Statement has landed
Posted by: Graham Clarke on 09 May 2015
So after three long months of waiting, my Statement preamp finally arrived yesterday. I managed to do pretty well in being patient until we got down to around the last ten days… This was the starting point:
Since my Statement home demo via UHES in January I’ve changed my two main interconnects to Super Lumina ones and have swapped out NAC A5 for Super Lumina, at a somewhat excessive cost, but with brilliant results.
To answer a previous question asked on the Forum regarding how these speaker cables are tuned, it is down to the resistor used. The resistor is soldered across the positive and negative cables and then surrounded in the metal box to protect it. This provides the correct inductance that the power amps require. The tuning is the value of the resistor and the type of resistor used (e.g. RS Components, Farnell etc). Required values were determined for specific lengths via listening and then other lengths were calculated via a computer program.
Anyway, onto the day. The plan was to check the torque settings on the S-600 speakers’ drive unit screws, break down, clean, tighten and reconfigure the Fraim racks, install the six Super Lumina DIN-XLR cables and oh, just add the Statement S-1 pre-amp to the mix, replacing the 552…
To complete this task we had four people. Ian and Norman from UHES of course, plus Jason Gould and Mark Raggett directly from Naim. It’s always enjoyable spending time with Ian and Norman but also getting to spend around four hours with Jason and Mark was the icing on the cake.
Ian first checked the speaker torque settings, which turned out to be fine since their last check nearly two years ago. Given I purchased these as ex-demo speakers from UHES it’s probably no surprise that they had already bedded in and didn’t need further adjustment.
I wish I could say the same about the Fraim racks. These were new a year ago and Ian had told me that I should check the tightness of the spikes after a few months because there is a degree of compression and expansion of the wood from new which will loosen them. Having assumed that they would just be slightly loose combined with a degree of laziness and a manic work schedule I’m afraid I hadn’t bothered. Well, when we broke down the power supply Fraim rack and lifted the base off the carpet, one of the spikes remained embedded in the concrete floor, to my embarrassment! So YES, you really DO need to check these with newly built Fraim racks.
During this time break down time, Jason and Mark had man handled the S-1 flight case out of Mark’s car. At least for the UK, these are delivered direct from the factory to the customer. “Man handled” is the correct term given the 102Kg shipping weight but this was slightly easier than in January as the case now has detachable wheels. Direct delivery is done to ensure that the unit turns up in 100% perfect condition both cosmetically and functionally. This was of course not a problem with mine.
While they were busy doing this, I kept myself busy by taking a look at the long awaited DIN-XLR cables.
Anyone familiar with Powerlines or Hi-Lines will recognise the packaging.
As you can see, both ends use the Air-PLUG technology that the other Super Lumina cables use via a set of interconnecting metal rings. The XLR canons are also metal, unlike the original ones.
Jumping forward slightly, the only glitch of the day was that when installing these cables into my Snaxo BMR, the far end of the Air-PLUG connectors on the top cable touch the one beneath. When the system has bedded in I’ll have to see whether this actually makes an audible difference.
There was another box which was unexpected, this turned out to be the Statement accessory kit, the finish of which was beautiful.
There were three layers to this box with the top containing the manual and a spirit level.
The second layer in mine was empty given I had not purchased the Statement power amps. Apparently I am the first person world wide that Naim have supplied with just the pre-amp, all other purchasers have gone for the complete system.
In the bottom layer of the box were a number of tools
Including some Statement Fraim chips (different from standard ones) and the remote control which is in the bag on the right. This is constructed of metal and is similar in weight and feel to the NARCOM remote.
Given the NARCOM remote is £300, I dread to think how much a replacement one of these would be. I better not lose it down the back of the sofa.
After completing the first Fraim rack, Jason and Mark unpacked the pre-amp.
Given the size, weight and space constraints this does need to be planned! With the protective cover removed it finally appeared for the first time.
Even unpackaged this weighs 60Kg so moving into position isn’t an easy task. This is what it looks like inside to help explain (no, this isn't mine!)
That's a lot of components!
Happily (for me) I left the task of moving to Mark.
No pressure there Mark, I’m sure you loved me taking pictures of you while you were doing this!
We agree not to put it flush up to the racks so that it could be easily cleaned. Getting the position right, ensuring it was absolutely level and parallel with the left hand rack easily took 30 minutes such was the perfectionist nature of Ian and Mark.
