eg additional internet streamer services), I'm not sure that the inclusion of a pre-amp or DAC etc adversely affects that, per se.  What would certainly make it easier would be having a built in hardware capability that in no way limits this, and having firmware that auto upgrades from the internet as many other manufacturers are able to provide.....

 

Oh, and well done for getting DSD compatibility in there at last.

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by gtiboy
Originally Posted by intothevoid:

Well it's not going to out-perform a 282 as that's over £4k, and this comes in at £3k. A 202 is £2k, so is this 'just' a 202 with added streaming/DAC capability?

Well Naim state that it has optical isolation, which is what the NDS uses. So I suspect the sound quality will be higher than that of the NAC 202. After all technology has moved on since the 202 was released. And the fact that you can use a 555PS DR says it all in terms what what kind of sound quality can be attained from this unit.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if it can out perform a bare NDX / Supernait 2 setup. 

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by Jude2012
Originally Posted by gtiboy:
Originally Posted by intothevoid:

Well it's not going to out-perform a 282 as that's over £4k, and this comes in at £3k. A 202 is £2k, so is this 'just' a 202 with added streaming/DAC capability?

Well Naim state that it has optical isolation, which is what the NDS uses. So I suspect the sound quality will be higher than that of the NAC 202. After all technology has moved on since the 202 was released. And the fact that you can use a 555PS DR says it all in terms what what kind of sound quality can be attained from this unit.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if it can out perform a bare NDX / Supernait 2 setup. 

Interesting reference to optical isolation and the NDS.  In respect of the information source, has Naim released the specs or some other offical communucation?

Andrew Everards and the now removed 'Hifi Gear' web page, makes reference to the S1 Pre (which to me is interesting as development of the Statement beagn 10 years before its release in 2014) and hence my question about the comparison of the design of the volume control of 272 with that of the DAC V1 and Super Uniti. 

 

Also, is it that unusual for Naim products to have floating circuit boards?

 

Jude

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by KRM

I think this is good:

 

- It's black with green bits so our kit is still the current look (and I love that look). It makes it even stranger that the app doesn't do black-green.

- It seems to use the mini-USB update method so Naim haven't abandoned the architecture of the existing kit (I don't mind the update with mini-USB - the old RS232 was a nightmare though).

- Existing owners get DSD, which is great in itself and shows we are still being looked after.

 

I won't buy one, but I'm glad it exists for the above reasons.

 

Where can I get DSD files from, by the way?

 

Keith

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by hungryhalibut
Originally Posted by Jude2012:
Originally Posted by gtiboy:
Originally Posted by intothevoid:

Well it's not going to out-perform a 282 as that's over £4k, and this comes in at £3k. A 202 is £2k, so is this 'just' a 202 with added streaming/DAC capability?

Well Naim state that it has optical isolation, which is what the NDS uses. So I suspect the sound quality will be higher than that of the NAC 202. After all technology has moved on since the 202 was released. And the fact that you can use a 555PS DR says it all in terms what what kind of sound quality can be attained from this unit.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if it can out perform a bare NDX / Supernait 2 setup. 

Interesting reference to optical isolation and the NDS.  In respect of the information source, has Naim released the specs or some other offical communucation?

Andrew Everards and the now removed 'Hifi Gear' web page, makes reference to the S1 Pre (which to me is interesting as development of the Statement beagn 10 years before its release in 2014) and hence my question about the comparison of the design of the volume control of 272 with that of the DAC V1 and Super Uniti. 

 

Also, is it that unusual for Naim products to have floating circuit boards?

 

Jude

 

 

 

 

They said the same thing about the SU volume control (derived from the S1) so likely as not it will be the same. That's no bad thing, as the SU volume control is superb.

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by Jude2012
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:
Originally Posted by Jude2012:
Originally Posted by gtiboy:
Originally Posted by intothevoid:

Well it's not going to out-perform a 282 as that's over £4k, and this comes in at £3k. A 202 is £2k, so is this 'just' a 202 with added streaming/DAC capability?

Well Naim state that it has optical isolation, which is what the NDS uses. So I suspect the sound quality will be higher than that of the NAC 202. After all technology has moved on since the 202 was released. And the fact that you can use a 555PS DR says it all in terms what what kind of sound quality can be attained from this unit.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if it can out perform a bare NDX / Supernait 2 setup. 

Interesting reference to optical isolation and the NDS.  In respect of the information source, has Naim released the specs or some other offical communucation?

Andrew Everards and the now removed 'Hifi Gear' web page, makes reference to the S1 Pre (which to me is interesting as development of the Statement beagn 10 years before its release in 2014) and hence my question about the comparison of the design of the volume control of 272 with that of the DAC V1 and Super Uniti. 

 

Also, is it that unusual for Naim products to have floating circuit boards?

 

Jude

 

 

 

 

They said the same thing about the SU volume control (derived from the S1) so likely as not it will be the same. That's no bad thing, as the SU volume control is superb.

I can vouch that the V1 volume control is fabulous.  I guess this bodes well for folk who are interested in the 272.  I intend to have a play at Bristol.

 

Jude

 

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by gtiboy
Originally Posted by Jude2012:
Originally Posted by gtiboy:
Originally Posted by intothevoid:

Well it's not going to out-perform a 282 as that's over £4k, and this comes in at £3k. A 202 is £2k, so is this 'just' a 202 with added streaming/DAC capability?

Well Naim state that it has optical isolation, which is what the NDS uses. So I suspect the sound quality will be higher than that of the NAC 202. After all technology has moved on since the 202 was released. And the fact that you can use a 555PS DR says it all in terms what what kind of sound quality can be attained from this unit.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if it can out perform a bare NDX / Supernait 2 setup. 

Interesting reference to optical isolation and the NDS.  In respect of the information source, has Naim released the specs or some other offical communucation?

Andrew Everards and the now removed 'Hifi Gear' web page, makes reference to the S1 Pre (which to me is interesting as development of the Statement beagn 10 years before its release in 2014) and hence my question about the comparison of the design of the volume control of 272 with that of the DAC V1 and Super Uniti. 

 

Also, is it that unusual for Naim products to have floating circuit boards?

 

Jude

 

 

 

 

https://www.naimaudio.com/product/nac-n-272

 

Up on their website

Posted on: 16 February 2015 by james n

That's packed !