Nova and Focal Kanta No 2?

Naim did a demo at Audio show East last year Using a Core as source, Nova and the then new Focal  Kanta number 2. It was quite a large room and the combo seemed pretty good to me, albeit not really my taste in music. Certainly worth a demo.

That combo was demonstrated at the Bristol Show last February and sounded very fine indeed - definitely agree it is worth a listen.

What puzzles me is that I tend to like the smaller more conventional speakers in the Focal range but the very expensive top end stuff doesn't appeal at all. Maybe it's the looks I can't get past but even when I shut my eyes they don't sound "right" to me.

PEV have to agree I have heard £30k and £45k Focal speakers and they just have left me cold, but the smaller size and price ones seem to be quite good.

Was at the Audio Rooms Naim statement system demonstration yesterday..thanks to Darren, Spencer and Jack! Excellent sound (so it should be for the price !)..also playing ,again with a Naim set up were the Kanta No1 ‘s...have to say they sound terrific!...look good in the gauloise blue too!

i think overall that I preferred the sound from the “cheaper”! System. 

Funny old world ?

Thanks. I was going to ask about Kanta No 1. I’m just noticing they just released them to fill out their lineup. Were they used with Statement level gear?

No.. not the Statement kit..just a lowly 30 k’s worth if l heard correctly!

not sure of the exact make up,but I am certain Darren at the Audio Room (Hull) would fill you in!

I don’t know how to put my finger on it but for me the smaller set up sounded more realistic ? ..but I guess we all hear things differently...maybe the big focals are an acquired taste.

anyway ..waiting for Wednesday and the delivery of a Nova and a pair of Proac db3’s! 

All really helpful so far. Dealers who carry both Naim and the Kanta No 2's are non existent here in Brisbane but I've found a dealer with the speakers so will bring along my Nova for an extended demo later this week.

North America is in the same boat as you Sweeney 

The Nova and Kanta 2s were built to go together, there's a real synergy to the combo! They have quickly become a favourite in our shop just 'across the ditch' from you. 

Compared to your 926s they are tonally the same, you just get a lot more of everything. Significant improvements in overall detail, deeper bass, and a better sense of musical timing. 

Hope this helps!

Any idea which Naim product is the ideal match for the Kanta 1s?  I have living space.  

At the bottom of the Kanta 1 page the Atom is listed as the ideal match. I have yet to hear them, but based on how well the Kanta 2s work with the Nova I'd expect it to be a good match. 

However the Nova should get more out of the Kanta 1s overall. 

Kanta 1 and Atom. On sale at your local Mullets’r’Us.

Lol

I'm thinking a XS-2 won’t be a mullet

hungryhalibut posted:

Kanta 1 and Atom. On sale at your local Mullets’r’Us.

As the vested power of the mullets calls forth - it is now "party time" !

The Kanta’s for me have a much nicer sound than the rest of the range. In the flesh the Kanta’s  are beautiful (not like the rest of the range which is bit full on visually).

Lets hope focal take the Kanta Sound into future models. 

I too heard the Kanta and core/nova at a Naim event and it sounded fantastic.

Gary

Thanks Fathings Cat

The Kanta's reviews suggest they are less harsh/clinical than the larger Focals, so a little smoother and easier on the ear..more suited to Naim

and I think they look pretty good (in the pictures), not seen in the flesh yet..

We look to have similar systems...are you still  happy with the Fact 8's...

Cheers

I have a square room and the furnishings are pretty minimalist (not carpeted/leather sofa) so not the easiest of rooms for speakers to perform in.

The Fact 8’s are amazing at a lot of things but can’t help feeling I could be getting more form a 552/300 system. 

I am getting my 555dr’d and will let that settle down and then demo the Kanta’s (maybe a little look at the 606’s) to see if they give a material uplift in performance. 

My 552 had an issue and post a service it took an age to come on song and warm up  (which it now is) - this coloured my experience of enjoying what should be a top system. 

Re that kanta’s If you like the retro look they are a visual treat - much better in the flesh too. 

I definately have them on my must try list and it has to be a home demo. 

Gary

ps I agree with the  assessment on smoother and easier on the ear and a good match with naim. 

Hi everyone,

Well I couldn't quite believe the difference the Kanta No 2's were versus the Aria 626's in my demo yesterday!!  I guess it should be expected for the massive difference in price so pulled the trigger on a pair in  Black Lacquer and have just set them and having a listen. 

Been like an over excited kid all morning waiting for the delivery truck to arrive! Couldn't eat anything!!

Startling difference in bottom end particularly, sound stage and clarity. And of course I think they look absolutely  stunning in the flesh, particularly  sans grills.

Thanks everyone - a very happy man looking forward to long listening sessions and possibly annoying his Brisbane neighbourhood even more than usual!