Installing the second Fraim was relatively straightforward after this, poor Ian was left to do this while everyone else chatted and watched on. Jason commented that normally with home installs they get involved directly but knew that they could leave this to Ian given his expertise. High praise indeed for UHES.
One added bonus of moving to two racks and separating them slightly is that cable dressing is now much better, with no Burndys touching the wall and all but a few cables off the floor.
Finally, after over four hours of work, everything was set up and listening was about to begin!
By now it was about 6:30PM and we had a dinner reservation for 7:30 as we were all hungry, so we only had limited listening time. I wasn’t too worried about this because the pre-amp is brand new and stone cold, the DIN-XLRs are also new and the rest of the system would have cooled down, so my expectations weren’t too high.
From the first track there was a slight degree of harshness around the sound. This was consistent with the from cold demo in January. High frequencies were also a little tight and I’d say that the pre-amp and system in generally was probably only at around 50% of its full potential. Despite that, some of the greatness from the January demo was already apparent: the super low noise floor (if it was any lower it would be sucking noise out of the room) along with the incredible detail and separation of every instrument being played.
Unfortunately Saturday obligations mean I won’t get to listen further until later in the afternoon, but both main sources have been left active playing into the system and with further warm up I’m expecting a big jump. So you’ll have to wait a while longer for the clichés and superlatives.
More to follow and thanks for reading if you got this far.
Very brave DB - good luck 
+1, interesting to see that we have now two with such a construction...
Hi DB.
Once the monolith has gone through its initial disturbing phase, I am sure the outcome is a foregone conclusion and hence keeping the demo unit. 
Good on you Peter
I think DB's home trial of the S1 has just extended the life of this thread by a very considerable margin.
Very much looking forward to his updates, too.
Mike
Gosh, how quickly I am thrown on the rubbish heap 
I'm joking. Mike, I'm also keen to hear DB's experiences in the context of a better system.
Graham
......
The eventual test will be when going back to ["very competent"] 552.....
Ah, a home dem then. Nothing to be scared of. Money's not changed hands. Yet! ;-)
C.
Home dem. That's the first step. It's like the equivalent of a gateway drug...
Very brave DB - good luck
Brave or foolish?
The eventual test will be when going back to 552, but I'm not thinking about that just right now.
I did find cable-dressing is very important, getting the output lead to not touch the floor was very important.
DB.
How long have you got it for Gary? I feel a journey across town coming on...
Remember, your 552 doesn't sound any different than it did a couple of days ago and when the Statement retreats back up the road and you plug the 552 back in there'll be a while when it sounds a bit disappointing. Then you'll listen to a nice bit of music that'll grab you...
Very brave DB - good luck
Brave or foolish?
The eventual test will be when going back to 552, but I'm not thinking about that just right now.
I did find cable-dressing is very important, getting the output lead to not touch the floor was very important.
DB.
How long have you got it for Gary? I feel a journey across town coming on...
Remember, your 552 doesn't sound any different than it did a couple of days ago and when the Statement retreats back up the road and you plug the 552 back in there'll be a while when it sounds a bit disappointing. Then you'll listen to a nice bit of music that'll grab you...
Is this self-hypnosis Tony? ATB Peter
Very brave DB - good luck
Brave or foolish?
The eventual test will be when going back to 552, but I'm not thinking about that just right now.
I did find cable-dressing is very important, getting the output lead to not touch the floor was very important.
DB.
How long have you got it for Gary? I feel a journey across town coming on...
Remember, your 552 doesn't sound any different than it did a couple of days ago and when the Statement retreats back up the road and you plug the 552 back in there'll be a while when it sounds a bit disappointing. Then you'll listen to a nice bit of music that'll grab you...
Is this self-hypnosis Tony? ATB Peter
I was waiting for you to pop up, Peter. Shouldn't you be telling Gary that his 552 is now 'broken'?
Very brave DB - good luck
Brave or foolish?
The eventual test will be when going back to 552, but I'm not thinking about that just right now.
I did find cable-dressing is very important, getting the output lead to not touch the floor was very important.
DB.
How long have you got it for Gary? I feel a journey across town coming on...
Remember, your 552 doesn't sound any different than it did a couple of days ago and when the Statement retreats back up the road and you plug the 552 back in there'll be a while when it sounds a bit disappointing. Then you'll listen to a nice bit of music that'll grab you...
