Fraim listening report (preliminary)

Posted by: Bob Edwards on 27 May 2001

All--

Had the opportunity yesterday to help assemble and hear the Naim Fraim. I have to say that after seeing all the bits the pricing makes more sense--the finish quality is really terrific, and that does not come cheap !

That said, we only had time to try the CDS2 on it compared to Chris Kosters regular stand. As much as I hate to say it, the musical difference was instantly obvious--music is smoother, richer, more detailed, and more in tune on the Fraim (even when it was not settled in). The interplay between different rhythms was easier to hear without being thrown at you and there was more color to all instruments.

I can imagine the debates--5 series and a Fraim or mid-level on Target or the equivalent ? Should be an interesting summer !

Cheers,

Bob

Ride the Light !Ã

Posted on: 27 May 2001 by Mick P
Chaps

Bob said...the finish quality was really terrific and that does not come cheap.

I am sure that the prevalent criticism that the Fraim price is far too high will reduce, once more customers actually view the thing in the flesh.

The photos do not do it justice...it really is superb. I liken it to a modern version of the arts and craft movement where quality was produced without compromise by the maker and willingly paid for by a customer who realised that he pocessed a thing of beauty which was usefull and would last a life time.

On a comparison of value for money......Mana at the end of the day is only a collection of angle iron and is nothing in comparison to the Frame.

And before you start ranting.....I agree Mana sounds good, but it seems a lot of money for an assembly of powder coated angle iron and glass with a few grub screws thrown in.

Regards

Mick......only poverty prevents me from being a Fraim owner.

Posted on: 27 May 2001 by Andrew L. Weekes
From the photo's I've seen the Fraim looks georgeous, if it looks better in the flesh and sounds brilliant I'd be very tempted to save some pennies, even though it would represent a significant cost for my 5 series system.

Unfortunately, due to lack of space I need to buy everything in one go, to replace my existing rack, making it a more difficult purchase, but it could be that my next upgrade is a rack rather than equipment.

Andy.

Andrew L. Weekes
alweekes@audiophile.com

Posted on: 27 May 2001 by ken c
bob, very useful preliminary report.

That said, we only had time to try the CDS2 on it compared to Chris Kosters regular stand.

out of curiosity, what's chris's regular stand?

you can also tell that the Fraim is a serious kit when you read the user guide -- which is, i would say unusually for naim, quite detailed.

if you ever get a change to try other equipment on it, especially a lp12, please let us know...

enjoy

ken

Posted on: 01 June 2001 by Doug Graham
The photos do not do it justice...it really is superb. I liken it to a modern version of the arts and craft movement where quality was produced without compromise.

Well said Mick. Can i use this wink


Later


Doug

Posted on: 01 June 2001 by Mick P
Doug

All of my comments are owned by me as is the intellectual property of said comments.

Bung me a Fraim and I will say anything.

Regards

Mick

Posted on: 01 June 2001 by Alex S.
quote:
Bung me a Fraim and I will say anything.

Which way should he point the spikes?

Posted on: 01 June 2001 by Doug Graham
Mick

Just as we all suspected, you h-fi whore you. you can have an extra sausage at the barbecue!

Later


Doug cool (hoping it's a hot day)

[This message was edited by Doug Graham on FRIDAY 01 June 2001 at 16:06.]

Posted on: 01 June 2001 by Mick P
Doug

I want one extra for the wife as well. She's always complaining I don't give her enough.

Regards

Mick