Where to now ?

Posted by: tonym182 on 15 August 2014

Hi

I have the following Naim system and wish to know where I can go from here!

Naim Superuniti, Ovator S-400 and the Naim Powerline.

I am happy with this but would love to progress, however I find the other Naim products confusing about where they fit in and what's better than what.....

Thanks for any assistance.

 

cheers

 

Tony

Posted on: 15 August 2014 by ChrisSU
Hi Tony, what is your source? If you're happy with your SU and speakers, maybe the old hifi mantra 'garbage in - garbage out' should be invoked.
Like many others, I think my Unitiserve is a great match for the SU, although it can't match my old LP12 for pure musicality.
The SU has few upgrade options, all you can really do is add a power amp (200 or 250?) if you feel the need. Otherwise, you'd have to sell your SU and start again.
Posted on: 15 August 2014 by trickydickie

If you are happy why not buy more music, sit back and enjoy?

 

Otherwise I would be looking at an NDX and Supernait2. An elegant 2 box system which should be a reasonable stepup from what you have now.

 

Don't underestimate what a good stand can do for a system either, always best to get the best out of what you have already.

 

Richard

Posted on: 15 August 2014 by DavidDever

I'd wait about six months, to be honest, for changes on the horizon...that's a pretty sensible system, all said and done.

Posted on: 15 August 2014 by hungryhalibut

Hmm. I'm sitting here listening to Enrico Rava via my SuperUniti and PMCs and was just thinking how lovely it sounds. I've owned much posher systems, including a 552 and all that, and sure they are better, but they cost a hell of a lot more. 

 

There really is no need to upgrade, especially if you like what you have (so many people seem not to).  Richard's point about a good stand is worth considering: my SuperUniti and UnitiServe sit on a Hutter rack, which made the sound much better than a basic Quadraspire.

 

To get something significantly better, I'd look to an NDS, 555PS and a Supernait 2. If that's too big a jump, stick with what you have. You could always get some AudioQuest Ethernet cables for an affordable upgrade that really will make the system sound better,

Posted on: 15 August 2014 by Justin9960

If you are happy, then stick to what you have for the time being. I am also sitting here listening to my SU and Motive2 speakers and the sound is fantastic. The sound being so organic and smooth with lots of detail, with tight but deep bass. As Nigel says, if you want another 5-10% more! be prepared to spend lots. I see the SU as the top end of the value for money products. In my experience the Ovators did not get the best out of the SU by reducing any snap and life the music had. Would you consider looking at changing the speakers to fine tune the sound?

 

Good luck.

Posted on: 16 August 2014 by AntonD

Hi Tony

Nice system you have there. 

I agree with the other comments here. If you have cash to burn and it's something you really want to do, then demo NDX and SN2.

Otherwise, buy lots of HD music and get the best out of your system. Listening is the best part 

ATB, Anton

Posted on: 16 August 2014 by charlesphoto

Go away and don't listen to any music on anything for a week or more. Preferably just the sound of ocean waves on a sunny beach. Come back and you'll be amazed at how good your current system sounds! 

Posted on: 17 August 2014 by tonym182
Hi Chris,
 
All my music is ripped onto  a synology DS212J Nas by dbpoweramp or I try and purchase Hi-res flac's 24/192 from sites when appropriate.
 
cheers
 
Tony
 
Originally Posted by ChrisSU:
Hi Tony, what is your source? If you're happy with your SU and speakers, maybe the old hifi mantra 'garbage in - garbage out' should be invoked.
Like many others, I think my Unitiserve is a great match for the SU, although it can't match my old LP12 for pure musicality.
The SU has few upgrade options, all you can really do is add a power amp (200 or 250?) if you feel the need. Otherwise, you'd have to sell your SU and start again.

 

Posted on: 17 August 2014 by ChrisSU

Tony, I took the lazy but expensive option and went for a Unitiserve - it would be interesting to see if it really can better a NAS like yours for sound quality. Out of curiosity, how did you find the Powerline impoved/changed your SuperUniti's sound?

 

Chris