I have it for at least a week I think. I know what you mean Tony - it is something that one can say about any stage in the HiFi hierarchy; there is always something better and something not quite as good as you have, it is all a matter of where to set your current perch that satisfies.
Both of us obviously could not settle lower down and both went Active with 500 series reference kit and large full-range speakers. I know you tried passive for a while and determined it did not satisfy despite others telling you it was fine and all you really needed.
I'm in that position now myself. The 552 is certainly not 'broken' and delivers a great performance, but I had wondered for quite a while, which became more focused since the Statement Pre discussions emerged, if my system with three NAP500 was in fact unbalanced with respect to investment in the Pre. The 552 was the best available until Statement so it did not really matter, but now there is a chance to determine the answer to that question for myself - as always I think it will be a personal thing.
It does allow a more pleasing musical version of my Active system to present itself - last night I was in love with what it was doing on some music I know well.
Has it made Active systems 'less fussy' - no, but there is a lot more capability emerging. The Bass performance is far better by a very large margin over the 552. Voice is more natural and cleanly detailed. High frequencies are more open and delicate.
But it is a lot of money. I would not have even listened to the S1 Pre if it could only be sensibly used with the Statement Monoblocks, as that is well beyond where I want to tread financially and forget about Statement monoblock Active, others can live that dream, but it will not be me.
But if the S1 Pre investment reveals a lot more of what I have already spent on the three NAP500 amp it may make sense - if anything here really makes any sense, we are after all rather mad! 
But happy mad I will consider living with.
Still on the path to that decision though. A home demo is the only way to decide.
DB.
Very brave DB - good luck
Brave or foolish?
The eventual test will be when going back to 552, but I'm not thinking about that just right now.
I did find cable-dressing is very important, getting the output lead to not touch the floor was very important.
DB.
How long have you got it for Gary? I feel a journey across town coming on...
Remember, your 552 doesn't sound any different than it did a couple of days ago and when the Statement retreats back up the road and you plug the 552 back in there'll be a while when it sounds a bit disappointing. Then you'll listen to a nice bit of music that'll grab you...
I have it for at least a week I think. I know what you mean Tony - it is something that one can say about any stage in the HiFi hierarchy; there is always something better and something not quite as good as you have, it is all a matter of where to set your current perch that satisfies.
Both of us obviously could not settle lower down and both went Active with 500 series reference kit and large full-range speakers. I know you tried passive for a while and determined it did not satisfy despite others telling you it was fine and all you really needed.
DB.
Very true dear boy. Part of me would love the simplicity and lack of boxes passive would bring but, alas, much as I admire and appreciate the passive systems I hear, there's always that lack of speed, control and sheer balls an active Naim delivers that's just a bit beyond them.
Maybe it's my rural location but I've never suffered from the lack of consistency others with active systems have reported.
I replaced the shelf under supercap to medium from previous configuration - this works very nicely. This particular one was loaned by my Dealer to remove the empty shelf I was using to put some space between supercap (for Snaxo) and the three power amp supplies underneath.
As previously mentioned, I found the sound over-heavy with the standard Fraim level and I never liked what empty levels up in the fraim stack do to the sound in other areas. Either medium or tall fraim would have done the job and getting some space around the supercap and also lifting the 4-pin signal cable feeding it off the floor.
Please note Naim: if the Super Lumina lead is available at some point, please ensure a length that is not too long supporting this configuration can be purchased if at all possible.
I replaced the shelf under supercap to medium from previous configuration - this works very nicely. This particular one was loaned by my Dealer to remove the empty shelf I was using to put some space between supercap (for Snaxo) and the three power amp supplies underneath.
As previously mentioned, I found the sound over-heavy with the standard Fraim level and I never liked what empty levels up in the fraim stack do to the sound in other areas. Either medium or tall fraim would have done the job and getting some space around the supercap and also lifting the 4-pin signal cable feeding it off the floor.
Please note Naim: if the Super Lumina lead is available at some point, please ensure a length that is not too long supporting this configuration can be purchased if at all possible.
Which SL cable are you referring to Gary? Do you mean the Snaic 4-4 between pre and Snaxo supercap? I think you saw last week that Paul Stephenson has said that it is near sign off stage. My guess is that it'll be the same length as the ICs and DIN-XLRs. Probably also the same price.
How's the demo going today?
