Early days but upgrade from Atom

Posted by: Atom/Iota/Kan Stands on 06 June 2018

Hi everyone,

It is early days yet but I am considering what might come next, having really enjoyed my re-entry into hifi with the Atom.

I have read reviews of the new Naim streamers and these with a modest pre-power combination looks a logical route (probably keeping the excellent Atom in a second room).

My thoughts are ND5 XS2, 202/250DR, and of course I will do lots of listening before I commit, but just so I can get focused on what budget I should be thinking about, is the cheaper pre-amp and streamer a false economy and should I be thinking of a 282 and NDX2... and additional power supplies?

...or for that money is there another option elsewhere, though I am very keen on Naim.

...there are new speakers to consider too, but that is probably a lot more subjective/room dependent and so will need lots of listening.

This is at least a year off, so no rush ????

Posted on: 10 June 2018 by Klout10

I also used to own the Atom for a short period of time before I moved towards a NAC-N 272 and NAP 200DR ... I suspect that a replacement for the 272 is imminent, so you might be able to do a great deal buying ex-dem ...

Posted on: 10 June 2018 by Bob the Builder

Simon, I agree with you the original 202/200 is a great sounding amp as are all of Naims amps IMO but they all are speaker dependant as the OP has discovered with his PMC's pair your Naim with the wrong speakers and they can sound like any other brand but get the correct speakers and WOW!

Posted on: 10 June 2018 by Christopher_M

Bob the Builder posted:
Simon, I agree with you the original 202/200 is a great sounding amp as are all of Naims amps IMO but they all are speaker dependant as the OP has discovered with his PMC's pair your Naim with the wrong speakers and they can sound like any other brand but get the correct speakers and WOW!

I was once advised by someone in the industry that Naim amps like speakers of around 87 or 88dB sensitivity and a 6 Ohm load. it's worked for me.