Naim center channel - on side?
Posted by: Mark Gilbert on 30 August 2010
I'd like to hear your comments on a couple possibilities I'm entertaining. The center channel options I'm thinking about are (in each case powered from a recapped CB 250):
1) single SBL, actively crossed over, placement would be in front of a 4 tier target rack that has power supplies (This is a least cost option. I know the weaknesses of the placement but don't have a practical way to test how well/poorly this works because the SBL needs cabinet work and that will take some time yet. The tweeter box would be about 18 inches away from the Plasma TV - any likely issue from SBLs not being shielded?)
2) Naim Axent (new & available for now at good price), placement between equipment stands but on end (haven't determined a potential mount yet)
3) Naim Axent (new & available for now at good price), placement on top shelf of 4 tier Target rack (this configuration is a theoretical option but may not be practical since it requires changing spacing of DBL speakers and other equipment racks)
4) Naim Axess (used unit not found or priced yet), placement on top shelf of 4 tier Target rack.
For context - the relevant HT system is Pioneer blu-ray player, DVD5, AV2, 282-supercap, supercap-Snaxo362, front channels -amps (2x olive 135s, 2x CB 250s) to DBL, surrounds - CB250 to passive SBLs.
I recognize the Axent as the best theoretical match to my active DBL system but I have challenges with placement and I wonder if it is sufficiently better than the Axess to justify my trying to make it work. The Axess would be the compromise buy that would more easily fit. The SBL is my default plan that costs least (of considerable importance these days).
These configurations will not be practical for me to hear before any purchase so I will appreciate what insights you're willing to share. fwiw - I am not interested in buying something just to see how it works and then selling it off when I don't like it.
Thank you.
Mark
1) single SBL, actively crossed over, placement would be in front of a 4 tier target rack that has power supplies (This is a least cost option. I know the weaknesses of the placement but don't have a practical way to test how well/poorly this works because the SBL needs cabinet work and that will take some time yet. The tweeter box would be about 18 inches away from the Plasma TV - any likely issue from SBLs not being shielded?)
2) Naim Axent (new & available for now at good price), placement between equipment stands but on end (haven't determined a potential mount yet)
3) Naim Axent (new & available for now at good price), placement on top shelf of 4 tier Target rack (this configuration is a theoretical option but may not be practical since it requires changing spacing of DBL speakers and other equipment racks)
4) Naim Axess (used unit not found or priced yet), placement on top shelf of 4 tier Target rack.
For context - the relevant HT system is Pioneer blu-ray player, DVD5, AV2, 282-supercap, supercap-Snaxo362, front channels -amps (2x olive 135s, 2x CB 250s) to DBL, surrounds - CB250 to passive SBLs.
I recognize the Axent as the best theoretical match to my active DBL system but I have challenges with placement and I wonder if it is sufficiently better than the Axess to justify my trying to make it work. The Axess would be the compromise buy that would more easily fit. The SBL is my default plan that costs least (of considerable importance these days).
These configurations will not be practical for me to hear before any purchase so I will appreciate what insights you're willing to share. fwiw - I am not interested in buying something just to see how it works and then selling it off when I don't like it.
Thank you.
Mark