Guys, I think that everyone here is giving an interesting contribution
Regarding various doubts someone might have in from of component upgrades, I honestly feel not that surprised. EVERY single brand that displays a ladder of series, from "entry" till "reference", sells the entry line with compromises within the construction and performance. And this occurs from digital or analog sources till speakers, going through cables.
If then someone is against a closed-system policy, I'm with him (despite, in the end, we're free to make our choices).
If someone thinks Naim is overpriced, well, I don't know... Definitely their reference products are very very expensive, even more than some statement American pieces of gear. But my interest into Naim comes, apart from a number of auditions which were pretty good, from their more accessible products.
A Supernait is not free, but might be a candidate heart for a high end system not costing a megabuck. It has digital inputs, can feed a Naim phonostage, including the affordable StageLine, and, if needed, might be upgraded with a HiCap (which is not so expensive). Add a turntable and a nice set of speakers and you have a complete, potentially very good system
I'd actually like to have some feedback about their integrated or Uniti series products.
I'll never afford their reference products
but, in that case, I may go for brands that I know better and I know I'd live very happy with...