Calling all PMC Twenty 26 owners

I don't have the Twenty 26, instead having the PMC EB1i, and I don't have experience of the 300, presently using a Bryston 4Bsst2, however possibly there is enough commonality to offer My observations.

I find what I have read about Naim's power amp design interesting, and the NAP300 is an amp I would be interested in hearing, though without such a burning desire that I would need in order to mount the 2-day expedition it would take for me to audition, and I would not risk it that amount on an unheard 'punt' - although if you are confident on selling on at the same price then no reason why not.

Naim afficionados say the amplification is designed to be paired as NAC+NAP, though I get the impression it is mainly because the pre is the prime source of the 'Naim sound'. But then a power amp might be a gentle way in. I do gather that the Naim power amps need ultrasonic frequencies filtering out if present in the signal, which is done by their preamps, so do check that your preamp or source do filter out very high frequencies if you go down that path. There are some on the forum who seem happy with Naim power amps without a Naim pre.

FWIW I don't feel my system is in any way clinical, just clear and with a full frequency range, giving a pretty  natural sound, at least to my ears (though the mid and treble can be bettered with better drivers, but thats another thread subject).

Happy NAP 250 owner here used with PMC 20-26s.

Always worth following PMC advice to ensure the speakers are toed in slightly so that the central image converges just behind your main listening position. Result is no harsh top end and wonderful, balanced sound. Arguably it is the source and pre-amp which might be exacerbating any harshness rather than the power amp?

Or toed in less can reduce treble. 

Also of possibly great significance ithe treble if overbright, harsh or confused in the treble is the room.  Whate are dimensions, speaker and listening positions especislly relative to walls, wallcoverings, especially side walls if near to speakers, floor furnishing generally. Etc.

Innocent Bystander posted:

I don't have the Twenty 26, instead having the PMC EB1i, and I don't have experience of the 300, presently using a Bryston 4Bsst2, however possibly there is enough commonality to offer My observations.

I find what I have read about Naim's power amp design interesting, and the NAP300 is an amp I would be interested in hearing, though without such a burning desire that I would need in order to mount the 2-day expedition it would take for me to audition, and I would not risk it that amount on an unheard 'punt' - although if you are confident on selling on at the same price then no reason why not.

Naim afficionados say the amplification is designed to be paired as NAC+NAP, though I get the impression it is mainly because the pre is the prime source of the 'Naim sound'. But then a power amp might be a gentle way in. I do gather that the Naim power amps need ultrasonic frequencies filtering out if present in the signal, which is done by their preamps, so do check that your preamp or source do filter out very high frequencies if you go down that path. There are some on the forum who seem happy with Naim power amps without a Naim pre.

FWIW I don't feel my system is in any way clinical, just clear and with a full frequency range, giving a pretty  natural sound, at least to my ears (though the mid and treble can be bettered with better drivers, but thats another thread subject).

Hi everybody. Innocent Bystander has said that "the pre is the prime source of the 'Naim sound'". Dou you all agree? I am asking this because I am considering buying an ATC SMC40A next year. As it is an active speaker (I come from actively driven Linn Keilidhs and I know for sure what active speakers can do) I always wonder if I will still get a god deal of the "Naim sound" if I run them from an Naim preamp.

Bryston would be the classic recommendation. They have a reputation for a refined valve like treble and strong bass.