A speaker question, if I may.
Posted by: Drumgooland on 26 April 2016
Hi Folks,
Three years ago I decided to sell my Naim system. On reflection it was probably not the best decision I have ever made, but there you are. For the last while I have been getting by with a Linn Majik DSM/NAS and Activ Majik Isobariks (Majik amps). The current system is OK, being quite musical and reasonably detailed. But there is one aspect of the presentation that I am finding increasingly difficult to live with, and that is, the system lacks excitement. I love deep, powerful driving bass and whilst my current system’s bass is extended and tuneful it lacks slam and presence. Time and time again I find myself thinking that the system is nice, but ultimately disappointing. I have looked into the various box upgrades, but following various dems, I have concluded that I would just be getting a more expensive version of the same. Like it or not, I have to finally admit that Linn is not for me and I miss my Naim system.
Retirement is now looming, and with it the prospect of more time to relax and listen to music. I have a choice. I could either accept what I have or I could do something about it. With this in mind, I am thinking of reverting to a Naim system. However I do not intend replicating the system I used to have – there were too many boxes involved and quite frankly, I wouldn’t want to spend that sort of money again. No, I want to achieve my aim with a much simpler set up. Now looking to the past, a system which I enjoyed 12 years ago was a 52/250/Mission 753Fs. I like the concept of such a system, but not so retro; any new set up will need to consist of more modern boxes/speakers.
With this in mind, I have decided on a system I would like to audition:
NDS and XPS2 / 555PS
NAC 252 / Supercap2
NAP 300
If nothing else, the last couple of years has cemented my conversion to digital streaming, hence the NDS. I liked the NAC252 when I owned one, and I have a soft spot for the NAP 300. On the basis of the old Naim/Linn synergy I was thinking of retaining the Majik Isobariks, but it has been suggested that they would not be a good fit. So my dilemma is, what speakers could I audition that would complement the above electronics? Suggestions welcomed.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by Jonn
Focal Sopra2 are flavour of the month. Should go well with your proposed set-up. Use the search function to get user feedback.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by TOBYJUG
Without too much trouble Focal is the go to's at the mo. Why not spend some quality time researching yourself and find a speaker that no one here has heard of. And then tell US about it !
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by The Strat (Fender)
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by Gavin B
However I do not intend replicating the system I used to have – there were too many boxes involved
Yet your suggestion for your new system is six boxes! You must have had quite a system before.
Perhaps an early demo ought to be this six box system vs. a three box (272/Powersupply/250DR) to allow you to judge the level you're looking for.
Deciding on the relative level of your electronic would also then give you a guide for an appropriate level for the speakers.
Good luck & enjoy the process
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by wenger2015
It would be useful to know, what your budget is for speakers? 
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by Pcd
Heard the Sopra 2 being used with a 272, Xpsdr and a 300dr with cable upgrades at the recent Bristol show absolutely stunning mind you the 250dr did a remarkable job as well.
The dr upgrade has really enhanced the Naim product's a superb uplift in performance.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by blythe
I was also going to suggest you listen to some Neat speakers as they have several in their range with the rather wonderful isobaric bass driver setup.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by dave marshall
I was also going to suggest you listen to some Neat speakers as they have several in their range with the rather wonderful isobaric bass driver setup.
+1 for the Neats.
I've had quite a few from their range, and there's a definite synergy with Naim amplification.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by Timmo1341
I spent many hours in demo rooms comparing Neat and ProAc (primarily Momentum 5i v ProAc 20 & 30r).
Nothing at all wrong with the Neats, but I found that, despite their vaunted iso-barik set up, the ProAcs' bass was immeasurably superior in terms of slam, pace and control. I ended up choosing the 20s simply because of room size, but the 30s were exquisite!!
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by tonym
Another vote here for Neats. Excellent speakers. Or maybe Kudos, you need to listen to the options with your intended system.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by The Strat (Fender)
Another vote here for Neats. Excellent speakers. Or maybe Kudos, you need to listen to the options with your intended system.
What Tony says.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by hungryhalibut
You need to find a good dealer why can really help you, and not just sell you stuff. You are thinking of spending an awful lot of money, maybe £30k, and it needs to be absolutely right for you. I like the idea of trying a 272/250 and seeing if it meets your needs. It's what I use now, having had a 552/300 in the past, and it really is extraordinarily good. But if you want more, then the NDS, 252 and 300 would be great. Once you have decided, then try speakers. You could always think about spending £3,000 on some used (obviously) NBLs or DBLs, which will knock spots off new boxes at £10k.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by Ryan.b
Hi Drumgooland
That is certainly a hell of a system you are looking to buy there, brilliant foundations for a great speaker!
