Dynaudio Focus 260 with XS2

Amused posted:

However, I wouldn't invest too much in this room acoustics now as I have plans for moving into a larger apartment in the not so distant future.

Maybe you need to do that first, in case it solves the midrange, although presumably then the window for swapping the amp will be gone, meaning change would only be by selling yours secondhand. Back to where things started: can the dealer really not be persuaded to let you try what he has with your speakers in your home? Given the problem you have, just an hour or so would be enough to decide if it improves, so,maybe offer to pay for his time to come over with it one evening after work, or soemething, if he won't accommodate in the normal course of business.

Innocent Bystander posted:

Amused posted:

I heard the 5SI with some KEFs. I never heard the Naim - Dynaudio combo. 

How does Musical Fidelity stack against Naim? That might be an option as well. I know this is a Naim forum, but I had to ask.

I haven't compared myself, but suspect the answer will be 'very different'... I did enjoy mine, though they were from 25-30 years ago and I know nothing about current or recent ones.

I  note Huge has picked up on your room, which I suggested might be a factor in your midrange problem. I endorse what he has suggested. Remiss of me not to suggest REW myself - I personally found it very useful whan  I had a major room problem, identifying how a fundamental change of  the room layout would solve it. That would be well worth pursuing before going too far down the line with amps. The only cost is a relatively inexpensibpve microphone, REW itself being available free, and it is not difficult to use, at least in a simple manner.

I have a microphone that came with a Marantz NR1606 for Audissey calibration. Can it be used for this purpose and how?

Amused posted:

I heard the 5SI with some KEFs. I never heard the Naim - Dynaudio combo. 

How does Musical Fidelity stack against Naim? That might be an option as well. I know this is a Naim forum, but I had to ask.

Before I bought my Naim amplifiers, I listened to a lot of brands in the UK and overseas (solid state, and tube) (some of which get many awards in the hi-fi press), but none really had the ability to bring music to life as Naim do, even if they do sound very nice. One tube brand did please me, but I forgot the name... However I don't want a tube amp in my home.

The only other one that had the ability of Naim is another brand, but they are also very expensive (hint : they make a very well known turntable), and then only Naim stand by service their amps even if they are 40 years old, the other brand, well, after 10 years you are pretty much on your own.

Amused posted:

I have a microphone that came with a Marantz NR1606 for Audissey calibration. Can it be used for this purpose and how?

It might not be as good as a proper measuring microphone, but may well suffice for your purpose. In essence, you download REW onto a computer (laptop likely to be best unless the microphone has a long enough cable to reach around the room), plug the microphone in and find it through REW's settings. You will also need a cable from the computer's audio out (often the headphone jack) to a line in on your preamp - typically 3.5mm headphone jack to rca/phono, ensuring it is a signal cable (screened), and nothing fancy needed:in UK these are readily available from outlets selling AV equipment etc., and needs to be long enough so that in conjunction with the microphone wire and computer you can get the microphone to all possible listening positions, including ones you might not yet have tried, with the output plugged into the amp.

Once you get to that point, I'm sure you'll find willing guidance on using it.

tom tom audio has a NAC 72 for 195 GBP and also a NAC 42 for the same price.

Nac 72 and NAP 200 are a very good combo (well maybe not visually matched).

I would buy it with confidence.

Amused posted:

I heard the 5SI with some KEFs. I never heard the Naim - Dynaudio combo. 

How does Musical Fidelity stack against Naim? That might be an option as well. I know this is a Naim forum, but I had to ask.

When I first heard the 260s it was with a Musica Fidelity M3i and the sound was really good, but I kept noting that my 5i could power the bass on my Excite X16s better then the M3i could the 260s. That really didn't add up to me. I asked the dealer to swap in a T+A E Series integrated amp/music receiver and the bass came out. Maybe the higher up amps are better. The mids and highs were nice tho. 

Before you go too far with room measurements,may i suggest moving your speakers 45 degrees.so that the entire setup,including listening position is rotated.This will put one speaker in front of the window on the right,the other in front of the tv,and you will be sitting by that small window on the brick wall.I realize this is impractical long term,but may tell you if the room itself is most of the problem,by changing reflections etc.Just trying to add another idea,instead of jumping on a plane,or buying more equipment,which takes away from your buying power. 

