Dynaudio Focus 260 with XS2

Hi,

i responded on the other thread but in summary - I owned the Contour 1.8 which was the forerunner of the 220 which was before the 260.  It took a 282/200 to really open the door on the 1.8s and then I bought a 250Dr which in my view really optimised. 

The XS is a brilliant amp but in my view you need a SN2 (minimum) for this job   

Good luck.  

Lindsay

Thank you for your comment.

The SN2 is almost €1600 more expensive than the XS2. Is the difference between the 2 that big? The SN2 is only 10w more powerful than the XS2.

I wouldn't be too influenced by the figures the 250 over the 200 is only the same difference but the step change in grip and authority is very considerable aided by a considerably higher spec pre-stage. 

Regards, 

Lindsay

As a previous XS2 owner and current SN2 owner, I feel as if I should have gone straight to the SN2. The difference in bass quality and quantity is significant IMO.

Amused

Where are you based? 

Do you have to buy the Nait XS or Supernait from the same dealer you will return the Arcam?

I'm based in Belgrade, and yes, I would have to buy it from the same dealer. 

oK, in that case I would go for the SN2.

it isn't just 10 more watts.

The preamp of SN2 has  DR regulation which Nait XS does not have.

The Sn1 preamp section was based on a Suface mount version of the NAC 282 preamp circuit. not sure about Sn2, but I expect something similar.

So if you can afford Sn2, you won't regret the extra money,

Dynaudios are quite transparent/ neutral speakers so they let you know the quality of the electronics.

If you can afford 282/250 DR with a HCDR you will have a system for life, but SN2 will do the job too.

You could also think about 172/200, 272/200 or even 272/250DR...

I would also add that with Naim it isn't just 10 more watts you get, they always make some kind of improvement in the ciruitry as to give more sound quality.

For instance Nap 250 to NAP 300 not a big increase in watts, but the separation of PSU and amp boards, along with layout changes and curcuit improvements, makes for a double in price, but the increase in sound quality is worth the price.

So it's not just about watts with Naim..... you get what you pay for.

I understand, but I can't afford the Supernait 2 at the moment. So my only option is the XS2. If you think it's not up to the task of powering the 260's, then perhaps I should look elsewhere. I am not in the position to spend more than £2,000 on an amp at the moment.

Amused posted:

I understand, but I can't afford the Supernait 2 at the moment. So my only option is the XS2. If you think it's not up to the task of powering the 260's, then perhaps I should look elsewhere. I am not in the position to spend more than £2,000 on an amp at the moment.

 

Could you get ex-demo or pre-loved Naim kit in your country? This is how I got my gear -- and don't regret it. Big savings but it sounds the same! Naim is built to last a very, very long time...

Probably yes, but in that case I will be stuck with the Arcam as I can't return for refund now, only for replacement.

Then buy the nait xs2.

I see -- that's tricky. Couldn't you demo the XS2 somewhere with your speakers? 

This is, of course, the problem that always arises when you are overspeakered. You could always get the Nait XS and more modest speakers. You could also sell those expensive speaker leads and get some NACA5 - is that something you would do? If you sold them and added the cash, you should be able to afford the supernait. The risk with the XS is that it's still not enough. 

Does the dealer not stock the XS or the SN2? Is that why you cannot try it out? Without trying it there is no guarantee that you will like it. The Naim Forum is obviously going to recommend Naim, but how do you know you wouldn't prefer Linn, Densen, Bryston or something else entirely?

Amused posted:

While the 260's are great speakers, they fail to express their full potentional in my setup, and for that I blame the Arcam.

Which amp did the dealer use to drive the £3100 Dyns in the shop?

C.

Hi there,

Only you can tell whether the Nait XS2 is an improvement over the Arcam A29 after listening to it in your own system. And whether it's a small or big difference. Folks who have compared both will just give you a rough guidance but ultimately it's your ears that will be the judge.

