Some advice needed

Posted by: Ancient Mariner on 16 June 2003

Hello everyone this is my first post on this forum and I would like some advice.

I am going to upgrade my Cd player and speakers. My current system is a Micromega stage 1, Naim NAC92/flatCap/NAP90, and the speakers are Linn Helix. My budget is about £1200, for both Cd player and speakers. The Cd player I have in mind is either the Rega Planet or the Exposure 2010. As for the speakers, I am thinking of the Quad 11L, Dynaudio Audience 52, or maybe something from Neat .

I am very sure my Naim amplification does not need upgrading in my system, I bought the Naims new in 1994, and I am more than happy with them, to be honest they have had very little use for the last 5 years, because of some room problems. But I now have the room for them, but I do feel they need a better front end and speakers for me to hear them at there true potential. My room size is 30 x 14

Does anyone have any of the CD players or speakers I have mentioned above with Naim amplifiers, if so are they a good match ?, if not are there any other CD players and speakers that would suit my Naims.

Thanks for the help. Smile

Ian Marsh
Posted on: 16 June 2003 by Mekon
You could stretch to a s/h CD3.5 or even a CDI on that budget, and consequently make better use of your flatcap. Assuming you are scared off by the pitfalls of buying a CDI secondhand, you can pick up a CD3.5 for about £550 on ebay, and after grabbing the required SNAIC you will have £600 left to spend on speakers.

Or you could stretch the budget, and buy a CDX Smile.
Posted on: 16 June 2003 by Mick P
I do not want to push Naim at you but it is worth remembering that you will probably get your money back if ever you need to sell your Naim kit.

Therefore buying a CD3 or CD3.5 is almost free hifi. If you buy other makes, it will devalue which is something you will regret when you want to upgrade.

Regards

Mick
Posted on: 16 June 2003 by NB
Ian,

welcome to the forum.

I am going to suggest another alternative,

why don't you keep the Linns and buy a cd5 instead. The amp and speakers will benefit from the improvement that the CD provides and you will see a big improvement in the sound quality!

Regards


NB
Posted on: 16 June 2003 by Ancient Mariner
Thanks for the reply's Smile

A second hand Naim CD player is a possibility for sure, maybe an ex-dem one. Also are my 14 year old Linn Helix speakers still good enough for a CD Player such as the Naim CD 5 ?

Ian Marsh
Posted on: 16 June 2003 by NB
Ian,

Also are my 14 year old Linn Helix speakers still good enough for a CD Player such as the Naim CD 5 ?
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why don't you take your speakers to a Naim dealer and try it for yourself.

I would say they were more than adequate to show the improvements in your CD player.


Regards


NB
Posted on: 16 June 2003 by Mick P
Ian

My CDS2 is 12 months old and my Linn speakers are 17 years old and I have no plans to change them yet.

If they sound good then they are ok.

Regards

Mick
Posted on: 16 June 2003 by David Stewart
Best advice is to change only one thing in your system at a time, that way you can focus in on the way each upgrade changes the musical presentation.

In your situation get the front end sorted first and get acclimatised to the way that sounds before contemplating changes to the speakers.

Also look at things like speaker cable. Generally Naim amps work best with NACA5 but some speakers don't give their best with this cable.

David
Posted on: 16 June 2003 by Ancient Mariner
Once again thanks for all your help and advice. It seems that the best option would be to get a second hand Naim CD Player. To be honest after reading all your reply's I have more or less settled for one. Smile

Ian Marsh
Posted on: 17 June 2003 by NB
Sensible choice there!

Let us know what you go for and how you get on with it.


Regards


NB