Mixing high-end Naim with low-end products…in stages

[Aces_High]

First post and something I’ve wanted to ask for ages. I used to be really into hifi but couldn’t afford good kit. Now I want to buy a network player, pre-amp, power amp and speakers, I’ve decided my ultimate goal is a Naim 333/NAC 332/NAP 250 combo plus as yet unknown speakers. I have none of these. What I do have, is extremely old, low end separates: Cyrus 8 amplifier and PMC FB1 speakers. I can’t afford to buy all the Naim gear at once so my question is….

Does it make sense to upgrade in stages, starting with the Naim 333? Can that even connect to the Cyrus amp? I know it’ll be hugely compromised, but if I can live with an £8k source and rubbish amp/speakers, then upgrade the amp in a year, then speakers, is that workable or just nuts?

 

[davidf]

I'd wait a little longer and see where Naim end up - I don't think the forecast is looking too good at the moment.

 

[jjbomber]

Does it make sense to upgrade in stages, starting with the Naim 333? Can that even connect to the Cyrus amp? I know it’ll be hugely compromised, but if I can live with an £8k source and rubbish amp/speakers, then upgrade the amp in a year, then speakers, is that workable or just nuts?

The great news is that know exactly where you want to end up. I would be doing exactly what you describe if I was you. Enjoy the journey, as you will certainly enjoy the destination.

 

[DiggyGun]

Naim’s owners, the VerVant Group are presently being purchased by Barco, so the future of Naim as we know them is not fully certain.

Naim issued the NC range a few years back, but have since then suffered with Firmware problems, servicing issues, etc.

Another thing to consider is the investment required as this would be a large outlay;
NSC 332 - £7900
NSC 333 - £7900
NAP 250 - £5700

Your speakers are quite old now, being released in 2000. They have been upgraded since then. So new speakers may be a consideration too as they may be mismatched with the electronics.

They have a dedicated Forum, accessible through the Naim website, where you would get a lot more information.

You don’t mention your present sources that you use, what are these?

If you want to get into streaming there are many cheaper streamers available that would work well with your current system to try.

Wiim, BlueSound, SMSL all produce good kit at reasonable prices. I use Qobuz as my streaming provider and find them to be very good, which I can then access via the car and my iPhone whilst travelling.

There are also one box systems that include Streamer / Pre-amp / Power amp that are very good now. Just add speakers and away you go.

Spending the sort of money that you’re considering, up to £30,000 there are many options out there worth considering.

Not sure where you’re located, but as you mentioned GDP, it may be worth going to a good dealer to discuss your options. I use Cymbiosis in Leicester and they are an excellent dealer with many years of experience.

Hope that you get what you want and please keep us updated.

DG…