NAP250DR

Timmo1341 posted:

Man with no Naim posted:

It all depends what you choose to do in the future. If you intend to buy a replacement pre amp for the Nova, in the future, then to buy a 272 now makes no sense - just watch how the prices will drop. A 272 is not the answer to all things, contrary to beliefs.

I’m sure it’s not, but with what evidence do you back up your assertion that 272 prices will drop significantly?

I don't really follow out of production Naim prices, but with current Naim classic boxes, the S/H market tracks the retail market where prices have gone up. When I look at used prices for 282/250 they are regularly $1000+- higher than I paid some 6 years ago. Only non-DR HiCaps seem to have have lost value on the S/H market.

I agree that, prices on second hand Naim products generally rise over time. However, when a new product such as the new streamers or people awaiting the release of a replacement N272, two points occur. Firstly, new sales of older product slow down, due to people holding off with new purchase and secondly it also affects the second hand price. This is not particular to Naim, it is just market forces. If you want evidence, look at how the NDS streamer prices dropped and as for the N272, there seems to be a glut for sale at present. I saw a three year old N272 recently, that would not sell for £2100. As always, this is just my observations and opinion.

Man with no Naim posted:

I agree that, prices on second hand Naim products generally rise over time. However, when a new product such as the new streamers or people awaiting the release of a replacement N272, two points occur. Firstly, new sales of older product slow down, due to people holding off with new purchase and secondly it also affects the second hand price. This is not particular to Naim, it is just market forces. If you want evidence, look at how the NDS streamer prices dropped and as for the N272, there seems to be a glut for sale at present. I saw a three year old N272 recently, that would not sell for £2100. As always, this is just my observations and opinion.

When you've spent a few millennia auditioning the best you realise that second hand prices rise in parallel with the cost of living. £150 for a 32.5 in 1993 is now about £325. Check out the cost of house, cars, bread, LPs fo reference points.

Yes, you are correct for the majority of items. However, I was specifically referring to the N272 and NDS. If you look at the NDS, when released (2012, price was £6250, excluding power supplies. The final retail price before it was discontinued was £7499. If you look at the price these have recently sold privately, they are only reaching just over half price at best. Most other Naim products, seem to fetch a higher return on resale price as compared with the original price. Hence, looking at the state of resale price on the N272, before the replacement release date, then I would expect the N272 to follow the NDS in resale prices. As always, this is just my observation and opinion.

It’s obvious that the value of a 272 will drop when/if it’s replaced, just like the NDS and NDX. But that only matters if one plans to sell and upgrade. Hifi is never an investment - if you want something that will slowly appreciate then buy a Rolex instead. The Nait 2 may be exception to this of course. 

It's already dropping.

Man with no Naim posted:

It's already dropping.

Not really surprising, as it’s the last product still using the old streaming platform, so most will see it as an old product now, and probably look elsewhere or wait for a replacement. 

I would demo the 250DR in your home in your system.  That's the advantage of buying from a dealer.  You could also try a 272/200 demo.  Buy the one you like the most!

Man with no Naim posted:

It's already dropping.

So?