What is the Minimum Pre-amp/amp that can drive my Dynaudio 1.8's

I listened for over 2 hours with mixed results. My dealer did not have the Series 5 NAP 150. He only has the 112 pre-amp. The 112 pre-amp mated with the 180 amp and CD 5 did not impress me relative to my Spectral gear. The system "lost it" on complex music, was dynamically constricted, music lines were much harder to follow that with my Spectral gear, even on small ensembles. Large orchestral peices fell apart. It was never a question of how loud the system played, just that MUSIC was a mess. Keeping the amp the same and moving up the pre-amp food chain, so to speak yielded a world of difference. MUSIC was very organic and natural,great dynamics, with spectacular PRAT with the 102/180 combination. Overal tonal balance was a bit dark and imaging was more vague compared to my Spectral Gear. Still this combo made music that drew me in, in a manner that was completely different but very acceptable.

Dealer suggested that further improvements in pre-amp and/or added a power supply would be needed to make this sytem fully competative and/or out perform my Spectral MIT system. Nevertheless, I was very impressed with the 102/180 combo-even without a power supply.

We did not have time to explore Vinyl playback, via a Linn,Linto, Lingo( My current configuration). I am concerned how the Linto and Pekin Tuner would perform with the Din->RCA Interconnects from Chord. Currently, I am using Linn Silver IC's.

There is also the unanswered question of behavior at home. My home environment, relative to equipment stands, acoustic treatment, choice of furnishings is geared toward making my Spectral based system as good as possible From what I heard today, the Naim and Spectral systems were different, both with respect to Tonal Balance and strengths which suggests that if I proceed further to consider Naim, I must do extensive home audition. Another factor that needs consideration is the resale value of my Spectral/MIT gear. All these things not withstanding, there is real potential here.

Jay

I will keep that in mind. The who thing depends on how saleable my Spectral MIT gear is on the net.

BTW are uyou using the Lyra Lydian Beta. On what tone arm if you are?

Jay

Have you thought about Dynavector amps??

The L-200 pre amp (1200 UK pounds)and HX-75 poweramp(2195 Uk pounds) .
IMO, a cross between Naim and Linn, taking the best bits from both! Still RCA, so no problems with the Linto. For a comparison, it gives a 82/180 a very very good run for its money. The power amp has lots of current too, to drive your Dynaudios.

Just a thought!

Cheers
Goose

Jaybar,

If you've got Spectral gear, I suspect the 5 series is not going to be a total improvement. The least you should do is spend the same amount of money on Naim gear.

Phil

Phil, I had (have) Spectral based system (s) since 1983. Unfortunately, Phil, before learning about Naim, this year I upgraded my entire Spectral based system with newer gear and I simply dont have the money to spend an equivilent amount, because I would only get about 60% on resale and I want to purchase from my dealer to get support.

I am discovering that in order to get a performance level equal to Spectral with all the virtues of Naim, I would need to spend the $$$$ you suggest. I thought more entry level gear would do it and it won't.

I may have to put the project on hold until I replenish my bank account in 2-3 years. Such is life.

Jay