Naim XS upgrade path

Gary,

I admit it may seem a strange suggestion, but it's based on personal experience. I must add that I have very mixed feelings about the Nait XS: I have owned it twice, and was never completely satisfied with it; yet, I know it is a special amp in the Naim catalogue, with qualities that others don't have. It is more refined than any other integrated, and has a special gift for 'disentangling' the inner voices (for lack of a better term). I have often compared it to a smaller, clearer sounding MarkLevinson.

Plus, I must say that having owned a number of FlatCaps, I have never found their effect irreplaceable; while the addition of a PL to my first XS made it a little 'rougher' while retaining its best qualities. My experience is that the PL is best used on a Nait XS or on CD drives. My opinion only!

Best

M

Well we do agree the XS has some special qualities Max. I've still not encountered a Naim amp that matches its 'lyrical flow' as i used to describe it, for want of a better term.

I like lyrical flow; it expresses well what I had in mind. And yet, I have heard Roberto's NaitXS sound sharp and loud like an angry little devil... A surprising amp, that I think I haven't allowed myself to learn to appreciate. And that, to my taste, doesn't need special additions.

Hi all busy and long day at work yesterday,

Only just reviewing all your many messages of advice.

Many thanks to you all - beginning to pick up on the theme that Naim owners are very passionate about the brand!!

Peter