New system is up and running and I have a permanent grin on my face.

Posted by: Ancient Mariner on 26 September 2015

DAC-V1, NAP 200, Rega R5, Audioquest forest USB, NACA5.

After my local dealer phoned me yesterday morning, to inform me my USB cable had arrived, I finally managed to get the new system up and running yesterday evening.

Even though the system had just been powered up, from the very first note, I just could not take the smile off my face. The music has real depth and is beautifully textured, the balance of the system is absolutely spot on. There is so much clarity and detail to the music, I literally am hearing things Ive never heard before. The main difference compared to my old system which was CD5/FC, 92/HC/90 is a much clearer top end and a much tighter bass. Percussion and vocals especially sound super clean with much more air. Because of the tighter bass the whole system sounds much faster and so much more musical.

As good as the DAC-V1 is, I feel that the huge improvement in the overall sound, is also attributed to the NAP 200. I have read many mixed reports with the 200 over the years here on the forum. But so far in my very short experience with the 200 I am absolutely delighted with it. I love the tonality of the 200, fast, clean and precise along with that tight bass is just perfect to my ears.

For now I am still using my speakers from my old system, Rega R5. In fact I never knew the Rega's could sound so good. With my old system trying to control the bass with the Rega R5 was a constant battle and one which I never managed to conquer. I always found my old system bottom heavy and slow. No such problems with the new setup though, in fact it is the polar opposite, super tight bass with bags of speed. My Rega R5'S have transformed in to SBL'S overnight.

Once funds have recovered slightly I still aim to buy some new speakers at some point. As much as I am enjoying my speakers with the new system, I still feel further improvements are possible.

Finally, I would just like to say many thanks for all the good advice given to me here on the forum with regards to my upgrade. It is very much appreciated.

If anyone is interested I will update this post after a few days once the system has warmed up properly.
 
Ian.

Posted on: 26 September 2015 by ChrisH

Sounds like a great system Ian, you might be too busy enjoying yourself to re-post later!

Would love to hear more about where it all ends up soundwise in a few days though.

Enioy your weekend 

Posted on: 26 September 2015 by hungryhalibut

It's so nice when everything works out. Here's to many hours of good music. 

Posted on: 26 September 2015 by Foot tapper

Congratulations Ian and I'm delighted that another DAC-V1 owner is enjoying the music so much.

 

There is something wonderfully enjoyable about that little box.  More expensive systems may have ultimately better resolution, but the DAC-V1 imbues a system with a sense of balance & musical engagement that I find irresistible and compelling.

 

Enjoy!

 

Best regards, FT

Posted on: 26 September 2015 by George F

I have a DAC V1 and NAP 100 and am not thinking of changing. In the past I have used a NAP 200, which I think was a superb amp for me, then driving SBLs.

 

What I like about the V1 is the effect it brings ... Like the most satisfactory replay components it has you listening intently to music rather than analysing the sound or worrying over which cable might make it better!

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 26 September 2015 by feeling_zen
Sounds like a cracking system.

I find that some of the simpler Naim offerings have an almost magic charm to how the reproduce music.

The shoebox range is one of Naim's most enjoyable and such great VFM. I am sure that 200 fronted by the V1 will give you countless hours doing nothing but getting lost in the music.

I sometimes wonder if I would not have been better off going for a UQ2/V1/HC/SNAXO and a 3 pack of NAP100s and finding a second hand pair of Linn Kabers to go active with on the cheap.
Posted on: 26 September 2015 by gary yeowell

Feeling Zen, i have had a similar yearning for a few years now to do exactly the same, with 2x100 into my office system with SL2 speakers. i own the UQ2 and have owned the V1, but i like the idea that the whole shoebox system would take up such little space and i'd get to hear my SL2 in active mode......i even have another 4mtr set of NacA5 spare in storage.

 

To the OP, sounds like you will have lots of fun, similar to my V1/Nap160 system of the past which was always great.

Posted on: 26 September 2015 by Jude2012

Ian,

 

I had this set up for two years and enjoyed it immensly.  In  fact V1 and 200 are still part of my system.

 

Gary, I'm sure you've seen @Blorbed's active set up, based on the V1, 100s, SNAXO et al......

 

Jude

Posted on: 26 September 2015 by gary yeowell

I don't think i have Jude, i'll have to check it out 

Posted on: 26 September 2015 by Ancient Mariner

Many thanks everyone,

 

I have been out for most of the day today so not had chance to play much music up to now. Needless to say it is now singing away nicely again, while enjoying a nice bottle of wine.

 

Some subtle improvements from yesterday, the sound has opened up even more. The bass continues to be fast and tight.

 

Ian.

 

 

Posted on: 01 October 2015 by Ancient Mariner

Final update on how things are after almost 1 week. The sound has improved even more. Much more open and even more detailed than before. Purchased my first HD music album a few days ago. Incredible quality, huge difference. I can't see things improving much more now. To be honest they really don't need to. The plan now is to continue to buy more music, then sit back relax and enjoy it .

 

Ian.