CD5 and Nait5
Posted by: max in hampshire on 15 March 2001
Regards
Max
No all I have heard so far is as I described. Speaker budget would be about the same as the Ruarks ie around the 800 - 900 GBP.
Max
Welcome.
As the above post says, you really should be using the Naim speaker cable at the recommended minimum length. I think 9 meters. From this point, you will be better off auditioning speakers if you still desire. Use Naims plugs as well. Also, play around with your supports. I find a very simple MDF board with spikes under each component works best on my concrete/wood floor! This of course is not practical for most people. Supports change the sound, so be choosy. Set things up right and don't touch for a few months to let things burn and bed in.
Lennart
For Naim amps, minimum of 3.5 METRES (for pagans still talking feet, cubits, pebbles, groats etc!) This has something to do with stabilisation of feedback circuitry or something like that, I'm no expert on such matters. I work on the subjective listening principle, occasionally following advice if it is going to go BANG!! from the boffins.
Although I trust Chord Odyssey for certain limited situations, I would never demo Naim equipment with anything but Naim cable.
1. It's much better value for money.
2. We get best, and most consistent, results with it. Yes, we do test newer cables on Naim equipment in a vain hope that there's something out there that makes better financial sense - after all, selling a £25k system with a £6/m cable just isn't right, is it!
Don't get me wrong - Chord Odyssey usually brings benefits in terms of transparency and detail, but I feel that in a Naim system particularly, Odyssey loses out a little in terms of coherence and that sense of performance. I can tell that NACA5 isn't as transparent or fluid in the treble, but it just makes a bit more sense. At least ask your dealer to try it next time.
One thing you didn't mention is if you have any specific requirements and if you are aiming the speakers across or lengthwise in the room. We have been getting good results in our demo room which is similar in size to your room (not quite as long I think) by aiming across the room, but it is mostly empty so take that into consideration. We have had good results with both standmounters and floorstanders, incidentally, although I believe that if aiming lengthwise, you would get better results with floorstanders. As to speakers in the sub-£1000 category, here's a few options:
Floorstanders:
Naim IntroII: Much misunderstood speaker. I think it blows the Ruark's socks off as it has better pace, depth and presence, although it can be a little wild. Usually needs a wall right behind it.
Dynaudio Audience 62: A little better controlled than the Intro, but possibly not as involving. Difficult to choose between the two. Prefers free space but can go close to a wall (up to 15cm).
Linn Ninka: Well controlled, quite engaging, beautifully finished. Much better with the optional Kustone bases.
Standmounters:
Dynaudio Audience 42 on Dynaudio Masterstands: Great little speaker which majors on fun.
Linn Katan on Dyn Masterstands: Excellent little speaker with great PR&T, good detail etc. I've heard them sound positively amazing and rate them more highly than Ninkas.
Dynaudio Contour 1.1 on Dyn Masterstands (OK I've blown the £1000 but only just). Much more fluid sounding speaker than the 42, a little wild, but great presence and pace.
That's pretty much it from my point of view.
Regards,
Frank.