fffraim in the kitchen

My query may interest anybody with a liking to build Hi-Fi objects on the cheap but I think it goes mainly to Paul the First (Stephenson) who could tell us about Naim Audio’s attitude toward any home-built Fraim (call it fffraim).

There is usually no possibility to reach the fine quality of any of the original designs. In the case of the Fraim, most of its dimensions are published (or can be calculated) but unknown is the kind of steel and aluminium and of course no similar profile of aluminium is available—to name but a few objectives. Everything can only be imitated… you bet the delicate construction looses its acoustic balance.

So a fffraim would never be a match for the original. It could, however, be a match for some mediocre and yet expensive designs, though the work with all those materials (steel, aluminium, MDF, glass) even if made at a local craftsman’s can be rather expensive. Especially with the future in mind: every fffraim owner will probably end up with a real Fraim so the expenses will be paid twice (maybe 1.3 times).

Even so, the temptation is great, and Naim’s opinion would be highly educational in that direction. Are the designers sick to hear about imitations like that? Or do they just laugh at it? But life is not as simple as that. To make it straight, what is more acceptable for Naim Audio: buying Manas or (while waiting for a real Frame) with temporary purpose trying to build a fffraim?

graphoman