The Weakest Link ... Naim Style

Andrew,

I don't know much about the Roksan, so can't comment on that, but that aside I would say the 72 is the weakest link.

It's definatly not the IBL's. I went from 72/Hi/180 with IBL's (sources LP12 and CD5), to 82/Hi/180. Massive improvement in everything, hi-fi and music, and the IBL's let it all through.

The only reason to change the IBL's would be if you were absolutly desparate to get the really deep bass that the IBL's can't do. Apart from that they are a superbly communicative speaker.

Simon (Rabid IBL fan)

I agree. Upgrade the pre-amp to at least an 82. If you can afford it get a 52 and Super-Cap, or even an 82 and Super-Cap. You won't be disappointed!

If you can't afford two big steps now, but think you can afford one now and one later, then you might want to consider a Super-Cap now, follwed by a 52 later. The 72 will improve with the addition of a Super-Cap, but 82/Hi sounds MUCH BETTER than 72/Super. Therefore, choose this route only if you fully expect to get the 52 before too long.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Andrew,

As usual, I must disagree with Mr. Hanson. I've done the 82/hicap vs 72/supercap thing and in my view there's validity in both routes. Certainly worth a demo of the two. If your eventual goal is the 52, then the supercap may be the thing to do. The 72/super doesn't have the resolution of the 82/hi, but it has fantastic pace and swing courtesy of that p/s.

It's been about 10 years since I heard the Roksan player. That could be the boy to move on. I suggest you take it in to a demo and compare Rok/72/super versus Rok/82/hi vs CDX2/72/hi. Difficult choice...

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Andrew;

IMHO the Rokasn is a fabulous player. Unless you've already done it, get the transport upgrade done –– Roksan can still do this, I believe. After that, I would look at supports; it would make little sense to buy any new boxes without optimising the environment in which the old ones are running. Ditto mains -- your kit will easily show the benefits of spurs, etc. Then a Supercap...


Best;

Mark

Mark,

Thanks for this. All three boxes have now been serviced and upgraded.

I have been using an IXOS interconnect between the DP1 and the DA1. Having a look at the IXOS web site suggests its probably like having a piece of wet string.

Do you have any suggestions of what might be a good place to start looking for these and how much I should expect to pay ?

Thanks, Andrew

Andrew,

Are you happy with you system? Everyone is quick to advise you on what to spend your money on, but they cannot do that until they know what you want to achieve.

What sort of sound are you achieving? What is the room like? Your system is very well balanced, sound-potential wise IMHO.

A better CD player would work well as would a proper aerial for the NAT-01. They will give you more music from your CD's, sorting the mains will give you refinement, sorting the stands will give you refinement also. Changing the speakers (eg to SBL's) will give you a more fuller range and authortative sound, which apart from the source will have the biggest musical impact.

Dev