Newbie posts

Posted by: stuart.ashen on 29 April 2016

I all,

first post although I occasionaly lurk from time to time!

Way back in the late eighties I remember how difficult it was to decide how difficult it was to choose a long term pathway. Like many people I dabbled with various bits of hi fi, but the first big decision was a choice between a Xerxes and the LP12. Chose the Roksan but I always had a lingering doubt about my decision. Had a similar problem between Exposure and Naim too!

Anyway, my trusty Xerxes requires serious funds to bring it back to life so I have taken the opportunity to start retired life with a new LP12. It might have taken nearly 30 years to end up with a classic Linn/Naim system and if I am honest it was a mistake to buy the Roksan. The Roksan did an aweful lot right but it was more hi fi and less music compared to the Linn. It also lacked the dealer support compared to the standard of my Naim dealer.

So, my point. I have read many newbie posts and have some sympathy with how difficult it is to make long term decisions. My advice to them would be:

find a great dealer and then stick with them and build a long term relationship.
buy products that come from established companies like Naim.
listen to the music not the hi fi in the dem. Much harder than you think!
Have at least an idea of where you would like your journey to end so that purchases become investments on that path.
Post for advice on here, there are some experienced members with genuine insights.

Stu.

Posted on: 29 April 2016 by Foot tapper

Hi Stu and welcome to the Naim forum!

Your list of tips looks like well distilled wisdom, a 30 year vintage in fact.

Best regards from an admirer of and former owner of Linn & Roksan turntables

Posted on: 29 April 2016 by stuart.ashen

Thanks for the welcome Foot Tapper.

I reflect on those early days, reading too many mags/reviews and buying the latest 5 star products. Part of me thinks its part of the process, a necessary learning curve perhaps. But think big when you are young, aspire to something really special, and make good decisions to put you on that path to an end game. The upside is that the top products sound good even at their modest levels (nait for example). With clarity of thought and some good advice/dealer it can be done! I guess I am saying to newbies to learn from our mistakes.

Roksan was great mind, as were the Exposure amps! However, I finally thik I have got it right....

Stu

Posted on: 29 April 2016 by Sloop John B

stuart.ashen posted:

So, my point. I have read many newbie posts and have some sympathy with how difficult it is to make long term decisions. My advice to them would be:
find a great dealer and then stick with them and build a long term relationship.
buy products that come from established companies like Naim.
listen to the music not the hi fi in the dem. Much harder than you think!
Have at least an idea of where you would like your journey to end so that purchases become investments on that path.
Post for advice on here, there are some experienced members with genuine insights.

Stu.

I'd add when posting for advice on here that as well, as "some experienced members" there are a lot of sheep who recycle other's opinions as if Moses brought them down that mountain. I should know, I was one of them!

Stu, ( a revered name around these parts) what is your current system?

SJB

Posted on: 29 April 2016 by wenger2015

Apparently the 39th commandment was 'thou shall not steal other peoples opinions'

Posted on: 29 April 2016 by Drewy

wenger2015 posted:
Apparently the 39th commandment was 'thou shall not steal other peoples opinions'

The 40th was 'thou shall not buy ovators'.

I bought them, luckily I ignored the 39th.

Posted on: 29 April 2016 by stuart.ashen

Hi Sloop,

my impression is that the forum gives a range of views. Its the responsibility of the reader to act as a bs filter. Hard to do when you are new to the game mind.

My system is CDS3, 252, 300 into old but lovely SBLs. The LP12 arrives Friday and is Akurate level but with my OC9 to save some cash. Very excited, I have that feeling of expectation that I got years ago when upgrading. Dangerous...

Stu

Posted on: 30 April 2016 by analogmusic

different room different speakers, different expectations all make for different views.

congrats on your LP12, hope it lives up to your expectations.

Posted on: 30 April 2016 by Belfast Taxman

Hello and welcome to the forum from a comparative newbie. What wonderful excitement waiting for your new LP12. My "fear" for you is that the upgrading may only have just begun! That is very much the way with Linn/Naim. Whilst the AT cartridge is a good VFM one, I imagine it won't be long before your mind starts wondering towards Krystal (Linn) or as good IMHO Dynavector. Anyway que sera sera.

I recognised many of your pieces of advice but the second one about only buying products from established companies? Let us not forget that once upon a time Linn and Naim were new companies. Sooner rather than later there may be new companies that really challenge the order of things. On the amp front for example I recently listened to a range of products from a company new to me at least, a Canadian company called Moon. Very impressive but for the time being I am sticking with the boys and girls from Wiltshire.

Posted on: 30 April 2016 by Adam Zielinski

Welcome! I think you have distilled the points perfectly.

My main advice always is: enjoy the music.

At the end of the day all our fancy gear should really serve one purpose: enjoyment of music.

Adam

PS Note a careful use of a word SHOULD

Posted on: 30 April 2016 by Bert Schurink

Your tips are very valuable, while there is also a but....

1. Most people start modest and get addicted - that's where the bigger investments come, so in other words changing perspectives.

2. The brands also in the audio world are changing, and Naim and Linn also started small. I started my journey with Revox and they have more or less become irrelevant ...

3. Technology evolves. Now a lot of people are into streaming. This technology and it's specific challenges didn't exist years ago.

Posted on: 30 April 2016 by stuart.ashen

Thanks again for the welcome all!

BTM and Bert S, I agree with your point about established makes. I understand that this might penalise new and upcoming brands. However, a Newbie has enough to consider without any burden of supporting new brands. Its a very tough world is selling hi fi! But perhaps the market will support a different customer interested in downloads and earphones?

Both Linn and Naim have evolved to maintain their position at the top of the audio tree. They have survived for a reason as have others. Ironically, my first major investment since 2004 is an LP12, hardly cutting edge and yet...

As for upgrading, I will go Krystal but there is life in the OC9 yet. Gives me something to look forward, a clear goal rather than a wider symptom of upgraditus...

Stu