Personally I love the PMC speakers with Naim. I think they just dove tail nicely, and the sound stage they produce is amazing.
Depending on what your budget is, I would recommend for a system of that calibur, the PMC Fact 12's. If they are a bit to expensive, then the PMC Twenty 26's would be quite good. You would get the maximum performance from the 26's but maybe the fact 12's will give you a nicer sound especially in the top end, and give you a bit of longevity from the point of view of upgrading your Naim in the future.
That is my suggestion, but I have no doubt that there are other good speakers out there which would work just as well, just my personal preference!
Regards
Ryan
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by Adam Zielinski
One more thing - there should be a new pre-streamer combo coming out in the 2nd half of 2016. Most likely a step up from N272, in the direction of NDS + 282 (or something along those lines).
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by Adam Zielinski
You could try the last of the Ovators as well - Ovator S-600 could be interesting. Or if your room is smaller S-400.
You should be able to find some stock items before Naim discontiues their production this May.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by nigelb
One more thing - there should be a new pre-streamer combo coming out in the 2nd half of 2016. Most likely a step up from N272, in the direction of NDS + 282 (or something along those lines).
Adam, do you have some inside information or is this educated guesswork?
Intrigued, of Chesham.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by Zipperheadbanjo
Include Proac D30R (or D40R if room size permits) and Focal Sopra 2's on your demo list.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by hungryhalibut
If it's genuine inside information it really shouldn't be aired on here. Every time I've been told something I've kept it strictly to myself, and I'm sure many others do exactly the same.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by Adam Zielinski
If it's genuine inside information it really shouldn't be aired on here. Every time I've been told something I've kept it strictly to myself, and I'm sure many others do exactly the same.
Correct HH - I've edited my reply.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by GraemeH
I don't get the logic of puting a developing technology (streamer) with a more stable one (pre) in one box. Think where naim streamers have gone in the last 10 years compared to even a 552 for example.
What is the argument for this that I'm not seeing?
G
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by Adam Zielinski
I don't get the logic of puting a developing technology (streamer) with a more stable one (pre) in one box. Think where naim streamers have gone in the last 10 years compared to even a 552 for example.
What is the argument for this that I'm not seeing?
G
I would say convenience - not everyone wants to have a number of black boxes in their living room. If you could for instance take, say NDS+555PS and 252+SC and merge it into one unit? This way you'd end up with 2 boxes instead of 4.
Adam
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by Adam Zielinski
One more thing - there should be a new pre-streamer combo coming out in the 2nd half of 2016. Most likely a step up from N272, in the direction of NDS + 282 (or something along those lines).
Adam, do you have some inside information or is this educated guesswork?
Intrigued, of Chesham.
If you look at a the new price list you will notice that all components went up in price, except for the pre-amps (at least in Poland they did). Judging by the past behaviour we may be in for a treat sometime this year.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by hungryhalibut
I don't get the logic of puting a developing technology (streamer) with a more stable one (pre) in one box. Think where naim streamers have gone in the last 10 years compared to even a 552 for example.
What is the argument for this that I'm not seeing?
G
I'd say that the argument is that the combined box is nearly as good as its separate equivalents (e.g. 272 cf NDX/282) for far less money, fewer boxes and fewer wires. It sounds pretty convincing to me. And the whole caboodle can be upgraded with new firmware.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by nigelb
But there haven't been any developments since Naim's first and only set of streamers - ND5 XS, NDX and NDS - other than firmware updates which are to be expected. Maybe the new one box streamer preamps WILL contain a developed streamer section with admittedly a traditional preamp section. I hasten to add, this is pure speculation on my part - no insider information.
As far as the logic of putting a streamer and preamp in one box is concerned, there is one BIG benefit in that you do away with an interconnect that can only compromise and detract from ultimate performance. There also the economies from a one box solution but of course you do lose the sonic benefits from separating these delicate electronic devices and the reduction of noise which I guess is one of the key benefits of separtes.
Naim must be encouraged by the performance and commercial success of NAC- N 272 and am sure believe there is mileage in this concept higher up the food chain. Again pure speculation on my part.
Posted on: 26 April 2016 by GraemeH
I don't get the logic of puting a developing technology (streamer) with a more stable one (pre) in one box. Think where naim streamers have gone in the last 10 years compared to even a 552 for example.
What is the argument for this that I'm not seeing?
G
I'd say that the argument is that the combined box is nearly as good as its separate equivalents (e.g. 272 cf NDX/282) for far less money, fewer boxes and fewer wires. It sounds pretty convincing to me. And the whole caboodle can be upgraded with new firmware.
...nearly...The itch sets in with me there.
G
