A change
Posted by: Neill Ferguson on 26 January 2005
Well All
I know this is the Naim forum and other kit does not draw the attention it might here. So here regardless is an update on the system. As you will know my unidisk from Linn gave up the ghost. It was repaired however is still not right after much discussion the shop were most helpful after all it was nine months old and have agreed to a credit for a new piece of kit. So I have truley joined the dark side of the force and have went for the Meridian G98 DVD player. Why I here you ask apart for very detailed cd and quite stunning DVD sound. The fact is it also does video switching, I can plug SKY through it and this will send it through the scaler and the picture is a lot better. I pick up the new machine on Sat. I would have stuck with Naim but when you add a G68 Pre-amp it is simply the best home cinema I have heard. Quite a statement but with the rest of my kit its something else. I have spoken with many people over my time on the forum and it struck me that my first love is movies and always will be. I admire the guys who buy and spend so much time setting there Naim systems up, but the AV kit although very very good just isn't up there with the Meridian and Lexicons of this world.
One thing has come out of this and that is I am now a Linn basher, as the dealer said 5k for the new kinos ( stick with your AV2 as the improvment won't be worth the outlay) his words not mine after a listen boy do I agree.
So reply's would nice views would be good, anyone else had any experience of other non Naim home cinema and how did you get on
Neill
I know this is the Naim forum and other kit does not draw the attention it might here. So here regardless is an update on the system. As you will know my unidisk from Linn gave up the ghost. It was repaired however is still not right after much discussion the shop were most helpful after all it was nine months old and have agreed to a credit for a new piece of kit. So I have truley joined the dark side of the force and have went for the Meridian G98 DVD player. Why I here you ask apart for very detailed cd and quite stunning DVD sound. The fact is it also does video switching, I can plug SKY through it and this will send it through the scaler and the picture is a lot better. I pick up the new machine on Sat. I would have stuck with Naim but when you add a G68 Pre-amp it is simply the best home cinema I have heard. Quite a statement but with the rest of my kit its something else. I have spoken with many people over my time on the forum and it struck me that my first love is movies and always will be. I admire the guys who buy and spend so much time setting there Naim systems up, but the AV kit although very very good just isn't up there with the Meridian and Lexicons of this world.
One thing has come out of this and that is I am now a Linn basher, as the dealer said 5k for the new kinos ( stick with your AV2 as the improvment won't be worth the outlay) his words not mine after a listen boy do I agree.
So reply's would nice views would be good, anyone else had any experience of other non Naim home cinema and how did you get on
Neill
Neil Said:
Neil, out of interest and curiosity, as you have obviously auditioned the AV2 etc, and I assume in a Naim system context for movies, what is it about the sound of the Meridian in particular that appealed to you over the AV2 for movie use? Are you using any Naim equipment in the movie, or 2 channel setup?
I'd be most interested in your comments re the differences in sound, as not many of us would have the opportunity to hear the likes of an Meridian processor v's an AV2. I'm sure there are pluses and minuses, but would value your opinion as to the differences you heard.
Best Regards
John...
quote:
I would have stuck with Naim but when you add a G68 Pre-amp it is simply the best home cinema I have heard. Quite a statement but with the rest of my kit its something else. I have spoken with many people over my time on the forum and it struck me that my first love is movies and always will be. I admire the guys who buy and spend so much time setting there Naim systems up, but the AV kit although very very good just isn't up there with the Meridian and Lexicons of this world.
Neil, out of interest and curiosity, as you have obviously auditioned the AV2 etc, and I assume in a Naim system context for movies, what is it about the sound of the Meridian in particular that appealed to you over the AV2 for movie use? Are you using any Naim equipment in the movie, or 2 channel setup?
I'd be most interested in your comments re the differences in sound, as not many of us would have the opportunity to hear the likes of an Meridian processor v's an AV2. I'm sure there are pluses and minuses, but would value your opinion as to the differences you heard.
Best Regards
John...
Neill said:
Thanks for your interesting observations. I was wondering if you could clarify a point for me - it seems as if you found the steering faster/quicker/more precise etc with the Meridian - as I understand it, this was in your own home where obviously one has the time to make sure all the distances/levels etc are carefully matched.
As regards the more detail re the tram being 'in the room' etc - would you describe this as being an PRESENTATIONAL 'air and space' thing, i.e. sounds hanging in, or appearing to be clearly placed somewhere within a large acoustic sense of space/soundstage/immersive 360 degree soundfield, OR was it that there was more detail in say the actual SOUND of the tram, say rattle of wheels or suchlike.
