NAC N372

If there was, no one would be able to say and any such post, if actually true, would likely be removed. If unfounded rumour and speculation, Naim will allow that to proceed, and if other similar posts are any indication, laugh from the sidelines.

The 372 is likely to come without internal PSU and without internal DAC, so that external DACs can be looped in between its upgraded streamer/SHARC section and its statement-inspired analog preamp section. The first 100 exemplars will be shipped, like the original 272's, with R/L inverted headphone channels. (-;

S.

Stefan Vogt posted:

The 372 is likely to come without internal PSU and without internal DAC, so that external DACs can be looped in between its upgraded streamer/SHARC section and its statement-inspired analog preamp section. The first 100 exemplars will be shipped, like the original 272's, with R/L inverted headphone channels. (-;

S.

if your not BS, I assume the XPS-DR will be it's natural partner since its not a 500 series and with a separate DAC still makes it a 6 box stack I was looking at a 4

Stefan Vogt posted:

The 372 is likely to come without internal PSU and without internal DAC, so that external DACs can be looped in between its upgraded streamer/SHARC section and its statement-inspired analog preamp section. The first 100 exemplars will be shipped, like the original 272's, with R/L inverted headphone channels. (-;

S.

There would be zero benefit to such a design. That is essentially an analog preamp that has been compromised with having digital signals go in and out without even the benefit of being able to use it as a full streamer necessitating 3 boxes. If you are going to compromise the design in some way, there must be some benefit to offset that.

Those who have done factory visits may have some idea of what is coming but I suspect they are bound by non disclosure.

true the reason I ask is I I've been holding off on a PS because I do not want to buy an XPS and have to re-sell it and if case I will be offering my N272 also

In my view a 372 or equivalent is a virtual certainty. I expect that if it follows previous product structures it will have no power supply and be able to use both outputs from the 555PS, as well as the XPS2 and XP5XS. 

If I was in your position and thinking to a place beyond the 272, I'd go for the 555PS now, and swap to the 372 if it appears. In the meantime, you'll be getting the best from the 272. 

Incidentally, I expect the likelihood of it needing an external DAC to be approximately nil. 

I think 555ps will be the partner for it, I am coming to that conclusion from only sales/marketing point of view.

372/555ps/300 double the amount of 272/xps/250

After the success of 272 Naim have to stop capitalization from more expensive stuff and offer a combo with a price tag

272 as starter kit to naim world and 372 to get your 20K 

It makes sense, maybe they did not predict the successful of 272 with current user group so many people went wide ways with 272 instead of upgrading from 200s to 282/252 so revenue lost somewhere from their loyal followers but 372/555/300 could fix that as well make you 20k again

External dac option is not making sense unless they planing to launch a new dac as well, then can be an option as well , extra money to spend on dac with ps, opportunity for us to reach 30!

The 272 has left plenty of opportunity for Naim to pull in tech from the NDS for the next level product. Dual PSU inputs to allow full use of a 555PS, floating boards, screened off streamer section etc. 

I still think at Statement level, digital and analogue sections will stay separated so i doubt there would be a streaming preamp at Statement level. 

i bought a 555 PSU for my 272, because I felt the next gen+1 device would be able to take advantage of it.  PLUS in the meantime i'm loving what magic it is weaving on my listening pleasure.   if the 372 doesn't arrive then I'm (we are) happy with 272+555 ... just 4.5 years warranty remaining

james n posted:

The 272 has left plenty of opportunity for Naim to pull in tech from the NDS for the next level product. Dual PSU inputs to allow full use of a 555PS, floating boards, screened off streamer section etc. 

I still think at Statement level, digital and analogue sections will stay separated so i doubt there would be a streaming preamp at Statement level. 

James the 272 and NDS pull in DSP and Streaming technology from the NDAC and NDX and does it and optimises it to great effect as well as the digital volume control from top of the range. Ultimately however it's the close proximity and cross talk from severeal functions in the same physical system that will help set  the performance ceiling on the integrateds like the 272, but that ceiling can go pretty high. The other interesting thing about 272 is that it finally introduces a new generation DAC chip from Ti. 