Yes it was that cable. I really don't want one which is as long as the other SL cables as it will cause me major headaches dressing it. If it touches the floor it really impairs the performance, giving an oppressive relentless quality I don't care for - off the floor and all is well. Since the input sockets on Statement Pre are so close to the floor this does matter a lot. I'd like Naim to consider how people would have to use them in Active systems and provide the length accordingly.
Demo has been going very well. The sound continues to open-out and become easier and more graceful. I have been finding myself with a smile on my face listening to some music which delighted me with insights I'd not heard before.
The essence of what Statement brings my system over 552 is a more confident melodic presentation. Yes there is more detail rendition, space, superior bass control and extension, but the very sure confident presentation is what is there all the time.
It is not as if I ever thought the 552 lacked in those areas, as if was a huge increase over the 252 here, but the S1 does this again and also puts down roots into the very low frequency portrayal. The sound is bigger and bolder in presentation, yet at the same time gentler and more delicate where needed. The bass appears when it is there (it is there more often than I imagined) and is quieter and more delicate when required. There is absolutely no bloom to the low bass, but an excellent rendering of harmonic structure and power.
Another quality is the separation of all the strands of the music, but into a cohesive musical whole. Sometime separation of individual instruments can also lose the sense of wholeness of the performance, but not in this case. You get a greater insight into the musical session effortlessly whist it presents itself as a musical whole. Not easy to find descriptors - but just saying 'it sounds better' does not do it justice. Naim have doe well in this respect, as it never sounds analytical - if anything it can at sound too musical if that were possible.
...perhaps the demo is going a bit too well.
DB.
.....
Another quality is the separation of all the strands of the music, but into a cohesive musical whole. Sometime separation of individual instruments can also lose the sense of wholeness of the performance, but not in this case. You get a greater insight into the musical session effortlessly whist it presents itself as a musical whole. Not easy to find descriptors - but just saying 'it sounds better' does not do it justice. Naim have doe well in this respect, as it never sounds analytical - if anything it can at sound too musical if that were possible.
...perhaps the demo is going a bit too well.
DB.
This is a good description DB. when i listened to the S1 i was lost for words --- but now i read your review, i think i recognise the qualities that you are describing...
enjoy
ken
.....
Another quality is the separation of all the strands of the music, but into a cohesive musical whole. Sometime separation of individual instruments can also lose the sense of wholeness of the performance, but not in this case. You get a greater insight into the musical session effortlessly whist it presents itself as a musical whole. Not easy to find descriptors - but just saying 'it sounds better' does not do it justice. Naim have doe well in this respect, as it never sounds analytical - if anything it can at sound too musical if that were possible.
...perhaps the demo is going a bit too well.
DB.
This is a good description DB. when i listened to the S1 i was lost for words --- but now i read your review, i think i recognise the qualities that you are describing...
enjoy
ken
I'd agree with those comments. As for you being lost for words Ken, I just thought you were keeping quiet regarding what you thought
After 18 months of trying, I have now managed to listen to Statement pre/power in a system and room setup truly up to the task, both in terms of source and in speakers. And in room design.
The pre/power combination is actually even better than I thought it could be. More to come anon.
So definitely not Focal Grande Utopias then
After 18 months of trying, I have now managed to listen to Statement pre/power in a system and room setup truly up to the task, both in terms of source and in speakers. And in room design.
The pre/power combination is actually even better than I thought it could be. More to come anon.
So definitely not Focal Grande Utopias then
..and maybe a fully-loaded LP12 with ARO....
Demo is continuing to go very well. A forum friend visited today for a few hours of music and may have something to comment too.
It is sounding even better today, with vocals particularly striking me as more open and expressive. Bass continues to tighten and extend even further when I though that there was no more possible.
Music is captivating. It makes sense of my Active system in a beautiful way that I'd not realised possible but delighted to hear.
DB.
sounds good DB. so, no real 'run-in' issues with this one then?
enjoy
ken
Ken,
My S1 followed the same path. Steady improvement for the first couple of weeks then a bit of a run in wobble after that for around 2-3 weeks.
Given DB's demo S1 is only a week old he may also have that fun to come...
I think mine has continued to improve. There's no huge difference compared to say a week ago however the foot tapping boogie factor seems better. So there may be an improvement to it, or maybe it's just psycho-acoustic and the difference is in my head. Either way I don't care as I'm loving it.