A new Naim user - straight from Linn

Posted by: thealphabeta on 04 January 2016

Hi All

New Naim user here. I used to have a Linn Majik DSM with Majik 109 speakers which was a set-up that I really enjoyed. I sold it all when I moved to London due to space. Having just completed on a new house with much more space the first thing I wanted to treat myself to was a new hifi set up. I went to audition some Naim gear against my old set up and was blown away by the Naim, in particular the Qute 2. I simply can't believe the sound from something 1.5k less than the Majik DSM, stunning. I much much prefer the overall sound, it was just much easier listening and more enjoyable. As soon as the source was swapped to the Naim I had a smile on my face and new almost immediately I preferred it. I also heard the Superuniti which was great but I didn't feel like it was a massive step up from the Qute2 and with the NAP 100 it stepped up again.

So, here I am with a Qute 2. Speakers I'm still auditioning and reading about. Must be floor standers with a slight frame (gf friendly). I'm into the Neat Motive SX2's. I like the sound very much and their style is right up my street. I've also tried some Linn speakers (109), B&W (i.e. CM8), PMC's and ProAc's.

Looking forward to finally settling on some speakers but I'm not quite there yet I don't think. The Motives are up there but I haven't quite pulled the trigger yet.

Posted on: 06 January 2016 by Stephen Pritchard

I run one my 'Qutes through a pair of Linn Kans (Mk 1). They sound great - best of both worlds!

Posted on: 06 January 2016 by HardBop

I too believe I've the best of both worlds. I run Naim front end and amplification with Linn Kabers. Much preferred the Kabers to SBL's when I auditioned them many, many years ago!

Posted on: 06 January 2016 by feeling_zen

HardBop posted:
I too believe I've the best of both worlds. I run Naim front end and amplification with Linn Kabers. Much preferred the Kabers to SBL's when I auditioned them many, many years ago!

absolutely.

Posted on: 06 January 2016 by Anto68

Ciao THEALPHABETA,

i move from Linn to Naim like you but i left a Linn Classik for a Unitilite. I wanted a Majik Dsm but when I tried the Unitilite I had no doubts. Yesterday I replaced my beloved Linn kan speakers with a couple of Elac BS 263.

Enjoy your new Naim product

Posted on: 06 January 2016 by thealphabeta

Ah yes the Linn Classik. That was my first Linn system too. I had a CA DAC Magic hooked up to it via an airport express and it was a great little set up!

Posted on: 07 January 2016 by Zachris

I love my Naim-Linn combo, too. Current setup is nDAC, SN2, Majik 140. Great synergy, as I have found Naim speakers a too tight for my taste.

"I too believe I've the best of both worlds. I run Naim front end and amplification with Linn Kabers. Much preferred the Kabers to SBL's when I auditioned them many, many years ago!"

Posted on: 12 January 2016 by awn

J Saville posted:
If you can find them, try Totem Acoustic Arros. Small for a floorstander with a big sound!

I must 3rd this. Amazing speaker, I am planning to add an arrow or a forest to my naim set up. Haven't quite decided on which one yet.