New S-400 (SN2 NDX/NDAC XPS2)

Posted by: GraemeH on 23 December 2015

Having previously owned the S-600 (with 300/252 amplification) and not got along with them I was braced to be underwhelmed by the S-400 SN2 combination. My main problems with the S-600, which no amount of tweakery resolved, were a certain 'shut-in' character and an uneven, disconnected light bass. I tried with them for about a year before giving up -assuming it was a 'room issue'.

Getting the S-400 set-up earlier today was fun. Aided by my son (just back from 1st semester at Uni) we had a 'man morning' of the sort he would normally laugh at me for. Unpacking and positioning between the two of us was a dawdle. They have been set up in the space previously occupied by the little PMC Twenty.23 until my spike shoes arrive tomorrow and I can properly level and adjust the positioning - so real 'plonk and play' temporarily.

How do they sound?

Bloody marvellous! A much better balanced loudspeaker than the S-600 ime, to the point where (cliche alert) the latter sounded broken by comparison (I warned you). Sonically they disappear - and I like that. The music is just there; vocals are noticeably more natural and full range, bass is plentiful but controlled and tuneful and the top end clear. Imaging is spot-on - and I like that too. My hunch about the PMC's constraining the sound following the firmware update I sense has proved correct.

With the 'new' NDAC I'm very pleased to have returned to an 'all naim' signature sound...oh, and the TQB cables still work a treat!

Happy holiday's all!

It's 'play and plonk' time for me...

Graeme

 

Posted on: 27 December 2015 by Kiwi cat
Don Atkinson posted:
GraemeH posted:

https://flic.kr/p/C7QFyE

Have not grasped how to post the actual pics but that link will take you to them if interested.

Cheers

G

Graeme,

In Flickr select your desired photo

Click on the curved arrow (usually bottom right) to "Share"

Copy the HTMLembedded link by right clicking. (you might have a choice of HTMLembedded or BBCode or other code)

Back in the forum - click the "< >" symbol which reads "Source Code" on the right hand end of the "Add Reply" tool bar. This should bring up and empty looking page.

Paste your HTML Code into the page and activate it by pressing "OK"

That's what I did for the picture below

Don, Thanks so much for posting such clear instructions. I now know how to post my wine pictures! The Naim instructions do not mention the "< >" , but "HTML" which is no longer in the posting box.

Posted on: 28 December 2015 by GraemeH
MDS posted:

Thanks for pictures, Graeme. The 400s certainly look the part and seem to suit the flooding in your room. Not sure what you've done to your poor little dog though. I seem to recall he looked much better in some of your earlier pics.

Mike 

Thanks Mike - We had him pressed and made into a lamp! 

Seriously, he's alive and well and mischevious as ever.

G

Posted on: 28 December 2015 by Thorsten_L

Which speaker cable is in use?

Posted on: 28 December 2015 by hungryhalibut

It's Tellurium Q Black. 

Posted on: 28 December 2015 by GraemeH
Hungryhalibut posted:

It's Tellurium Q Black. 

It is indeed - Full system details in my profile.

I've separated out the SN2 & NDX a bit HH - Well spotted!

G

Posted on: 28 December 2015 by hungryhalibut

Try swapping them around. 

Posted on: 28 December 2015 by Thorsten_L

Thanks.

How does it differ in sound from NACA5?

 

Posted on: 28 December 2015 by GraemeH
Hungryhalibut posted:

Try swapping them around. 

Can't HH - Cable run at its maximum to furthest S-400. It's sounding superb so I'm just enjoying the moment...G

Posted on: 28 December 2015 by GraemeH
Thorsten_L posted:

Thanks.

How does it differ in sound from NACA5?

 

For me their is a distinct leap in clarity compared to NACA5. I'm now also using TQB Din-Din interconnect...Everything sounding just right to my ears.

HH is the TQB fount of all knowledge and may chip in here.

G

Posted on: 28 December 2015 by Adam Zielinski

I found TQ Black and UltraBlack interconnects and cables particularly suitable for NAIM gear. 

Once the S400s settle in, try the TQ UltraBlack Din-Din. But be warned... there is no going back after that

Posted on: 28 December 2015 by GraemeH
Adam Zielinski posted:

I found TQ Black and UltraBlack interconnects and cables particularly suitable for NAIM gear. 

Once the S400s settle in, try the TQ UltraBlack Din-Din. But be warned... there is no going back after that

TQUB Din-Din a thing of the past - 'Black Diamond' now. Would probably re-try a HCDR before any more cable tweakery - if I'm considering any future moves.

Happy in the moment just now.

Cheers

G

Posted on: 28 December 2015 by Adam Zielinski

I of course meant Black Diamond DIN-DIN   There is no UltraBlack Din-Din

have the same cable myself - wonderful

Posted on: 28 December 2015 by hungryhalibut
Thorsten_L posted:

Thanks.

How does it differ in sound from NACA5?

 

When I started using this cable I started a thread called Tellurium Q Black in da house, or something similar, which you may find interesting, or not. I got it when I was using PMC speakers. When I then got some Naim speakers, I found NAC A5 better than TQB.