S U P E R L U M I N A - Is this the biggest improvement ever?
Posted by: Martin.L on 08 November 2015
I naively used to assume that the NAC A5 are perfect...
Just got the speaker cables and could not believe that cables could make this difference.
Clearly these cables need a good warm up and run-in before they are going to approach their optimum sound and I have been told that it takes one week for them to really start to disappear behind the music. Yet from the off with only day’s warm up this upgrade delivered a more musical result than the majority of others.
The system now creates an effect of a non-electronic device, the end result gives the overall feel of a much more realistic space. The wider and deeper soundstage has very consistent perspectives.
These luminas changed the system, it became a variety of moods expressed in tones that are almost endless, they depend actually upon the great working together of all the tonal attributes– color, quality, pitch, and loudness.
The heavy tones assert their will with a more insistent energy; the long tones upon which we linger make a deeper and more lasting impression; while the light and short tones in contrast become points of mere passing and transition.
The contrasts between piano and forte – loudness that brings the tones so near that they may seem threatening in their insistence; softness that makes them seem far away and dreamlike.
The treble is delicate - sweet and clear. Voices are strongly holographic, female singers do not screech and are outstandingly articulate.
The energy it managed to extract from the albums was nothing short of astounding.
It also preserved the ability to put the music before the sound...
It makes you want to keep on listening! can't get to sleep.
What a great project.
Good job naim,
Martin
… but won't you want to DR the 500s first Ken? 
… but won't you want to DR the 500s first Ken?
the most immediate is probably the SL snaxo cable, Chris. after that, who knows? the bank account is always a constraint though and the fact that my system sounds fantastic right now -- so the question arises -- why change anything? but i once swore i would never buy a 552...
enjoy
ken
just counted -- and i get 17, including UnitiServeSSD. Ridiculous!!! but sounds frighteningly fantastic
i havent counted SL2s
to the OP, sorry for straying off-topic...
enjoy...
ken
- resistance is probably futile
… but won't you want to DR the 500s first Ken?
Yeah, keep up with the upgrade programme, Ken! You're slipping behind... 
… but won't you want to DR the 500s first Ken?
the most immediate is probably the SL snaxo cable, Chris. after that, who knows? the bank account is always a constraint though and the fact that my system sounds fantastic right now -- so the question arises -- why change anything? but i once swore i would never buy a 552...
enjoy
ken
Think you will love the difference the SL Snaxo cable makes. Plus it's probably the cheapest upgrade you could do compared to speaker cable or 500 DR upgrade which must be a plus!
Have you got SL DIN/XLRs already?
It's not a competition! At least I don't regard it that way.
Graham, I didn't mean to start something, just a simple question for understanding, looked at Ken's profile and was just trying to figure out how many black boxes he has. Simple, DB has 11 and a S1, You Have 12 and a S1, I have 7. 3 little 250's and a Hi Cap DR, Cdx2, Napsc, Nac 282 .
I like to dream about what I would do if I run into some cash, That's it! Also the understanding of the hi fi world!
1st Dr your Pre amps, 2nd Interconnects, and in Active System, SL interconnect between pre amp and Snaxo, and 3rd the new DR amps, and last but not least SL speaker Cable.
That's it!
Out! Enjoy the massive system you have! And Ken How many Black boxes do you have?
Fair enough. 
I'm actually very near the end of my feasible upgrade process. All that is left to consider is a second 555PS for my NDS and/or a Melco N1Z box.
… but won't you want to DR the 500s first Ken?
Yeah, keep up with the upgrade programme, Ken! You're slipping behind...
yes afraid so Graham letting the side down
will try harder !!
enjoy
ken
Have you got SL DIN/XLRs already?
no, the only SL i have is the NDS/552 signal cable...
How sad is that ?!
enjoy...
ken
Surely 6 NAP S1 mono power amplifiers as well - can't imagine what is stopping you Graham
Have you got SL DIN/XLRs already?
no, the only SL i have is the NDS/552 signal cable...
How sad is that ?!
enjoy...
ken
Are you satisfied?
Have you got SL DIN/XLRs already?
no, the only SL i have is the NDS/552 signal cable...
How sad is that ?!
enjoy...
ken
Are you satisfied?
no, i am so sad and unsatisfied i feel like slashing my wrists...
Not...
enjoy...
ken