Speakers for CD5/112/150 combo

...are a bugger to drive - even the new, higher-efficiency ones.

We home-demoed a run-in pair of CDM7NT's and, while they had their strengths, sounded lifeless at lower volumes and detached at higher volumes. They would play loud, but the music always seemed "over there" somehow - we couldn't connect with it.

A week later they were back in the shop and we don't miss them.

Give Naim Intro's a listen if you can.

- GregB

Insert Witty Signature Line Here

Try Epos M 15.The B&W is not what you are looking

MY system : Naim Nait 5 amplifier,Naim cd 5 ,Epos M 15 speakers,Naca5

Welcome to the forum cyu.

In terms of driveability, it should be ok with the 150 since the 600 series is relatively easy to drive compared to the CDM series. In my view, the B&W 603 is more about power and less about finesse. Fabulous in home theatre applications but not so hot in music-making ones if you ask me. Here are some other options you should try, at least to compare what's achievable:

Dynaudio Audience 42/Dynaudio masterstands. the speakers are £400 and the stands (very disrable) are £200, so bang in the same ballpark.

EPOS m12/EPOS stands. £500 speaker, £120 stand. Fab combination. Very involving presentation although it doesn't have the frequency extremes of the Dynaudio.

If you have a little more in your wallet, you should really have a listen to a pair of Naim Intro2's (£785 or so). This would give you the whole Naim experience which is different to many. Also try Dynaudio Audience 62's (£730 - £800 depending on finish).

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.

Cyu !

You have a very nice almost all Naim system.
It would be even better if you add a missing link, Intro 2, or you can choose alternative.
Try Intro, it is very much different speaker than any other.

Ozren

Have to agree with Frank on this one. I have heard both the Dyn 42s and 52s on the end of this system and was amazed at the midrange detail and controlled yet powerful bass.

Consider going second hand with something like a pair of Linn Keilidh. Not the best "hi-fi" speaker ever, but completely brilliant at putting across the musical message.

I've got the same combo as you and I have The Monitor Audio Silver S8. (£800) There's a really rich deep powerful bass and a sweet mid and treble. They're worth an audition!

Hello,

I 2nd the dynaudio 52 which is a better speaker than the 42 for a number of reasons.

I would look at the 72. THe 62 is basically a 52 with a slightly bigger cabinet. The 72 is more sensitive and should be easier to drive.

I am curious. Since I am seardching for a pair of speakers, I have been using B&W Dm 303 for a couple of days now. I borrowed them from a frined. He thinks that it would not be a problem. But i am not sure.
Although I am not currently taking full advantage of the CD5/112/150 combo, would there be an eventual problem from using 303 speakers?
thanks

Cyu,

The DM303 is not worth your money. Look at the 600 series which your amplifier can power. The 602 S3 is supposed to be excellent. You may even look at the 604. The 150 is an excellent amp and can power those speakers. Also look at Dynuadio. IF you dont like those two, please try Vienna Acoustics (Bach, Haydn, perhaps the mozart) and see if you like the sound.

I suggest you get hold of a pair of Royd Minstrals and try them out. They are no longer available new, and are reasonably scarce second-hand (presumably because people hold on to them). They are absolutely incredible little speakers and I currently have them on my NAIM system. You might just save yourself a bundle of money if you can find a pair - money that you may well find is much better spent on upgrading your CD5 to a CDX.

Remember Naim's iron law: "Source first"

Cheers, Rob

Cyu,

I'm going to listen to Intro 2's, Ruark Prelude 2's and Quad 22L's on the end of this system soon. I'll let you know what I think.

Any comments on these non-Naim speakers from other forum members?

Seth
Is Naim the only way forward?
Ahh, Ahh! I'm burning!!

Cyu,

Check out the pair of Naim IBL's in Loot at the moment, there should be some info on here if you search. Good starting point also here:-

http://freespace.virgin.net/tony.lonorgan/flatearth/ibl.htm

They are amazing speakers if you can find ones with the updated drivers, ie mk 2.

Steve

Congratulations cyu for your new acquisition. Is it your first Naim-based sistem?

In addition to the very nice speakers suggested above, you may want to listen to Harbeths, Spendors and, if you can find them, PEL Concepts.

Be patient - the search is (almost) as fun as owning the new speakers afterwards!

try the dynaudio contours...very, very good IMHO

JM Lab Elektra 906s' are a real treat. In my listening demo they trounced Credos with plenty to spare!

Phil

Have to agree with phil, JM Labs great with naim gear, i use JM Lab 926, with CD5/112/150/FC2.

martin

Um, off the wall suggestion here - anyone know if the 150 works with Quad ESLs (57 or 63)? I tried a 180 into a pair of the 988s and 989 - sounded fab.