What a loada poo . . .

Posted by: Naheed on 02 January 2002

Had the pleasure of listening to an £86k Linn System in Harrods today.

It consisted of a CD12, some multi-room pre, 8 Klimax's (fake i guess), and some majorly large speakers...

The whole system lacked any drive, detail, twas boring.

This is my third Linn experience, and i really can't figure why anybody would fork out some much for so little ???

naheed

Posted on: 02 January 2002 by bam
Every time I go sightseeing in Harrods, which isn't very often, I come across their collection of some of the most dreary hifi available. I wonder why Harrods don't sell better stuff in general since their brand is about "the best". I think Linn is very good UK ware. But why don't they feature Naim gear? Is this Naim's decision or there's?
Posted on: 03 January 2002 by Naheed
Agreed room/setup can affect performance, but the room was dedicated and the other demo's where at a dealers and at Novatel...

Still does'nt chnage the fact it sounded dull and lifeless - though i've heard many say the CD12 is a great player (with a naim system ?)

naheed

Posted on: 03 January 2002 by Simon Matthews
Bam

Naim have a cd5,112,150,flatcap2 system on fraim in Harvey Nic's just around the corner.

Posted on: 03 January 2002 by Paul Ranson
quote:
Still does'nt chnage the fact it sounded dull and lifeless

I've noticed a growing tendency to use round-earthy meaningless descriptions of sound.

What does 'dull and lifeless' mean? What does 'drive' mean?

I can make my system sound 'dull and lifeless' by turning the tweeter amp off. I assume this isn't the same 'dull and lifeless', and I hasten to add that I don't indulge in this Jimmy Hughesism except in the strict line of duty.

Paul

Posted on: 03 January 2002 by John C
Harrods too tacky. Harvey Nicks too Sloaney. I think Selfridges would be a better store for Naim, much cooler. Nice oyster bar too.

John.io

Posted on: 03 January 2002 by Simon Matthews
I like selfridges also, however a 10 minute walk gets you to either hi-fi experience (not great IMO) or the cornflake shop (small but good IMO).

Selfridges is ok but John Lewis has an in house 5 year guarantee on electrical products. Harvey Nick's is a bit 'ladies who lunch'!

Posted on: 03 January 2002 by Duncan Fullerton
quote:
Harvey Nicks too Sloaney

Maybe so, but I couldn't help noticing the last time I was in there (I work nearly next door), that they've got a fine selection of Series 5 gear and Allaes on display all neatly mounted on a Fraim. No dem room at all. I guess the punters who buy from HN's don't need to listen to the kit.

It all fits in quite well with the HN's image I guess:

Harrods is for shoppers who demand the best without quite knowing what it is. And they assume that having paid throught the nose for overpriced tat that they've got the best. A shop for Del Boys and tourists.

HN's shoppers want the best too, but they know what the best is. Even better if there is a designer label cachet associated with their purchase. And the sales staff can box it all up while the shopper nips upstairs for a G and T at the bar!

Posted on: 03 January 2002 by Duncan Fullerton
quote:
I like selfridges also, however a 10 minute walk gets you to either hi-fi experience (not great IMO) or the cornflake shop

Hmmm ... Selfridges near Marble Arch to The Cornflake Shop in Windmill Street off Tottenham Court Road in 10 minutes, eh? I may put a fiver on you to place in the next London Marathon!

Posted on: 03 January 2002 by John C
John Lewis doesnt quite have the bag recognition for me. smile Unless buying kitchenware etc. How about a series 5 set up in the Conran Shop or Heals, the Fraim will fit right in there. Perhaps we could start a Naim lads who lunch club and get away from those horrible HIFI shops.

Johnt

Posted on: 03 January 2002 by Simon Matthews
Duncan

ok, more like 15 mins tops at a steady lick at a time of day where oxford st is not totally rammed.
Selfridges is approx half way between oxford circus and marble arch so it's not quite the whole length.

Quicker still is to cut north of oxford st, avoid the crowds, pass behind john lewis, cross upper regents street, through fitzrovia, Great Portland St, Great Tichfield st and a quick dog leg down Charlotte st Via that nice three pound pizza shop on the corner!!

Posted on: 03 January 2002 by Scott Mckenzie
...surely that would be about 4am then and all the shops would be closed!!!

I have also listened to the Linn system in Harrods and was wholy(sp?) unimpressed with it. The CD12 did look nice, but the bloke their said peoiple bought it cos they could afford it, not for what it sounded like....

I then wandered around the corner and saw a couple of blokes with clearly too much money to spend listening to a ludicrously overpriced B&O home cinema system, which I have no doubt they bought....eventhough it sounded awful..the TV was nice though, it was the one which follows the remote around the room...

Scott