Naim visit report
Posted by: NigelP on 27 September 2001
-=> Mike Hanson <=-
quote:
Options 4 and 5 by definition exclude options 1 to 3, so how's "all of the above" gonna work? Sheesh!
Except if "All of the Above" were included before "None of the Above". 
-=> Mike Hanson <=-
If you don't, we'll send Blezblob after you 
- GregB
Insert Witty Signature Line Here
[This message was edited by Greg Beatty on THURSDAY 27 September 2001 at 20:13.]
Did you use to use Soundcraft in Ashford as your dealer?
I was chatting to Geoff on Friday and he mentioned that a Nigel P.... had been enthusing about the Lingo mod.
He's a good guy, I've been using him ever since my first real Hi-Fi. Even though he's not a local dealer to me anymore I still use him since he's close to my work and he really knows how to set up an LP12.
Oh - I'll vote for the first option 
Andy.
I'd hazard that as nobody else here is concerned about being a bore, and your concern is very flattering - don't worry about it and write the whole damned novel here!
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
Doug led me into the new demo room (well it was new compared to last time I visited). The NBL's were imposing but beautiful and the racks of equipment lined up on the right-hand side. There were TWO 500's but only one was powered up 
so I knew I wasn't going to get the active 500 demo as well. I can dream I suppose 
. Anyway we used the following tracks for a direct like-for-like comparison:
- "Jezebal" from the excellent "Way of the World" CD by Songdog
- "Bad case of love" from the "Blues on the Bayou" CD by BB King
- "Caravan" from "Standard Time", a favourite of mine from Winton Marsalis
"Do you want to hear the 500 now?" asked Doug. "Yes" I replied with eagerness. Now everyone in the industry says that one 500 powering passive is better than a 6-pack. But surely more boxes and active equals better sound?
How can the passive network on the end of an amp be better than active? Doug made a few changes and then we listened to Winton again. I wasn't prepared for what I was about to hear. This time I closed my eyes and the band was there in front of me. I looked towards Doug in disbelief and saw that he had his eyes closed too. In Hifi News the review states:quote:This is an understatement!!
Sound quality is thrilling, and when driving the NBLs there is a real synergy
When it came to BB King, the bass became as real as I've ever heard, the electric guitar sang like it never sang before and, all the time, I kept thinking this CDS-II can really do things and this 500/NBL combination is simply the best. We listened to Songdog again and track 6 rolls into track 7 with the electric acoustic guitar simply rolling gently as it would if you had one in your hand and you lovingly caressed it. That's when Doug looked at me and said "good isn't it?". "Oh yes" was my reply. We didn't say much after that and listened to a couple of CD's that Doug thought I should hear.Lastly I asked "what's three in active setup like?". "Takes you to a different plain" was the reply. I believe him...
To all those that aspire to this setup, keep going for it if it's important to you. To those that already have an NBL driven by six-pack, go and make the comparison and judge for yourselves. To those with this setup, you have my admiration, envy and respect. This is quite simply the best musical reproduction system I have ever had the privilege of hearing.
Lastly, I will be buying the 500 and very soon. I also loved the NBLs and what they did. I may have a space issue which needs exploring. I'm not overly endowed with wealth but I do have a passion for two things (the other one is Koi Carp) and so I will also try to buy the NBLs if room space and budgets allow.
My only worry coming away from the demo was that Naim have come from a background of bringing excellence at an affordable price. The "bricks" concept makes it easier for folks to upgrade without throwing away investment. Suddenly the bricks have just got bigger and, therefore, beyond the reach of some. I think that the 500 is competitive at the price but a plea from me is to make sure that you retain many of the core values that you have had for such a long time.
Lastly, Andrew, Geoff is the person who looks after me and he talks about you as well. Perhaps we should meet next time I'm in Kent. Geoff and I have a good relationship and I travel all the way down from the Midlands for my listening tests. He returns the favour by coming to me for installation and setup and, he is, as far as I am concerned, one of the best in the business.
With that I will now "go away Drongo" with the leaving comment that you should look out for new Naim products at the Bristol show next year.
Kind Regards,
Nigel
quote:
Lastly, Andrew, Geoff is the person who looks after me and he talks about you as well.
Oh no - I dread to think what he says
quote:
Perhaps we should meet next time I'm in Kent. Geoff and I have a good relationship and I travel all the way down from the Midlands for my listening tests. He returns the favour by coming to me for installation and setup and, he is, as far as I am concerned, one of the best in the business.
Next time your around (picking up your 500 maybe?) let me know, I'd love to meet and chat. Geoff is great, although I tend to do my own installations, my LP12 gets an annual trip to Ashord for him to work his magic.
I've been elsewhere (once) and woudln't do it again - he's the best in my limited experience. I'd hardly call myself a regular customer or visitor these days, but he looks after me well.
Andy.