Of course I am only using the tram as an example, but I hope you get my drift in that I am interested in comments as to the differences in soundfield presentation and how that affects the perception of detail/reality in a multi-channel movie soundtrack, V'S the detail that can be heard in any one sound in a mix, when one concentrates on it in particular (which is perhaps more applicable to say movie dialogue, or music, either 2 chanel or multi-channel).
Thanks again, and most interested to hear of your unbiased experiences and commments.
Best Regards
John...
quote:
The biggest difference is the moving of effects from left to right rear etc its quicker with the Meridian than with the AV2. When you switch back to the AV2 it just seems laboured. There is also more detail take the start of Blade two. The opening scence has a tram passing, it is just more real feeling you truley belive it is in the room with you. The thing is I can watch film in the house and there on par if not better with the local cinema. They all sound better with the two meridian machines gutted I have to give one up still better start saving the penny's.
Thanks for your interesting observations. I was wondering if you could clarify a point for me - it seems as if you found the steering faster/quicker/more precise etc with the Meridian - as I understand it, this was in your own home where obviously one has the time to make sure all the distances/levels etc are carefully matched.
As regards the more detail re the tram being 'in the room' etc - would you describe this as being an PRESENTATIONAL 'air and space' thing, i.e. sounds hanging in, or appearing to be clearly placed somewhere within a large acoustic sense of space/soundstage/immersive 360 degree soundfield, OR was it that there was more detail in say the actual SOUND of the tram, say rattle of wheels or suchlike.
Of course I am only using the tram as an example, but I hope you get my drift in that I am interested in comments as to the differences in soundfield presentation and how that affects the perception of detail/reality in a multi-channel movie soundtrack, V'S the detail that can be heard in any one sound in a mix, when one concentrates on it in particular (which is perhaps more applicable to say movie dialogue, or music, either 2 chanel or multi-channel).
Thanks again, and most interested to hear of your unbiased experiences and commments.
Best Regards
John...
Thanks Neill,
It's interesting to hear of your experiences.
I didn't think for one minute that you were Naim 'bashing', and appreciate your unbiased view.
As an proud Naim owner, Naim bashing, whether here or elsewhere is something I would naturally find myself regaling against, as of course, like most, I am very proud of my Naim equipment and would 'defend' it..
On the other hand, I think it is also constructive to assess Naim alongside competing brands, as all have strengths and weaknesses; one has to find the combination which most suits YOU.
I also am inclined to think that to take a blanket approach of 'it's Naim, therefore it must be the best' doesn't always help re growth and development of the product either, as some constructive criticism can be useful for ongoing product development, or to help individuals assess their own preferences as to what is on offer in the market place.
Certainly I like to hear of how a product performs, and especially the balance of strenghts and weaknesses, as nothing is ever 'perfect' - more a balance of compromises it would seem.
Nonetheless I totatlly agree re the comments as to 2 channel; for me Naim is undoubtedly the most musically rewarding system I have ever heard over many years.
On the other hand, I also agree that Naim is new to the arena of HT, and it's very much a developing product line, and as always, there's always room for improvment.
Best Regards
John... :-)
It's interesting to hear of your experiences.
I didn't think for one minute that you were Naim 'bashing', and appreciate your unbiased view.
As an proud Naim owner, Naim bashing, whether here or elsewhere is something I would naturally find myself regaling against, as of course, like most, I am very proud of my Naim equipment and would 'defend' it..
On the other hand, I think it is also constructive to assess Naim alongside competing brands, as all have strengths and weaknesses; one has to find the combination which most suits YOU.
I also am inclined to think that to take a blanket approach of 'it's Naim, therefore it must be the best' doesn't always help re growth and development of the product either, as some constructive criticism can be useful for ongoing product development, or to help individuals assess their own preferences as to what is on offer in the market place.
Certainly I like to hear of how a product performs, and especially the balance of strenghts and weaknesses, as nothing is ever 'perfect' - more a balance of compromises it would seem.
Nonetheless I totatlly agree re the comments as to 2 channel; for me Naim is undoubtedly the most musically rewarding system I have ever heard over many years.
On the other hand, I also agree that Naim is new to the arena of HT, and it's very much a developing product line, and as always, there's always room for improvment.
Best Regards
John... :-)