preamps, update

An oft asked question.   Updated to what?   The DR upgrades to the PSUs and power amps are relatively recent.  I think the view for now is that the pre-amps are pretty much as they are.

Regards,

Lindsay

The streaming preamp(s) maybe.

Well that’s a 272 - job done

I was thinking more along the lines of a change towards the Uniti style with the large volume nob on the the like the statement pre-amp

jsaudio posted:

I was thinking more along the lines of a change towards the Uniti style with the large volume nob on the the like the statement pre-amp

Naim have already said that the classic series styling stays as is, this is demonstrated by the appearance of the new ND555 steamer which takes on the existing classic look, albeit with a new screen.

A volume knob on the top of a preamp serves no purpose when housed in a Fraim as it constrains placement to the top shelf only.

Naim needs to get the streamers on the new platform, and with the Uniti experience I would not plan more hardware launches that is not technically necessary just because people are looking at when the current analogue preamps was released.

 Claus

jsaudio posted:

Does anyone think or know whether or not the pre amp line will be updated soon. Its been a while.

I hope not, FWIW, which is not much.

Nick

Claus-Thoegersen posted:

Naim needs to get the streamers on the new platform, and with the Uniti experience I would not plan more hardware launches that is not technically necessary just because people are looking at when the current analogue preamps was released.

I’m guessing... but once the ND555 is launched I would think the existing streamers will be updated to the “new” platform over the next year or two.

I believe this récurrent question was raised again recently on the Forum. There is no indication that the preamp line will be changed in the near future. 

Chag -

I agree that there are no strong reason for an update but there are some things that deserve a review:

- Reduction of number of sources. I think it is fair to say we would only need a maximum of 3 or 4 sources?

- Removal of record loop. Who still uses record loop these days?

Many manufacturers update product due to component obsolesence and to look at opportunity to streamline cost of materials. I am sure Naim would do it too. 

Yes recording loop used for headline. 

The dealers would love an update nearly as much as they’d love a 500 level integrated, anything to get people cycling their systems. I certain they were somewhat dismayed to find Naim offering DR upgrades to existing power supplies and amps for a fraction of the cost (and mark up) of replacements.

The Strat (Fender) posted:

Yes recording loop used for headline. 

Not only is it useful for headline use, but it allows me to listen to one source through the 'phones while Mrs. B. has the TV playing through the speakers - not something achievable with just a socket!

I sometimes record radio programmes whilst listening to music, and until recently recorded on my Revox tape deck, often listening to something else i.e. LPs or CDs at the same time. Useful facility !

engjoo posted:

there are some things that deserve a review:

- Reduction of number of sources. I think it is fair to say we would only need a maximum of 3 or 4 sources?

- Removal of record loop. Who still uses record loop these days?

What do you see as the advantage if these things were implemented in a new preamp?  

Seems to me these are functions that might sell a preamp to someone who needed the functions, but would never prevent someone who didn’t need the functionality from buying it (e.g. someone who used 5 sources wouldn’t buy a preamp with 3 inputs, but someone who only used 2 sources wouldn’t really discount a preamp because it has 6).

Eloise posted:

engjoo posted:

there are some things that deserve a review:

- Reduction of number of sources. I think it is fair to say we would only need a maximum of 3 or 4 sources?

- Removal of record loop. Who still uses record loop these days?

What do you see as the advantage if these things were implemented in a new preamp?  

Seems to me these are functions that might sell a preamp to someone who needed the functions, but would never prevent someone who didn’t need the functionality from buying it (e.g. someone who used 5 sources wouldn’t buy a preamp with 3 inputs, but someone who only used 2 sources wouldn’t really discount a preamp because it has 6).

I would go by the rule of thumb that a pre amp should be kept as simple as possible. That means no redundant circuits, swithes or additional path unless it is absolutely necessary.

Then buy an allegri.

engjoo posted:

Eloise posted:

engjoo posted:

there are some things that deserve a review:

- Reduction of number of sources. I think it is fair to say we would only need a maximum of 3 or 4 sources?

- Removal of record loop. Who still uses record loop these days?

What do you see as the advantage if these things were implemented in a new preamp?  

Seems to me these are functions that might sell a preamp to someone who needed the functions, but would never prevent someone who didn’t need the functionality from buying it (e.g. someone who used 5 sources wouldn’t buy a preamp with 3 inputs, but someone who only used 2 sources wouldn’t really discount a preamp because it has 6).

I would go by the rule of thumb that a pre amp should be kept as simple as possible. That means no redundant circuits, swithes or additional path unless it is absolutely necessary.

I can see how eliminating the Source switch completely would make the design simpler, but cutting back from six inputs to four would only be mean.

Nick

yeti42 posted:

Then buy an allegri.

Naah! Too many inputs. 

Another design option is to go the way that Linn has gone with the Klimax, Akurate DSM, or a better 272.