MAGAZINE
The Classic 300 series from Naim consists of a streamer, a preamplifier, a mono power amplifier and an optional upgrade PSU. It stands out from the somewhat cheaper 200 series especially thanks to the strict separation of the individual components – in the Classic 200 series, streamer and preamplifier are combined into one unit and the power amplifier is built as a stereo model.
The volume control of the components was taken from the flagship series "Statement" and works completely analog. For power supply, large integrated toroidal transformers are used as standard in all devices. If that's not enough, the NPX 300 external PSU is available as an upgrade, which supplies the analog and digital sections separately with two cables. In the 200 series, the price is around €7,000 per device, in the 300 series, the preamplifier alone (here without streaming) costs €9,000. The upgrade power supply, which can be used in both series, also costs around €7,000.
Naim is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion showed the limited edition NAIT 50 at the High End – an integrated amplifier that is about 80 percent modeled on the British company's first integrated amp from 1983 – including DIN connectors, knobs and design. The NAIT 50 is limited to 1983 units.
At the same booth, which Naim shared with sister company Focal, the French loudspeaker manufacturer showed the new "Vestia" series for the first time. It is characterized, among other things, by recycled membranes and the slightly rearward tilted shape. The middle model costs about €2,800.
