System Pics 2018

Per, SL2s will work surprisingly well quite close to a corner like in Lewis' picture. I'm assuming that Lewis has tried it the other way as you suggest.  I'd certainly be cautious about placing the Fraim rack there in the corner with the LS2 on the other side of it. You may get lots of reinforced LF that will be fed into rack, kit and turntable. Of course, best by far would be to have the rack well away from the speakers, but perhaps something to work on for the future..

Richard Dane posted:

Great looking setup Lewis. A nice cross-section of Naim style over the past 30+ years.  And I do like the Naim Fraim in cherry with black legs.  Maybe I should get my silver legs "wrapped"...?

Thanks very much Richard.  I did have silver legs before and really liked the look, however, I fancied a change so went with the black instead.  My wife prefers black too so I think they'll stay! 

I had a few sarcastic remarks on the silvers legs from her friends, one even had the cheek to comment that it looked like a TV rack from Currys from the 80's - they simply have no taste / style / or understanding of hifi!

Perol posted:

Lewis

May I recommend you move the left SL2 away from corner/sidewall at racks place, this could better go into corner, just a suggestion.

See below...

Richard Dane posted:

Per, SL2s will work surprisingly well quite close to a corner like in Lewis' picture. I'm assuming that Lewis has tried it the other way as you suggest.  I'd certainly be cautious about placing the Fraim rack there in the corner with the LS2 on the other side of it. You may get lots of reinforced LF that will be fed into rack, kit and turntable. Of course, best by far would be to have the rack well away from the speakers, but perhaps something to work on for the future..

Yes, I have tried pretty much every possible location in the room for speaker and system placement before deciding on the current layout.  It has to be around furniture too, but the sound in the current format is excellent.  I do tend to have that door pulled to when listening in the room so there is no risk of reflection from the surface of the door.  I don't get too hung up on it anyway, as I am working on a dedicated listening room but need to procure another rack which I am looking at currently.  The other room will be laid out; system to the side and speakers in front, as per the traditional form of set up.

Great looking system Lewis and I agree with Richards comments regarding the Fraim, cherry and black legs just looks right with Naim pieces 30+ years old and new range.

It’s late and it’s hot. Just got home with my lovely dogs after a boozy bbq with friends. Gates of Delirium by Yes on quietly (so lid on) with a last large glass of Merlot, dogs at my feet. What could be better...

Stu

Oi, says the Smiths fan... Nigel, play nice you old git!

With more respect than perhaps it sounds,

Stu

Hey, HH,

did you delete your post? I really was not offended, all good banter and all that. Or was it Richard that done it...

Stu

Not me.  honest.

Yes, it was me. I’d gone against my vow not to say anything negative. I actually liked Yes up to Close to the Edge, but they became rubbish after that. My late night picture was like this, playing mellow jazz:

It wasn’t a problem Nigel. SL2s are looking rather nice I must say.

Yes did get patchy after Close to the Edge but there are still some great moments to be had for some Yes fans. Relayer being a case in point IMHO.

Stu.

Eoink posted:

Can I recommend 800 series B&Ws (I use 10 year old 804S), try balancing anything on those.

You’re all good till someone tries to pick the karaoke mic up!

Eloise posted:

Eoink posted:

Can I recommend 800 series B&Ws (I use 10 year old 804S), try balancing anything on those.

You’re all good till someone tries to pick the karaoke mic up!

I do warn people at parties, when I bought them Graham’s did warn me that the mistake had been made. 

Back on topic, I’m hiking in the Dales next week, just touched down in my rental cottage, Qb installed, Tidal and 256k MP3 USB sources. (I suspect Tidal will get more use.)

Whilst SWMBOT is back at hq for a biological/mechanical upgrade. I thought it would be a good time to prep up a demo, kindly helped by my local dealers for a system for our varnishing room.

Good heavens! I had no idea you were Philip May. 

Here are a few photos of my 272/250DR/Core & RP10/Alpheta2/Aria system. For domestic harmony I need to use this built-in shelving which came with the house - unfortunately I can't use Fraim or Quadraspire racks which I otherwise would prefer.

Still, it works pretty well. Despite the proximity of the Aria to the 272 & turntable, there is no hum or feed-back in the system. The bottom shelf components will eventually need to be re-arranged to accommodate a XPS or 555 power supply for the 272. Still looking for a good one in the "pre-loved" or demo market. They're scarce here in the US!

The speakers (MarkAudio/SOTA Viotti-One's) are front-ported and work well against the wall. Again, domestic harmony dictates placement either side of the Korean chest. Never the less, they sound remarkably good.

Thanks for looking - any comments are welcome.   Bob

Bob, it looks really nice, and if you are happy with the sound that’s even better. When you get a 555ps you will be in for a treat.

Very nice Robert. What large rooms you have in the USA. My house (UK) is not much bigger than your Korean chest!

Stu

Luxury, we live in one of the drawers????

It's the wide angle lens!!

And not as big as Tobyjug's room in his picture just preceding mine!!

Robert

How are those Mark Audio speakers? 

What are your favorite albums? 

Regards 

HI MPW - I really like the speakers, which are a somewhat unusual design with 2 full range drivers and simple crossover design. Take a look at their website for full details. Price is kept low by selling direct over the web, with full refund if not happy. Clean & transparent, with good full but tight bass. Highly recommended!

PS Listen mostly to classical, 20% pop

Gazza posted:

Luxury, we live in one of the drawers????

What, a whole drawer? Luxury!

Mac and Dac 

Simple,no fuss and future proof!

nigelb posted:

Gazza posted:

Luxury, we live in one of the drawers????

What, a whole drawer? Luxury!

Yes that much luxury NIGEL, retirement in a whole drawer is just great......the music is the icing on the cake......catching up with a John Martyn as I type this reply, he passed me by when I was working.

gazza