Okay - let's try and summarise this for the OP:

• Identified that the Arcam is inadequate for driving the 260s nor does he like the Arcam signature.
• The only resolution available with the local dealer without incurring financial loss is to trade up for a Nait XS2 but demonstration with the 260s is not possible so he would be taking a further risk in that he may not like Naim, although the consensus view is that there is Naim/Dynaudio synergy. 
• He has received conflicting views as to whether the XS can drive the 260s.  In reality of course it will "drive" the 260s but the question remains as to how well?
• Other amps are available but not readily and the OP would still in all likelihood be taking a financial hit.
• Other options including buying 2nd hand/visiting the UK have been suggested but are probably not feasible.
• Presumably possible for the dealer to order in a SN2 but financial gap too big?

Way forward - 2 options:

• Try and optimize as far as possible around the Arcam.  Cabling and in particular speaker placement may help but I suspect this is not what the OP wishes to do.
• As an interim buy the XS2, optimize with speaker placement etc, and then consider upgrade options in slower time.  Always good to allow for period of reflection and rationalisation, and in due course the purchase of a more enduring solution.

On balance it would seem like Option 2.

Regards,

Lindsay

No quarter posted:

Before you go too far with room measurements,may i suggest moving your speakers 45 degrees.so that the entire setup,including listening position is rotated.This will put one speaker in front of the window on the right,the other in front of the tv,and you will be sitting by that small window on the brick wall.I realize this is impractical long term,but may tell you if the room itself is most of the problem,by changing reflections etc.Just trying to add another idea,instead of jumping on a plane,or buying more equipment,which takes away from your buying power. 

No harm at all in trying this, and is quick and simple., although the only cost of testing if the existing mic works would be £5-10 cable.

The Strat (Fender) posted:

Okay - let's try and summarise this for the OP:

• Identified that the Arcam is inadequate for driving the 260s nor does he like the Arcam signature.
• The only resolution available with the local dealer without incurring financial loss is to trade up for a Nait XS2 but demonstration with the 260s is not possible so he would be taking a further risk in that he may not like Naim, although the consensus view is that there is Naim/Dynaudio synergy. 
• He has received conflicting views as to whether the XS can drive the 260s.  In reality of course it will "drive" the 260s but the question remains as to how well?
• Other amps are available but not readily and the OP would still in all likelihood be taking a financial hit.
• Other options including buying 2nd hand/visiting the UK have been suggested but are probably not feasible.
• Presumably possible for the dealer to order in a SN2 but financial gap too big?

 

Way forward - 2 options:

• Try and optimize as far as possible around the Arcam.  Cabling and in particular speaker placement may help but I suspect this is not what the OP wishes to do.
• As an interim buy the XS2, optimize with speaker placement etc, and then consider upgrade options in slower time.  Always good to allow for period of reflection and rationalisation, and in due course the purchase of a more enduring solution.

On balance it would seem like Option 2.

Regards,

Lindsay

Option 1 makes most sense, and if the OP gets it to sound as he wants then that is all that is needed, and money saved (put towards music or a future upgrade - when the most appropriate amp might be best to consider rather than the only one currently available).

Option 2 only really makes sense if option I doesn't work, and only then if the OP can try the amp with option not to buy if not right for him.

And other options have been suggested.

the risking of not liking Naim/Dynaudio is extremely low.

I have had a few Naim/Linn friends visit my home, each of them was impressed with the Dynaudio/Naim combination.

Yes also DAC V1/Nap 100 (50 watts) with X32 (similar 4 ohm load as focus 260)

No exceptions

The Strat (Fender) posted:

Okay - let's try and summarise this for the OP:

• Identified that the Arcam is inadequate for driving the 260s nor does he like the Arcam signature.
• The only resolution available with the local dealer without incurring financial loss is to trade up for a Nait XS2 but demonstration with the 260s is not possible so he would be taking a further risk in that he may not like Naim, although the consensus view is that there is Naim/Dynaudio synergy. 
• He has received conflicting views as to whether the XS can drive the 260s.  In reality of course it will "drive" the 260s but the question remains as to how well?
• Other amps are available but not readily and the OP would still in all likelihood be taking a financial hit.
• Other options including buying 2nd hand/visiting the UK have been suggested but are probably not feasible.
• Presumably possible for the dealer to order in a SN2 but financial gap too big?

