Modest Speakers to go with Naim Kit

Hi Raphael

I have a Lingo'd LP12, 32.5/hicap/160 set up which I now use to drive late spec Linn Kabers (passively), and I'm very pleased with the results. It's worth pointing out that my listening room measures 13' square by 6'6" high, and that I have neighbours immediately adjoining, so don't ever go ground shakingly loud, but with these circumstances the Kabers sound very nice indeed. I'm not sure if you'd get the later spec Kabers for £300.00 but I've seen some sell on ebay recently for less than £400.00. My musical tastes vary from Bach to Black Sabbath and the Kabers have yet to meet their recorded match in my house.

Hope that's of use.

By the way, who did the servicing on the 160, as I'm looking to get this done myself?

Cheers,

Starbuck.

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In terms of a pair modest-priced speakers can anyone make a good recommendation.

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My (biased) opinion: A pair of ProAc Tablettes can be had s/h for this sort of sum.

I would recommend them highly

Laurie S

A pair of Royds would be good - The Minstrel SE's are very good for the money which should be around £250

I have 2 pairs (running as multi room), driven by my CDX2/XPS2/LP12/NAT03/252/supercap/140 and they sound really great.

They're a small floorstander.

Other more recent Royds might also fit the bill.

Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......

Raphael,

Sorry to hear you're selling your Arcs. Everything can sound boxy when you move back to normal speakers. There are some Castle Harlechs on ebay right now going for between £200 and £300. Nice wood finish and not too old. They have an unusual presentation as they have upward and forward firing drivers. They're not Arcs, either in looks or sound. Good dispersion due to the driver positioning, reasonably full range. More coloured and less agile than Arcs. I didn't rate them too highly when new at £1200, but at £300 in Cherrywood I wouldn't mind them at all.

Noel.

I suggest a pair of Epos ES14s as a good partner to Naim kit.

I have a pair which I get out for a blast every now and again, just for the sake of listening to something different.

Look a bit 'agricultural' though.

There always seem to be a fair number about and they can still be serviced (though not by Epos).

Worth a mention?

Cheers!

Richard.

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Originally posted by Raphael:
Hi there
I currently have a wonderful pair of Shahinian Arcs which are excellent but I need to raise some money and will therefore be selling them. In terms of a pair modest-priced speakers can anyone make a good recommendation. I guess that something around £300 second hand would be ideal. The rest of the system is LP12/Geddon, CDI, 72/Hicap, 160 (just serviced and really excellent).
Comments about what you are currently using would be greatly appreciated. Preferred music is very varied and includes - Rickie Lee Jones, Faure (especially Requiem), Rock, Classical, Acoustic guitar singer/songwriters.
Cheers for your thoughts in advance!
Raphael
Ps. I already have a pair of KanIIs and do not like them with the Naim kit althought they sound really magical with an old A&R A60.

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Hy Raphael!Kans 3 are worth a try.
Quite another thing than kan 2.
O.J.

A pair of Epos M 12 are really good

MY system : Naim Nait 5 amplifier,Naim cd 5 ,Epos M 15 speakers,Naca5,FC2

Hi there
Thank you so much for everyone's comments and sorry for not replying sooner. It really has helped me to develop a shortlist to consider.
In terms of direct answers here are a few,

Starbuck - my 160 was serviced by Les@Avondale Audio. It was actually done for a friend of mine before he sold me the 160 (Cheers Simon!). I believe that the 160 is recapped and Les also disconnects the pre-amp power supply from it. This obviously means that your pre-amp must have a Hicap or SC etc. I cannot say what the 160 sounded like before servicing but can say that it now sounds really good. I can now see (hear?) why they are quite rare as they are brilliant value for money. I strongly recommend that you get yours serviced by either Naim or Les.

Alexgerrard
Thank you very much for your kind comments. A little bit of me does with that I could at least have Petites back as they make a great sound.

MeatPuppet
Thank you for the offer but I am afraid that I could just about manage to run to second hand Petites so Critiques are probably out of the question. I will not insult you by making a derisory offer.

Thanks again to everyone for your superb and though provoking replies.

Raphael

Critiques

Raphael, these are actually cheaper than the Petites new so am sure they would be cheaper s/h.

Sorry to hear you are parting with the Arcs - I have had mine for years and it's the last thing that will go from my system.

Other speakers to look at are Royds, Regas and Ruarks.

Regards

Lambros

Epos ELS 3's are excellent at £200 if you're on a tight budget.

Trouble is; they need a £200 stand to exploit their full potential.

Good luck.

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I already have a pair of KanIIs and do not like them with the Naim kit

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WHAT! Are you mad? There must be something wrong, because they should sound great on your system! Are they on Kan II stands & via A5 cable?

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Kans 3 are worth a try

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I'd be a bit surprised if they were better than your IIs (though maybe more polite?). I've got what I think are Kan IIIs (second system, currently boxed), but I'd've preferred IIs.

Paul

Epos it is - but not the ELS 3 but the new
M5. Listened to a well played in pair at the
Montreal show and was shocked! We now have
received our store pair since yesterday and
even with only 24 hours on them they are
surprising quite a few people. I think they
are likely to become our best selling speaker
under $1000 Canadian.

Bryan
The Gramophone

I had some great years listening out of ES11s. 2nd hand they should be very good value - even up to an 82 and 180

Jonathan

I'd be a bit surprised if they were better than your IIs (though maybe more polite?). I've got what I think are Kan IIIs (second system, currently boxed), but I'd've preferred IIs.

Paul[/QUOTE]Hy Paul!Think it depends on amps power.with nait3 i definitly prefer kan3.
Trying is believing.
O.J.

Hi there
Thanks once again to everyone for your help and suggestions. I have now sold the Arcs and have replaced them with ....Shahinian Super Elfs and they are great! Slightly more than I originally planned to pay but thats life really.
Now to compare the sound of them on Ikea support (to call them stands would be to insult all other proper stands) versus proper speaker stands.
Prowla - actually I do quite like the KanIIs and they sound truly brilliant with vinyl. However, I seem to simply prefer the presentation style of Shahinians which are slightly more laid back.
Now the decision I have is that I really now have 3 pairs of speakers - KanII, Ruark Sabre and Shahinian Super Elfs. I must sell off one pair soon - I need the space and the money!
Thanks again everyone.
Raphael

Nice one, Raphael - enjoy your new speakers!

All the best,

Chris.

Raphael - so the Arcs had to go - sad day when that happens .....