Hello world,
I am new to both this forum and to the world of truly hirez music.
The plan is to purchase a NAC N 172 XS (today).
Now I need to pair it with speakers and I have a couple of 3 options (or more if you kind people help 
):
1. Use the NAC N 172 XS with my current active speakers (Bang and Olufsen Beolab 6000) via RCA
2. Use the NAC N 172 XS with NAP 155 XS and Epos K2 floor standing speakers
3. (Future) use NAC N 172 XS with Epos K2 (with Active-K - whenever that comes out).
Are there other speakers besides Epos K2 in a similar price range (<$2,000) that I should audition?
Does anyone know when Active-K is supposed to be out?
Would it be better to add Active-K on the K2's versus using an external amp like the NAP 155 XS?
Is NAC N 172 XS + Beolab 6000, really such a bad idea ?
Thank you all for your time!
-V
Posted on: 19 September 2015 by analogmusic
I tried DAC V1 into active speakers.
Although it was a good sound, as I have another full Naim pre-power in another room, running a Naim preamp into active speakers doesn't quite give the 100 % Naim sound.
It is difficult to beat Naim in amplification, they are after one of the best in the world.
Personally I would go with a full Naim amp, but that is because I like the pace rhythm and timing aspect of Naim and won't compromise on it.
Posted on: 19 September 2015 by Ziggermeister
Thank you @analogmusic! So you are saying:
{NAC 172 + NAP 155 + Epos K2} > {NAC 172 + [(Active-K + Epos K2) OR (Beolab 6000)]}?
Any speakers you would recommend to match the K2s?
PS: BTW - I did think that the NAC 172 + NAP 155 combination sounded better than the Superunity with the same speakers, so I am trying to keep the amp and preamp separate.
Posted on: 20 September 2015 by phonebook
personally I prefer things to keep my options open, therefore i'd get the 172 and start enjoying it with the beolab 6000
at some point you can then look for some active speakers if you like that option
or you can look at a power amp and some passive speakers, and by then you can have saved a little more to stretch to a NAP 200
which gives some scope some years down the line to add a pre amp- say a NAC202 and use the line out of 172 into it
by the time you want a new front end, the NAP 200 will need recapping, so you might get the naim dealer to do a deal on that when you buy a new streamer/DAC
thats a 10 years strategy though!
however
on the basis that the best hifi is the one you have and can listen to, then a 172/155 will be excellent forever
i suppose I'm saying you cant really go wrong. a naim front end or pre amp or both will always be good
Posted on: 21 September 2015 by Ziggermeister
Thanks all for your response. I am going to move up to the NAC 172 XS / NAP 155 combo - this way I will have my setup mostly defined for years to come and I can focus on music
I had been looking at the Epos K2 speakers, but I have come across (in theory) a great deal: DYNAUDIO EXCITE X32 for the same price (about 50% off original). Based on whathifi reviews these are better than the K2s. Does any of you fine people have experience with the Excite X32s?
Thanks!
Posted on: 21 September 2015 by Aric
Ziggermeister,
If you were or continue to think about active speakers in the future, I own and have heard several permutations of Naim Source + Pre and ATC Active speakers.
You can find nicely used Active 10's online for your quoted price. Add the 172 and it's a great, elegantly efficient solution.
Aric
Posted on: 22 September 2015 by spacey
Originally Posted by Ziggermeister:
Thanks all for your response. I am going to move up to the NAC 172 XS / NAP 155 combo - this way I will have my setup mostly defined for years to come and I can focus on music
Well, I can't argue with your choices ;-)
Posted on: 23 September 2015 by spacey
No worries Zig, you have defo made the right choice IMO. Loving the way the combo sound thus far.
I tried the ND5XS/NaitXS, Superuniti and much prefer the 172/155 combo. All were tried with my speakers in the dealer demo room, albeit the speakers were theres. Also tried the MA GX100 which were again, really nice. MA Silver 2's have just got that ease of drive and clarity that gels well with the 172/155, a combo you could perhaps put on your shortlist, maybe save you a packet as the RRP is only £650 ish.
Posted on: 01 October 2015 by Ziggermeister
Hi @spacey! Yes - I have had the combo now for a couple of weeks. NAC 172 + NAP 155. I still have the EPOS K2 and the Dynaudio excite X32 speakers with them - need to make a choice soon
Is your combo here yet? What speakers you got?
-Zig
Posted on: 01 October 2015 by spacey
Cool, hope you're liking them!
yes got them, all running in nicely ta. At the mo, I'm still using the Monitor Audio Silver RX2's.
I'll get round to trying some new speakers soon.... So far on my short short list are:
Dali Rubicon 2s
Proac D2s & Studio 118s
Kef R300's
AE ref 1's
Studio 118's are still at the top of my to hear list ATM
But TBH, I'm loving the SQ I'm getting with the RX2's
Are you using NACA5? if not what you using?
