Dynaudio focus 160 with Naim VS. PS Audio

Hi john

i used to own focus 160s,they are excellent speakers.I started with a Unitiqute 2 with them,and believe it or not...that was such a fun combo,lots of boogie.I tried adding a NAP 100,which added a bit more drive,but in the end I did not buy it,I went straight for a Supernait 2.I kept the UQ2,and used it as a streamer into a Cord Hugo as a source.This does not really help you with your question,and I doubt many people here have tried a Naim preamp into PS Audio amps.I suppose you could try it,but I once tried adding a Cary Audio 200.2 amp to the pre section of my SN2,and it was nowhere near as good as using the SN2s internal amp.Bottom line is,usually Naim preamps work best with Naim amps.

No quarter posted:

Hi john

i used to own focus 160s,they are excellent speakers.I started with a Unitiqute 2 with them,and believe it or not...that was such a fun combo,lots of boogie.I tried adding a NAP 100,which added a bit more drive,but in the end I did not buy it,I went straight for a Supernait 2.I kept the UQ2,and used it as a streamer into a Cord Hugo as a source.This does not really help you with your question,and I doubt many people here have tried a Naim preamp into PS Audio amps.I suppose you could try it,but I once tried adding a Cary Audio 200.2 amp to the pre section of my SN2,and it was nowhere near as good as using the SN2s internal amp.Bottom line is,usually Naim preamps work best with Naim amps.

Thanks!

What did you move into after your focus 160?

I am currently running Focus 160s, and I think that they are pretty decent.  I am curious to know where people go next, and how they rate the 160s.  Auditioning speakers is not easy to get right, and I am a bit worried about making a duff choice.

john kent posted:

No quarter posted:

Hi john

i used to own focus 160s,they are excellent speakers.I started with a Unitiqute 2 with them,and believe it or not...that was such a fun combo,lots of boogie.I tried adding a NAP 100,which added a bit more drive,but in the end I did not buy it,I went straight for a Supernait 2.I kept the UQ2,and used it as a streamer into a Cord Hugo as a source.This does not really help you with your question,and I doubt many people here have tried a Naim preamp into PS Audio amps.I suppose you could try it,but I once tried adding a Cary Audio 200.2 amp to the pre section of my SN2,and it was nowhere near as good as using the SN2s internal amp.Bottom line is,usually Naim preamps work best with Naim amps.

Thanks!

What did you move into after your focus 160?

Taksim Reference 3A...a big 2 way floorstander.

I would go for a Supernait 2 or even a Superuniti both can be had for under £2,000 used and either would sound great with your Dyns.

john kent posted:

Hello!

My first Naim arrived yesterday - a Nait 5i-2.  

I've been dying for time to hook it up and have a listen, see what all the excitement surrounding Naim is about...tonight is the night and i'm typing as i'm listening.

My existing system was Schiit modi 2 über - Schiit saga - ps audio stellar s-300 - dynaudio focus 160. Great stuff - more power than I actually use - rated 300+ wpc for my 4-6 ohm speakers. Nice warm sound, always easy on the ears no matter how loud...

Long story short, i'm now understanding the Naim hype. For me and my room and what I like to hear, this integrated brings things to the next level. I know i'll not be able to power my speakers enough to blow the walls apart like I could with the Ps Audio, but i'm so pleased with this sound it doesn't matter. The separation of each individual instrument/voice/sound is on another level. The drums and bass sound like actual instruments, not just the sounds coming from instruments. I'm feeling the schiit preamp was the weak point in my current(now old) system...

I'm now wondering if a Naim preamp paired with my ps audio amp would be a good move...

Any opinions?

Thanks you!

JK3

 

 

I had owned the 160/5i-2 combo at one point and it was good at lower volumes. Turning it up got a little shouty to me, I moved onto the XS-2 which I enjoyed together even more so. I eventually got the Focus 260s and felt the upgrade of the 260s was the sweet spot with that setup. Now I use the 260s and a Uniti Star. This setup isn’t going anywhere!