 

Way forward - 2 options:

• Try and optimize as far as possible around the Arcam.  Cabling and in particular speaker placement may help but I suspect this is not what the OP wishes to do.
• As an interim buy the XS2, optimize with speaker placement etc, and then consider upgrade options in slower time.  Always good to allow for period of reflection and rationalisation, and in due course the purchase of a more enduring solution.

On balance it would seem like Option 2.

Regards,

Lindsay

You missed out the option of measuring and maybe fixing the room acoustics.

This is option 3, and includes the speaker placement part of option 1; in my opinion, it should really be done before spending any money either on option 1 or on option 2.

analogmusic posted:

the risking of not liking Naim/Dynaudio is extremely low.

I have had a few Naim/Linn friends visit my home, each of them was impressed with the Dynaudio/Naim combination.

Yes also DAC V1/Nap 100 (50 watts) with X32 (similar 4 ohm load as focus 260)

No exceptions

The number of times at CES shows that the two have been combined over the years is nothing short of staggering. More often than not, it's Naim using Dynaudio speakers to demonstrate the fine sound quality of the gear.

The two brands really do compliment each other more so than other combinations I have heard.

I wonder why???????

Just a couple of examples over the years!!

Strange flood of evidence of  Naim and Dynaudio being paired together. Is anyone denying this? 

Thank you Badlands, I think I can rest my case now 

Hi everyone,

It appears my dealer will be able to lend me both the XS2 and the Supernait 2 for a home demo with my speakers (with a deposit). I might even get them tomorrow.

A friend of mine will also bring a Moon i3.3 integrated amp to my house on Saturday, so I will have the chance to directly compare all of them and report back!

Innocent Bystander posted:

Strange flood of evidence of  Naim and Dynaudio being paired together. Is anyone denying this? 

I'm in a state of denial, does that count?  

Amused posted:

Hi everyone,

It appears my dealer will be able to lend me both the XS2 and the Supernait 2 for a home demo with my speakers (with a deposit). I might even get them tomorrow.

A friend of mine will also bring a Moon i3.3 integrated amp to my house on Saturday, so I will have the chance to directly compare all of them and report back!

Oh, that's good news, you'll be able to see if the extra expenditure is worth it.

Amused posted:

Hi everyone,

It appears my dealer will be able to lend me both the XS2 and the Supernait 2 for a home demo with my speakers (with a deposit). I might even get them tomorrow.

A friend of mine will also bring a Moon i3.3 integrated amp to my house on Saturday, so I will have the chance to directly compare all of them and report back!

Result - excellent.

And for the record I don't think anyone has questioned whether Dyna and Naim work well together - they do.  More is the XS2 up to the task of driving the 260? Simple really.

Amused posted:

Hi everyone,

It appears my dealer will be able to lend me both the XS2 and the Supernait 2 for a home demo with my speakers (with a deposit). I might even get them tomorrow.

A friend of mine will also bring a Moon i3.3 integrated amp to my house on Saturday, so I will have the chance to directly compare all of them and report back!

Great news -as I have suggested that is precisely what is needed before any commitment. And if you find the mids are still not good, do start looking at the room!

analogmusic posted:

the risking of not liking Naim/Dynaudio is extremely low.

Bit of a broad statement this. Speakers are a matter of taste and I'm pretty sure not everyone is definitely going to like Dynaudio speakers. They have never been my cup of tea and that's hearing them with Naim amplification on a number of occasions. 

I understand what you are saying, what I meant is the OP already has Dynaudio speakers, and therefore likes them.

The risk of not liking the pairing of Naim amplifier with a Dynaudio speaker (which someone already has and likes) is very low.

Huge posted:

Innocent Bystander posted:

Strange flood of evidence of  Naim and Dynaudio being paired together. Is anyone denying this? 

I'm in a state of denial, does that count?  

Happens to many people, about many things...

Good to hear AMUSED,that is what was needed from the start,a home demo...should be a fun weekend for you,enjoy.

analogmusic posted:

I understand what you are saying, what I meant is the OP already has Dynaudio speakers, and therefore likes them.

The risk of not liking the pairing of Naim amplifier with a Dynaudio speaker (which someone already has and likes) is very low.

Fair enough.