Will I regret giving up my Spectral pre-amp and amp (entry level Spectral) For Naim 112/150 With Dynaudio Contour 1.8's

Posted by: Jaybar on 15 March 2001

I have a Naim CD 5 CDP which I am most impressed with. I will be getting a headline headphone amp in a few days. I also have a Linn TT with a Lingo, Linto,Arkiv and Ekos.

My dealer says that the combination of NAIM electronics and Dynaudio produces phenominal sound. A match made in heaven so to speak. Can the 112/150 Combination power the Dynaudio speakers in a 12 ft by 23 foot room which opens into a small dinning area. Will this comprimize sound quality? Obviously higher level Naim equipment would prove better, but cash is VERY tight and I would largely have to rely on the resale value of my spectral gear.

I am also looking to Simplify my HIFI life into as few boxes as possible.

Thanks

Jay

Posted on: 16 March 2001 by Todd A
Spectral is one of the few brands of electronics I've heard that I like as much as Naim. Or more. SimAudio is another, though I can't think of any others. (Oh the Blasphemy! Something might be as good as Naim?) Of course, it is way out of my price range so I did buy Naim. Do some careful auditioning before you downgrade.
Posted on: 16 March 2001 by Graeme Cree
Jaybar,

I would be wary of trying to run Dynaudio 1.8s from the smaller Naim power amps. I had a NAP180 driving my 1.8s and it couldn't really hack it. I've upgraded to a pair of 135s and now we're cookin'. Even the Contour 1.3s need loadsa welly (some would say even more than 1.8s).

I was talking with the UK Dynaudio rep at the Bristol Hi-Fi show recently and he confirmed that the Contours need lots of watts to sound good. He suggested minimum of NAP250 or NAP135s. The 3.3s on dem at the time needed a NAP500 to drive them !

You may want to look at the newer Audience models instead - they're not so power hungry and still sound good.

Whatever you do - have fun.

Onwards and/or upwards.

Graeme cool

Posted on: 16 March 2001 by RandallE
Well, I guess there's more than one way to hang a chad. In Spectral, you've got a company who believes in a frequency range of DC to ultraviolet, while Naim keeps things in the 20-20K range.

Next thing you know, Hutter lovers will be saying their stuff is as good as Mana big grin

I am curious if others have had a chance to compare the PRaT-ness of Spectral.