Supernait 3

The Preamp refresh will come although I agree that functionally, there are less reason to do so. 

There are however some areas that requires update for what is a 10+ year old product:

- Updating of system automation with NDS/NDX with 3.5mm connection

- Who needs a "Tape" source selection ? (ok this is nit picking)

- Classic series fascia is due for a change.

- Update of product BOM to align with material and component supplier's product roadmap, obsolescence and manufacturing process. 

- Performance wise, I am sure there are areas to gain by applying some design aspect of recent products (volume control, mechanical isolation..)

it should all be about the pursuit of more music. 

I haven't demo'd a 202/200 in my living room but I have compared my SN2 to my 72/Hi-Cap/140 and the SN2 wins hands down.  Not the same thing I'll grant you and not all may agree with my findings but here is an instance where a modern integrated exceeds an older pre/power. 

I see no reason why Naim can't produce an integrated that is 'better' than an equivalent pre/power.  My suspicion is that they already do.

Fenderbassplayer posted:

I just would like to keep it 'as is' but with n009 transistors, a DR power section and pleeeeeaaaseee......don't omit the powered aux-2 like they did on the 272  ;(

Good point indeed!

It might be interesting to create a top-of-rack streaming high-end integrated amp (with fins on side, control surface on top, much like the Statement), though it would most certainly preclude a CD player or turntable above it (perhaps not a dealbreaker in 2016, if you consider the streamer as the primary source). The Aavik U-300, by comparison, places the rotary control surface on the front, fins at the sides....

The handset, or an app, could be used to control the unit when parked away in a rack.

Mmmm.... Aavik U-300

300 W into 8 ohms, 600 into 4... phono stage... DAC with isolated USB input.... all it's missing is a streaming client.

analogmusic posted:

Naim cannot make the SN to sound better than the 202/200DR

simple as that.

Maybe Naim won't but Simaudio does!

I think the 282/252/552 will be refreshed when the casing finally gets updated or sales start to deteriorate... don't hold your breath.. This forum has been forecasting preamp refreshes for years and years... and the relatively (for Naim) DR upgrade for the NAC powersupplies completely refreshed the range anyway... It's all about the music...

Mattnbarns posted:

I see no reason why Naim can't produce an integrated that is 'better' than an equivalent pre/power.  My suspicion is that they already do.

 

I can't see a reason why either.  

However, bear in mind that separating pre and power sections of the amplifier into their own boxes does generally perform better than when put in the same box together - this was realised right at the Genesis of Naim and nothing much has changed that.  So, all else being the same, a pre-power should always outperform an integrated.  But that's not to say you couldn't design and make an integrated amp that outperforms a similar priced pre-power in many ways - after all, you already have saved the cost of an extra box that can be put elsewhere within the design.

I believe Naim are working on several new Integrated amplifiers

For a start, entry levels to be manufactured in far east, providing larger margin's to investors

secondly they are working on Statement entries, maybe SN or STN, maybe new range of pre's

usually they are good at keeping their secrets but make sure their preferred are quick/mega sellers, whats next after Qb ?

(The days of "overnight" shift of entire amp range are over, those who remember the days Olive 102 became Black 202 etc..even further back the 62/Nait 2 went olive from CB along with other range)

I think that as long as there won't be a defined and accepted meaning for 'better' - which means never - these will be pointless discussions.

There will always be those for whom better means more pace, those for whom it means more definition, ore less definition, or analogue-like, or this or that..

There are those who think a Nait will always be better (whatever the f**k this mean) than a Statement...

Better means nothing and everything for each one of us; such discussions are already pointless. Can we move on to having a life, please?

M.

Yes, the thread is particularly pointless, and even more so when people start posting their own vague speculation as if it had some basis in fact. 

Thanks Massimo, that was one of the better posts.

But yes, whenever using that word, it would really help if the poster stated exactly  to which aspect(s) of performance he is referring.

Inky blackness. 

Define inky.

Jan,

I agree. For me, better definitely has a meaning: it means more, more coherent, more organic and properly timed detail. It will never mean smoother, analogue-sounding, warmer, more listenable and the like. Whenever this will mean that the 'better' gear is less pleasant to listen to, this will also mean an inherent flaw in HiFi, not in the piece of equipment. Ambasciator non porta pena: the messenger is not responsible for the pain.

M.

Sn3 should have trickle down tech from statement from the transistor, damping and even the casework. This will not be a statement pre power level but it will be interesting how it beats the 202/200 before refresh.

Even Sn2 is holding itself quite well when front by ndx compared to 272/250Dr driving the focal spots no.2. Different signature, slightly darker and fuller on the sn2. Sn3 may retain the same sig but bringing out more control and speed?

The amp you are proposing should be called Statenait instead Supernait 3 And at 1/10 height of Statement, it will cost 1/10 of Statement (at best).