I've been around this darned brand since 1975 and have experienced first hand the various 'attitudes' certain high-ups exhibited when things went well and also when things didn't (best bury these in history as founder JV's no longer with us and the company has moved on). Specifications were sketchy but were done by a couple of UK reviewers, one of which was well on his way to becoming a high end reviewer-guru for a while in the 90's with a numerical results 'system' as bad in some ways as the SINAD chart can be here if all other things are ignored. Even in the 80's, the circuits used were 'adequate' rather than state of the art and very highly tweaked to fit in with the company ethos of adding extra boxes and so on, each upgrade then being roughly a certain price (£500 in the early 90's but rather higher now
).
The thing is, the enthusiasts who buy this brand's separates products are steeped in subjectivity with the retro vibe not far behind, so PLEASE forgive us if our general stance tends to be against this aspect rather than exploring hard consistent *and repeatable* facts first here. This streaming unit is part of a separate line from their traditional products. Had this model been around a grand retail, the general view may be a little kinder.
I'm really pleased you're getting great results at home and that the power available is ok for you. Not so long ago, I'd have overheated the thing in my desire for higher sound volumes
but today I don't need to and actually find high levels uncomfortable now (what's happened to me?
) and my vintage 45WPC US made 'prosumer' power amp is entirely suitable in real terms, although I use a sibling offering double the power day-to-day 'because I can...'
I think the main issue is Naim's pricing with annual price increases regardless, supposedly in line with inflation and which in the past helped residuals on their healthy used market. Not sure their streaming units hold value as well, but I'm sure the market will find a way in financial terms.
Most posters here don't have the attachment or 'pre-conditioning' to this brand that oldies like me have and so come to a model like this with no pre-conceptions apart from the price asked new. The tests and attitudes here will be amongst the hardest of all as there's no pre-conception or fond memories of past tribal glories.