Buying NAC 252 now or wait?

A very wise man once said never purchase an expensive piece of hifi just before the largest consumer electronics show of the year as you never know what will be announced there.

Jonnaim,  

Which show are referring to?

Ces show in Las Vegas.

First week in January 

My dealer knows I am after a new architecture 272 type product, I keep getting strong hints to save my pennies for a 500 series streamer type product, perhaps very different to what we might expect by current offerings by Naim and others.......have to wait and see.

Now, that would be rather nice.

My view is in terms of sound quality, there will not be any significant improvement with the analog preamps if there are updated models, not only the 252 but the 202, 282 and 552. All the preamps are designed to take a specific sound signature or a certain flavour, and for this reason each one of these preamps has their own distinct sound. Unlike the power amps which may have room for improvements with the latest DR incorporated, the preamp which deals with line level signal will not have much left to be improved other than features such as volume knob step control or redundant buttons on the front panel etc. 

Considering the above, I can understand why the analog preamps have withstood the test of time without any major revisions, 15 years to be exact. If there is an updated model for the 252 or the rest of the preamps, I feel it would be more toward features rather than sound quality. If that's the case, it might not be something that potential buyers may look forward to as people will usually look for an uplift in sound quality rather than a change in outlook or features. And for this reason, I wouldn't be surprised if the analog preamps last up to 20 years or more without any new replacement models. 

If you are talking about the all-in-one players and streaming gear, then that's a different story as these stuff usually get replaced considerably quicker. 

I suspect the Classic pre amp range will live on with possibly minor changes (posh volume control like the 272, a new feature or two and removal of redundant buttons, if that). If you are worried about a new model then buy yourself an ex-dem or pre-loved unit like I did.

You will need at least a 250DR to get the most from a 252 but you have a SuperNait2 and a HiCapDR to trade in. Oh, yes, you'll also need a SuperCap (DR if possible) to power the 252. Minor details though!

The music is wonderful and think of all that enjoyment you are missing out on! 

nigelb posted:

Why do Linn think that putting a huge sock over their speakers is a good idea aesthetically? They look like they are about to rob a bank.

It is called Linngery.

jonnaim posted:

Ces show in Las Vegas.

First week in January 

It would appear that Naim won't be present at the CES in Las Vegas

I agree with Nigelb (apart from fancy volume knob which is apparently more aimed at devices not expected to be housed in traditional Hi-Fi racks) I suspect we will see most of the Classic series, certainly the higher end Classic Series NACs and NAPs remain untouched... I suspect there is a reticence to fiddle and possibly break it.... however I speculate we might see continued rationalisation at the lower end and perhaps something significant in the digital sources... there has been much learning from the new Uniti series front end architectures apparently that we may see trickle up to new sources... I doubt we will see a new CDP though .. 

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

 I doubt we will see a new CDP though .. 

You might be surprised by a Naim Aro 2 which has gyroscopic functions to be installed on a Princess Yacht and a Blutooth function to communicate with the new Uniti series.

My only real concern is the next changes in the Classic range does not include an increase the case size as done with the new all-in-one range,, changing the volume control to go on top would be madness & that would make me look elsewhere.       That aside,  I'm looking forward to whatever the changes to the legacy range will bring;  my shopping list has the new NAC (252 level or better)   to power some active ATC's.    New streamers with better streaming ability & futureproofed for further possibilities & to  include a FM/DAB+ module & that'll future proof me for steam radio listening.

It’s never been suggested that the volume control go on top. What would make sense, though, is for the 272 digitally controlled knob to be introduced across the range. It’s just so much nicer to use. 

This is my hope for the Classic range. It will of course, depend on sound quality. I hope the golden brains and ears at Salisbury will pull something off, and offer a retro mod.

Hungryhalibut posted:

It’s never been suggested that the volume control go on top. What would make sense, though, is for the 272 digitally controlled knob to be introduced across the range. It’s just so much nicer to use. 

...I suspect it is better audio wise too.

G

Hungryhalibut posted:

It’s never been suggested that the volume control go on top. What would make sense, though, is for the 272 digitally controlled knob to be introduced across the range. It’s just so much nicer to use. 

These were my thoughts too when I suggested the new fancy vol control might make their way into classic NACs