I do not have experience with the Arcam A29 but have owned the Alpha 10 eighteen years ago. If the Arcam house sound remains fairly similar throughout the range, I believe the Nait XS2 will deliver. The Arcam is flat sounding and does not have the drive. When it comes to pace and rhythmic drive, the Naim will outshine the Arcam as it's a bass driven amp where the beat of the bass carries the music.

My experience was with the Nait XS and not the XS2. If it's too costly, there are other cheaper non-Naim alternatives though it may not be appropriate to discuss it on this forum. In summary, it is best if you can listen to the shortlisted amplifiers in your system before making a decision.

Good luck.

If your dealer doesn't have any Naim to demo, maybe he could get you in touch with a previous XS2 buyer. A local Naim enthusiast might let you listen to his beloved system. Maybe you could even bring along your speakers. And of course you bring him a good bottle of wine or (and maybe some flowers for the lady) to say thank you; and everybody might be a happy bunny. 

One Hifi seems to be the Naim dealer in Belgrade. Surely they would get an XS or SN2 in to try and you could take your speakers along? Any decent dealer should do this. 

Honestly this thread is really getting confused.

Poor amused.

I own focus 260, and tried them with DAC v1/Nap 100 (50 watts), and lo and behold, it wasn't a major step down from Hugo/282/HCDR/250DR.

Anyone who owns a hi-end Naim rig, and also owns DAC v1/Nap 100 will understand exactly what I am talking about.

Because These are not hi-end speakers. These are only one range above the excite entry level Dynaudio speakers 

for hi-end sound that you need to go to Dynaudio Confidence range.

So Nait XS 2 (70 Watts) will be fine.

Don't look elsewhere to the some of the other brands, Naim and Dynaudio have this synergy which is amazing.

If callas01 on the dynaudio forum is happy with Uniti2 (70 watts) and Focus 260, and says he gets superb bass, then you have nothing to worry about.

I don't want to keep repeating myself, now the decision is yours.

Earlier on Analogue it was the 202/200 that you tried.  Is your conclusion that we could all actually have a Nait 5s?    It's nothing to do with high end or not more whether the XS can drive the 260s satisfactorily and will it at least for the most part solve the problems the OP has identified.  I personally doubt that it will but there's only one way to find out. 

Analogmusic, thank you for the reassurance. 

I bought the speakers second hand, but in like new condition, with the original boxes, cover bags, etc. literally without a single mark. The previous owner didn't even use them because he wanted something else. The speakers aren't even properly broken in (probably).

One HiFi is not the dealer I bought the Arcam from, it's Player.rs, another authorised Naim dealer in Belgrade. Their line of available amps is not that great either. 

Another interesting proposition (albeit from a different dealer) could be a Densen B130+, it's cheaper than the XS2, but the power rating in 4 ohms sounds good (2 x 160w).

I really wouldn't get too hung up on power ratings and other specifications. That really won't tell you much about the ability of an amp to deliver a musical performance from your speakers. Naim amps traditionally have always appeared lower power rated than competitors amps but the reality is they can often outperform amps with much higher power ratings.

Your best bet really is to borrow an XS from your dealer and try it out at home. There's no guarantee that it will work but my guess is that it would be a huge step forward.

All the best

Mark

So many choices for quality integrateds at the XS2 price point. For many a gateway into proper sounds from proper manufacturers that lasts with a love for the way they do their business. Naim are a premium brand after all and for that given price point it could be argued that you can get more bang for your buck. But Naim offer so much more than just a product, what with strong resale value and support for service that other brands would do well to match.

I was very fond of my XS amp. Blew most of the other contenders out of the water for all round satisfaction. And when I later upgraded I got a very reasonable price for it regardless of the fact that there's loads of them out there second hand.

oh dear Lindsay more confusion?

I've tried focus 260 with DAC V1/100, 202/200, 282/250 and 552/500.

As I said, the confidence line of Dynaudio is the hi-end one.

I am way over-amped and over-sourced with focus 260, I need a Confidence C2, with my rig.

Obviously you think the same of your rig, as you don't listen to your contours and "upgraded" to Kudos S20