Nova and Chord Aray

Posted by: Obsydian on 01 March 2018

Today, DPD driver arrived with my Chord Signature Aray Power cable, to replace the Powerline Life, that Was the amazing part ; )

I have thought hard and wanted a Powerline full fat, even ordered one then cancelled - yes overkill for a Nova but I'm thinking this and a few other accessories will stay as the system evolves (though always said when I cameback to Naim with a Muso, that's it and no more and then Mr Dane telling us all the Nova was special, i quickly ditched the Atom (no demo - the old Naim sheep in me) and he was so right.

But a recent experience changing my ethernet cable to again some would say (inc me) an overkill Tuned Aray cable - really blew away any negativity I had (note I tried Amazon, Supra and AQ Vodka - disliked them all), it just took matters to another level, organic, life like and sublime.

So I decided try a Chord Signature Aray Power cable, very early but immediately noticeable is a grander standstage, more layers peeled away of unheard details, bass further unravelled, vocals not so much, but overall again a very organic, natural improvement which really gets you Err emotional.

The Nova Just gets better.

Lastly my second Naim journey I am having fun, the first time round I went all ego (looking back) quickly went near top of the range at the time, would not entertain anything other than Naim (sorry and Mana but then there was no Fraim). Yes it sounded superb but it was a race, fun yes but this time I said I love Naim but want to keep an open mind (well narrow Naim minded).

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by Dave J

Steady yourself for the burn-in process. The first listen will give way to hours of doubt but when it finally clicks it’s a real delight. 

Just reaching 120 hours on three upgraded Sarum T’s - starting to sound good...

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by nigelb

I recently had the pleasure of listening to the Nova driving the new Kudos Titan 505s in a crappy hotel room at the Bristol show. I was stunned. How could a one box streamer/amp sound so good? The 505s were playing their part of course.

This demo used basic cables and NACA5 speaker cables. With this level of ability, I am sure the Nova will respond very well to posh power, ethernet and speaker cables.

Enjoy the ride a second time around.

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by Obsydian

DAVEJ - Sarum T, I keep hearing that is pretty amazing very close to the Music. Can't wait for the burn in.

NIGELB - I did have speaker cables on the list, but want to resist and enjoy as oddly I'm not sitting analysing anymore it's just the tapping, smiling and even singing.

Nova really is neat one box solution that sounds so good it hurts.

Posted on: 02 March 2018 by Obsydian

Gosh it is like a new amp, its actually redefining the timing on many tracks, very surprising. But at same time sounds so right and natural. Very, very happy - just reading a Chord Music HiFi+ review, hide the wallet ????