Naim, the gift that just keeps giving

Posted by: ray sheldon on 02 August 2017

Did a bit of DIY over the weekend and made a few tweaks....

1. Replaced 2 x normal mains sockets with 2 MK unswitched. NDX&SN2 in first socket and US alone in second socket(spurred off from the first prior to new sockets).

2. Rearranged stack, top to bottom: NDX, US,SN2. (Previously SN and US other way round).

3. Got all 3 network cables off the floor and out of sight(almost) with the Netgear GS10 switch on the wall to the right of mains sockers with the 3 cables dropping to trunking that runs all the way along the top of the skirting to the router. A small cut in the trunking to allow 2 cables to go to the back of NDX&US. (Not sure if running network cables together in parralel is recommended or not). I know I wouldn't necessarily do that with mains or interconnects etc?

Cable dressing ok with no wires in contact with any others.

System on fraimlite to the right of speakers as it was before.

And the result...very nice indeed...

Top end smooth with more detail.

Nice improvement to mid bass.

Sounds cleaner and hearing detail I've not noticed before. I was surprised to hear notes in Jean Michel Jarre's 'Oxygene' that I've not noticed in 30+ years. If you know this album, part 2....the sound you make when you pull your index finger out of the side of your cheek 'pop' is jumping out of the speakers. I was blown away by the level of detail.

Will I add a HC to the SN as planned, unlikely. This combo blows me out of my seat?

Will I add a 250 to push the speakers further(I think the pmc25.23 would benefit as the SN2 is running out of steam when really pushed) unlikely, there seems to be as much power that one would need before destroying your ear drums.

Those little tweaks really make a difference and I think I'm happy here for the foreseeable....except that I'm wondering if a more revealing speaker cable would lift the mid a little more without introducing unwanted brightness. I won't be jumping to Lumia just yet. BTW, already have the Lumia IC.

��

Posted on: 02 August 2017 by Manu

Proper cable dressing is a no brainer with any system and specially with Naim.

you have set the ground to better enjoy future upgrades....

Posted on: 02 August 2017 by Iconoclast

I've been having fun with this:

Posted on: 02 August 2017 by seakayaker

ICONOCLAST, your cable dressing looks mighty fine! Great idea to clean up a cable clutter.

Posted on: 02 August 2017 by Iconoclast

seakayaker posted:
ICONOCLAST, your cable dressing looks mighty fine! Great idea to clean up a cable clutter.

Thanks. It's not my idea though, saw it on Pinterest.

Posted on: 02 August 2017 by badlands

ray sheldon posted:

Will I add a HC to the SN as planned, unlikely. This combo blows me out of my seat?
Will I add a 250 to push the speakers further(I think the pmc25.23 would benefit as the SN2 is running out of steam when really pushed) unlikely, there seems to be as much power that one would need before destroying your ear drums.

I don't know if I'm reading your reply right, you know forum members have a way of misinterpreting ones intentions, but if I'm wrong, don't take offense.

The HC will do exactly what you want when connected to the SN2, if you are concerned about the SN2 running out of steam at higher volume levels.

Although, as an owner of a SN2 and HCDR combo, and running fairly difficult speaker loads, I haven't really had a problem at higher listening levels, not as of yet anyway. The combo, for me, doesn't blow me out of my seat, just creates a dynamic and powerful listening experience.

The 250-2DR and the SN2 are rated at exactly the same watts per channel, and have the exact same current ratings, so if you are concerned about the SN2 running out of steam, the 250 is not really the answer, even taking into consideration, and the benefits of the 250 being a fully regulated amp, the 300, in all honesty, is what you would need if your goal is to provide more current for your speakers.

If you want to lift the entire performance of your system, and want a more revealing speaker cable, yet don't want to spend the extremely vaulted prices of SL cables, try Vovox cables. My system has really benefited from these cables.

Just my honest opinion from a former 250-2 owner.

Posted on: 02 August 2017 by No quarter

I used to own the SN2 with highcap DR...it struggled to drive my old speakers at higher volumes,they were Dynaudio C1 MK11's.My current 272/250 DR handled the C1 platinum's I borrowed from my dealer with MUCH more grip and authority,I had borrowed a pair when I first demo'd the 272/250 DR,had them at home for a week.They may be rated the same,but simply are not,from my home demo's with hard to drive speakers.

Posted on: 02 August 2017 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Indeed, a regulated amp will make a world of difference with speakers with challenging impedance curves... that is after all one of the main benefits of using amp regulation.. I find the 250 series amps perform amazingly well up to UK medium sized rooms and then the 300 series takes over..