US hifi help...

Posted by: Arun Mehan on 14 January 2002

To those of you who don't know, I'm a medical student originally from Canada. I'm living in Houma, LA (just outside New Orleans) for the next 6 months or so while doing some electives. I have an Onkyo/KEF system at home that has become part of a home theatre that resides in our living room so I couldn't bring it along. I thought I could live with my Sony Discman and Sony Dream Machine (for radio) alarm clock but the audiophile in me is having a fit. So does anyone know of some good dealers in this area, selling Naim of course. I might just take the plunge and buy my first Naim system now but it would have to be used. I was hoping to wait until residency to buy a Nait5/CD5/Intro II system but I just can't live without a good system. At this moment I don't have loads of money to spend so I would even settle for Arcam, NAD, Rega etc.

Another option is do any of you fine American audiophiles have a system put away in a closet or basement that you wouldn't mind lending/renting to me? I would pay the shipping of course. I know this sounds almost like a want ad but I'm desperate here. The audiophile in me is taking over it seems.

If anyone wants/can help me, email me please!

Thank you for listening.

Note: This only applies to US audiophiles. No jokes or stupid remarks desired.

Posted on: 15 January 2002 by jcc

That auction has now been stopped. Ebay cancelled the seller's account!!!

Glad he didn't get my money.

Cheers,
jim

Posted on: 15 January 2002 by Arun Mehan

I'm going to keep trying with eBay. I suppose I could get an NAD system or something to hold me over until I'm seeing a +ve cash flow.

I just don't have much time to keep checking on the status of an order, you know someone will outbid you almost immediately!

Frustrating...

Posted on: 15 January 2002 by Craig B

Arun,

At the risk of losing all credibility on this forum, I would suggest that you also considered a pair of higher quality self-powered computer speakers as a money saving option. You could plug your Discman and possibly even your Dream Machine in (assuming it has a line/headphone out) and essentially have a micro system.

I would agree that most so called 'multimedia' speakers sound crap, however, I stumbled across a pair of Altec Lansing models that are surprisingly good performers. These are a rather tall and unusually solidly built 2-way design with bass that makes my monitor wobble. They go surprisingly loud without driving me from the room. I picked up a fairly recent Kenwood tuner for $25. at a local junk shop and leave it all running 24/7.

I don't see a model designation on the speakers(whoops! almost dropped the amp one) but I can certainly look it up if you are interested.

Craig

Posted on: 16 January 2002 by Arun Mehan

Craig, considering I don't own any Naim equipment in the first place, I don't have much credibility in many people's eyes. Do I care -- no. I'll eventually own Naim of course. As a student, there's just not much money left for such things although I do try

At the moment I'm thinking along the lines of an NAD L-40 which is the poor man's Linn Classik. Anyone have any experience? I've heard one before and thought it was decent but I've read some reviews that say the CD player is very poor.

I'm still looking though...

Posted on: 16 January 2002 by Craig B

Arun,

I was referring to my credibility, not yours.

BTW, didn't we meet at the Naim musical evening held at Target Audio in the other London last winter? I was the one who kept insisting that the system needed cranking (and finally got the opportunity to do so when the Flash landed in my lap - ouch!).

Weren't you the one who thought that the 500 should have had Nordost speaker wire on it? And didn't you want us to switch off the Leftfield and play your Corrs CD instead? Or was that someone else?

I do recall that we at least agreed that the wine and cheese girl with the broken arm was a bit of a hottie.

Anyway, I will keep an eye open on the Canadian NAD market for you while you are Stateside.

Craig

Posted on: 16 January 2002 by David Quigley

I have a 1995 Arcam CDP that you could probably persuade me to part with for little money - not much of a source but might be better than a discman. Scratching around second hand you should be able to get something together for a few hundred bucks that puts most of the off the shelf stuff to shame. Have you checked out audiogon.com for Naim and other brands?

Posted on: 16 January 2002 by Craig B

Hey Arun, there was an Arcam Alpha integrated on the dealers used shelf last week. Combine that with David's CDP, a pair of brightish speakers, throw in a couple of New Orleans nurses, sprinkle to taste and voila...Mardi Gras time!

Craig
is that girl still wearing her top up there?

Posted on: 17 January 2002 by Arun Mehan

Well now, I'm beginning to like the sound of what's cooking here -- you people are great.

Craig, we probably did meet at Target Audio in the other London but I just can't remember. I guess you don't know but I was introduced to Naim by Joe Petrik, so I would never suggest using Nordost cables with the mighty 500. In fact I was very impressed with the 500 that evening while others were not. Who was right in the end I ask you You got the Corrs and wine/cheese girl bit right though

Mr. Quigley, please check your mailbox. Mr. Best let me know about that Arcam integrated! That's at the Canadian dealer though isn't it? I don't want to deal with customs or GST!

I just bid on an NAD integrated and a separate tuner which is being offered at a very good price. I know, I know but one day you'll all be proud of me

BTW, it's not the nurses that look good but the drug reps, my oh my! Mardi Gras is a whole different story.

[This message was edited by Arun Mehan on FRIDAY 18 January 2002 at 01:51.]

Posted on: 17 January 2002 by Craig B

Arun,

Would that be the SKB reps? If so, then I would have to agree that someone in that org is hiring the good stuff (they are a client, BTW). Believe me when I say that it won't be long before they are wining and dining you in first class style. So make sure to always pack a tooth brush or something.

I will have a peek in at the dealers tomorrow re: the Arcam. I wouldn't worry about Customs as long as you are a Canadian citizen working/studying in the US. The 7% GST is likely the lesser of two evils wrt the exchange rate though, don't you think? In fact you can claim it back if you 'initially' plan on leaving the goods down there.

Later,

Craig

Posted on: 18 January 2002 by Arun Mehan

Alright Craig, let me know what you find out. I was willing to pay a certain amount for the NAD integrated and separate tuner but these people are inflating the price! I may be desperate but I'm not stupid

Posted on: 20 January 2002 by Craig B

Haven't had a chance to check in with the dealer yet regarding the integrated. Will give them a call early in the week and report back.

Craig

Posted on: 20 January 2002 by Steve Shochet

Have you looked at www.audiogon.com? Search for Naim, and you will find a lot of good used stuff. I have used it, and have had great luck.

Steve

Posted on: 20 January 2002 by Arun Mehan

Steve, thanks for the post but I've already checked there. I must emphasize that my budget is very small. As a student, I'm not getting paid but instead paying for what seems like some sort of torture most days! I was hoping to get the Sim Audio integrated but suddenly the price has shot up and will continue to do so -- the auction is still in its infancy.

I would appreciate it if anyone who happens to visit their local dealer can give me any sort of lead on decent used hifi equipment. I just don't have the time to check the internet for all the audio shops in the US! Ebay auctions end up being not worth the price.

Today I was supposed to do progress notes (3 hours tops) on my patients but then ended up staying 8 hours because a staff doctor wanted to not only see the patients, but chit-chat about everything! Annoying.

Posted on: 22 January 2002 by Arun Mehan

I'm still waiting for you to respond to my email sir.

BTW, has anyone heard Rega Juras and what was the impression? How about the British Fidelity A-1 (yes I know it's now called Musical Fidelity).

I would appreciate any comments.

[This message was edited by Arun Mehan on WEDNESDAY 23 January 2002 at 20:39.]