lots of exdem NAC 282s about!

I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary. More likely that the SN2 is killing sales of separates.

Always a 'better' more expensive (law of diminishing returns) product for sale, even when Julian was at the helm.

How long has it been since the 282 was introduced? "Always" in Naim time must mean something different.

I haven't noticed anything unusual - if anything there appears less second hand classic NAC equipment than I would expect. Of the two emporiums I look at for preloved Naim, one has no NACs at all and the other has two 252, two 282 and one 82. Really low used stock level for them.

Mind you I thought we were all pretty much expecting the next version up of the 172 this year. Not sure what that has got to do with standalone NACs though - ho hum.

Simon

I think you are right Simon: a new streaming preamp won't take any costumers from the classical Nac series (apart from the ones that only want a new product thinking that it will be better, fancier etc.) because the separation of the preamp from the digital section allows much more flexibility (different Dac, different streamer etc.). It also permits a better protection of the investment because digital streaming and analogue amplification have different life cycles (Are you going to buy the new Hugo TT Simon?)

The only technical advantage of a streaming preamp in my opinion (apart from fever boxes) is the shortening of the signal path. But doing so you put under the same hood digital and analogue signals (and the resulting need of power isolation/feeding) which can cause a degradation of SQ.

Andrea

I meant as in line up....statement version seems to prove that

Andrea, regarding Hugo TT, well like any self respecting hifi enthusiast I will give it a listen when it arrives, but it will need to be pretty special to replace my current Hugo.. Now if I ran active speakers with balanced inputs it would be very tempting... But I dont currently run actives and it would probably spell the end of my Naim relationship if I did which I am not sure I really want, at least not at the moment.

Simon

I've just posted a link to a What HIFI article on it in the Hifi section Simon

..and I've just removed it.  No links please.  Paraphrase and summarise, by all means.

Sorry Richard, I'll repost as you suggest

. . . maybe in one of the 1,127 topics already devoted to the-best-dac-ever-made-and-cure-for-all-ailments, rather than in one of the few remaining threads about something other than said best-dac-ever . . . 

Ah, but this could be the new best dac ever Bart 

I see at least five Naim dealers are all selling their demo unit.

Moderated Post:  I have edited this reply slightly to ensure it complies with forum rules.

Ok, probably just as well given the unusual absence of used stock elsewhere, at least those in the market hopefully won't have to wait too long. Could be asset stock rotation of course which is good to take advantage of If you can, as long as you don't mind items being 12 months or so old.

Simon

That's a big advantage, especially if you consider the benefits as regards the gain structure and decreased microphony / connector capacitance. Do it right, and one can maintain a mechanically-decoupled environment for analogue as well as sensitive digital electronics.

If the power supplies are outboard, it should be pretty straightforward to minimize the internal noise gradient with good (or clever) board orientation (in the same manner as other Naim power supplies and preamps).

Bring on a DAC Pre then with an outboard PS, too. Or a shoe box pre with digitally orientated inputs  

Lack of used stock posted on dealers' sites? Maybe they're not quite back at 100% after the Xmas  break. Let's give it another week or two...