Krell,Pass,Levinson Amps with CDX

Philip

By all means keep an open mind, it's your money.
However, you say you've been using Naim gear for years. That being the case I would suggest that you must like what Naim systems do otherwise you'd have changed some time ago. I would advise you to think very carefully before you make a complete change such as this. Go for a dem', use your ears and don't just change because it is different. In the long term you might regret
it.

Also, I'd expect the CDX to perform better with other Naim equipment than with other brands, but then I would say that 'cos I own an 'all Naim system'.

Brian

Philip

I'm not familiar with the PassLabs kit, but have spent some time listening to Krell.

To my ears there really is no comparison between Naim and Krell, and would happily take a Nait 2 over a KAV-300i.

I'm a little unsure as to why you are thinking about looking elsewhere for your amplification. Are you unhappy with the "Naim Sound" and thinking that going for one of the big american amps will help?

For my money, i would go for the 82 / hicap / 250, as i think that it offers far more musical satisfaction than the Krell kit.

What speakers are you using?

Cheers

Matt

Thanks for your response. I currently use Meadowlark Krestel speakers. I am exploring alternatives after "listening" to much hype from American audiophiles about the advantages of American amps. I do like the Naim sound and I have been a Naim loyalist for many years but I wanted to get some other opinions.

I wouldn't go for the Krells, Levinsons, Conrad Johnsons. It'd be the equivalent of having your system taken to the vet....

If you need something worthwhile to compare Naim against, try DNM or Densen.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
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I had a chance to listen to a big Krell system and while it is impressive, it's not the same as Naim. I was first blown away by the amount of bass from the Krell CAST amp, but when I heard the 500, the Krell seemed lethargic in comparison and the bass control was missing. It's just a huge difference. I could go on explaining the differences in treble and midrange etc, but I think you get the picture.

You'll have a fast CDX into a rather slow Krell and it's just not a good match. Can't comment about the rest of the American gear, but I assume it's roughly the same.

It's hard to find DNM and Densen in the US, though with a New York address there may be hope.

Personally, the one system that I've heard that was about as involving as low level Naim was a conrad-johnson base preamp and a Premier 11A amp. I also liked the VAC 70 watt amp at Singer in NYC.

If you're contemplating spending Krell/ML money, you can listen to everything, or just buy a NAC52 and a 250!

Also, the Red Rose stuff which is retailed only in NYC is getting a lot of respectable hype, as are SETs. Art Dudley has thrown over Naim for SETs. And Exposure stuff is good. Lots to pick from. Hope you enjoy your search.

Regards.

Phil

Bob thanks for your feedback. Did you ever use CDX/XPS with a Naim amp. If so,what are some of the differences in sound between the Naim amp and your current amp. Also, what type of interconnects do you currently use between CDX and current amp

Thanks for your reply

To quote Vuk from the old forum. Krell is simply terrible hi-fi. I've heard four Krell based systems, and they ranged from mediocre on the high end to the worst system I have ever heard (about a $50,000 rig). You get a big soundstage, but everything in it makes your ears bleed.

Levinson's decidedly better, but way too expensive. My only problem with Levinson is that it is boring. At least it doesn't hurt your ears.

Can't write anything about Pass, but I can say that you may want to consider Spectral if you're going to spend gobs of cash. It's the only American hi-fi brand of electronics I've heard that I like. I've only heard one demo, but was extremely impressed. I can't make specific suggestions as it was beyond my price range. Spectral shares a propensity for "speed" with Naim. It's definitely exciting.

Also consider Sim Audio. It's Canadian, but what's Canada other than a majority owned subsidiary of the USA? After Naim, it's just about my favorite gear. All of the gear is good, the W-5 being a particularly good amp, and the I-5 a killer integrated.

In the end, though, Naim electronics are better than the above mentioned, the Spectral possiblyexcepted.

Philip,
My advice:
1. Remind yourself of what you want the system to sound like before you start listening to choices. You have owned your Naim system for some years. You may have to "unlearn" a little and take a fresh look at what matters most to you.

2. As you know, Naim gear isn't designed to sound "invisible". So you may find that the CDX will sound best with a Naim backend (by design).

3. Take your time to decide (this related to point 1). You may find the virtues of a new system don't reveal themselves immediately. Take equipment home (if you can) and listen to it with an open mind and open ears!

BAM

When I asked my question to the Naim forum intially, I was expecting to receive some information which I could balance against the BIG AMP AMERICAN ZEALOTS. The comments that I received were helpful and honest. I have since upgraded some of my components, NAIM 250 and SUPERCAP. I am working on a Pre-amp upgrade. I am upgrading based upon availability of components and budget. Since I had invested in a CDX I felt it was best to upgrade using Naim components. The reality is that after listening to KRELL and Levinson products at 2 or 3 times the price of NAIM products and not hearing any better sound, I went happily with NAIM gear. The improvement in sound is obvious and exciting. The music is simply tighter, more vivid, deeper and real. I am happy that I asked the question, received the comments that I did and made the decision that I did.

Congratulations. Boy, some of the worst music/dollar stuff I've ever heard was ML pre, big ML amps, to WATT/Puppies, so I can easily understand staying with Naim.

Just a note: with a Supercap, you've got lots of upgrade room in the preamp area - about the only thing that won't improve is a 62 or 92.

Good lick!