The crosstalk from software physical execution in the DSP and streamer is something Naim are really starting to get a feel for so I understand.. So we might see some different architectures that depart from NDAC/NDX type architectures in the future. I still think the preference will be for physical decoupling.. which is after all is the ultimate proffered way of Naim for best SQ, and so the 372 or 572 might be two boxes..even perhaps two half sized boxes fed a third PSU box.

Simon

I still wonder if the introduction of the 372 will mean that the 202, 282 and 252 can be retired. With the streaming preamps I don't see the need for standalone preamps. With the introduction of the 272, I bet 202 and 282 sales have fallen through the floor. The 272 may not be quite as good as the 282, but it's close enough not the matter. If Naim went this route, the napsc, Hicap and Supercap could also be retired. 

HH, You are almost sounding like you are willing the withdrawal of 202, 282, HC and SC. I would be delighted if they and their successors, were able to co-exist with Naim's streaming preamps of the future. As with much else, it's not Keats or Dylan, it's Keats and Dylan.

Chris

Or, as Morrissey wrote, Keats and Yeats. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

I still wonder if the introduction of the 372 will mean that the 202, 282 and 252 can be retired. With the streaming preamps I don't see the need for standalone preamps. With the introduction of the 272, I bet 202 and 282 sales have fallen through the floor. The 272 may not be quite as good as the 282, but it's close enough not the matter. If Naim went this route, the napsc, Hicap and Supercap could also be retired. 

Yes, if the 372 had seperate preamp box and more inputs it could be interesting.. It might be the SuperCap is a more suited PSU for such a system possibly. 

However I'd be suprised if the 272 and 172 has affected 202 and 282 sales much .. Perhaps more the other integrateds.. if sales drop to a point Naim quite quickly cull.we have seen this a few times over the last few years.

Is it possible that Naim could actually go completely the opposite way to the admittedly mouth-watering concepts previously suggested? By which I mean a replacement for the Hdx/Unitiqute product range with integration of storage capability into the preamp box. There would I imagine be consequences for circuitry and possibly SQ, but if these could be overcome? Why let the NAS drive manufacturers have all the fun?

I think that it's funny that people think that a 372 would be a replacement to a 272. Have Naim ever had such a policy? Replacing a new product so quickly with a model with a different model number.

Surely a 572 is more likely.

172 272 372 then 572 

Yes because the 372 will sit alongside the 382.

I really hope that the 372 or what 72 there will be next can be used with a 555 ps using both sockets. However the 555 ps were made for the cd 555 and can be used with 2 burndies on the nds, but it was not planned to be used on a preamp. But I have bought a ps 555 hoping that there will be a 372 that is optimized for the ps 555. This will happen at the same time my 555 needs a recap and dr treatment.

Claus   

Bananahead, possibly, or it might be the 272 because of its cross talk compromises is as far as Naim can go at this time down that path.

This lot are fanatical about SQ, and if it doesn't improve on it Naim are unlikely to do it and replace an existing product unless no one is buying it. The cross talk / coupling issue is fascinating and I hear it's consuming many CPU clock cycles (!) at Naim HQ and I suspect a conclusion will be separation is ultimately preferable for a given level, but Naim will I suspect offer the user choice of cost/convienience or maximum  SQ for a given level. I guess it's what you might call a balanced portfolio.

European Distributors' conference is next week - 28-29.07.

Let's see what this brings.

Adam, How would we know of any outcome?

Chris

Christopher_M posted:

Adam, How would we know of any outcome?

Chris

By waiting until the 29th. 

If any new products are announced we will know. 

feeling_zen posted:

If there was, no one would be able to say and any such post, if actually true, would likely be removed.

OK, I'll test that hypothesis:

My hunch, based on information I have to hand, is that a  372 is in the works and will be delivered early next year, Pricing to be confirmed and likely to be somewhat over £5k including DAB.

The accuracy of this will now be established by its sudden disappearance - or not. (I'm betting not).