I have had the Naim for 10 days now - playing it almost non-stop.
It is connected in AV bypass mode to my Yamaha receiver.
My source is mainly Apple Lossless audio from a Mac Mini to AudiNirvana to an Arcam RDac.
Jazz sounds mind blowing.
But base heavy blues and rock sounds quite lifeless and muddy.
Do I have a problem with speaker matching? Or should I look elsewhere?
My sub is out for repair - the active B&W ASW750 - but it looks like I can't use it with the Naim amp - as it does not have speaker level inputs.
If I use the subwoofer to be driven by its own amp from the receiver pre-out, and the Naim driving the fronts in 2 channel stereo mode, will it help? Or should I just get a separate set of bookshelf speakers - a local dealer has a great offer on the Emit M20s.
Lot of questions - but I am in pain!
Posted on: 27 August 2016 by ryder.
Sorry to hear about your problem. You are not getting any responses as it is difficult to ascertain the actual problem in your situation. There can be many possibilities. For starters, try adjusting the position of the B&W speakers to see if you can improve the sound of the bass with the music that you thought sounded lifeless.
Posted on: 27 August 2016 by ChrisSU
It's unfortunate for you that the 5si has no sub-out or pre-out, unlike the NaitXS and the Uniti. I'm not aware of any solution other than changing either your amp or your sub. Last year I managed to get hold of a used Naim N-Sub, which has both input options, and worked well with my Superuniti. Rel or BK subs might also be an option.
As for your muddy bass issues, have you investigated speaker positioning, stands, and room treatments? I would experiment with this before changing your speakers.
Posted on: 27 August 2016 by Frank Abela
Hmm, I was worried the 5si might not be man enough for 704s when you mooted it some time back. Most likely it's a mismatch, but just to check...
Have you reworked the position of the speakers since introducing the amp? Obviously, by introducing the Naim amp you've changed the balance of the system and the speakers need to be repositioned to work with that.
Are the speakers a good distance from side and back walls? They need 18 inches if memory serves.
Frank.
Posted on: 28 August 2016 by mpw
i use a DiY sealed sub very nicely to go with my standmount speakers & Naim Nait 5i-2
connecting a sub to the naim Nait 5i-2 or 5si should not be a problem as long as the sub has speaker level inputs.. but your B&W ASW 750 does not seem to have these speaker level inputs.
You may consider trying a different sub with speaker level inputs as well and that may be the cheapest way without adding to the equipment count.
Regards
Posted on: 31 August 2016 by RaghuV
Over the last 10 days, I have spent about 5-8 hours playing different music on the Naim.
I am also experimenting with positioning of the fronts with better results. Also restricting myself to Lossless audio files.
The sound seems to get better and better. The midrange for vocals which was a bit muddy seems to be clearing, bass sound tighter and deeper.
Either I am witnessing a real "breaking in" of the new amp, or just getting used to the Naim sound.
My urgency to get my current sub repaired or to contemplate a new one is receding into a nice to have.
Perhaps I am learning patience too.
Thanks for all the advice for a Naim newbie.
