Astonishing

Posted by: Maxi Me on 20 April 2004

After my visit to Woody's place (see Arriva) I have been feeling a little unsatisfied with my system, specifically at the top end.

Anyway I was sitting there last night listening to Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Californication and contemplating a 202, 200 combo and other things I can't afford or fit onto my rack. Then I thought about re-arranging the gear I do have.

Out came the CD Recorder from the AV rack, over moved the DVD player from the main rack making a spare shelf. Next the Naim gear was unplugged and separated onto 3 shelves (previously the Nait 5 was stacked on top of the FC2) and plugged in again.

Back on with Californication.

Astonishing

Now it might have been cleaning the contacts, but I'm thinking it was physically moving the boxes apart. Whatever the explanation, the difference stuck a great big grin on my face. A free upgrade! (My girlfriend approved Smile)

The top end is much better, a little more extension and definite improvement in detail. The rest of the frequency range took a step up as well. I asked Woody if he noticed the difference when he moved his FC2 away from the Nait, I now know why the answer was an emphatic yes Cool OK the treble still isn't as extended or deatailed as the B&W's but the gap is a lot smaller now.

Having followed some forum advice on optimisation, I can't wait until I get the mains sorted!

Seth
Posted on: 20 April 2004 by Geoff P
Seth.

Even Naim themselves don't recommend stacking their boxes directly on top of each other.

So you should expect an improvement by seperating components on any shelf system.

Of course Naim will also extoll the virtues of Fraim as "the" shelving system to put their kit on, and as an owner I agree they are right.

The other suppliers such as Mana, Quadraspire, Isoblue etc have their advocates and are much more reasonably priced BUT the message is there that direct stacking Naim kit is a "no-no".

The next experiment is the stacking order. If the shelving system has some sort of "isolation" or point contact built into it consensus is that the CDP should go at the very top then the pre-amp, then any power supplies and finally at the bottom the power amp BUT this can vary so it is worth switching the order.to see what happens

regards
GEOFF
Posted on: 20 April 2004 by woody
Seth,

Whilst the top-end of my system is good I can't believe you envy mine - I think there's a bit too much of it(!) and not enough bass.

-- woody
Posted on: 20 April 2004 by Rasher
I wonder how many people spend money on upgrades, and take the opportunity to rearrange the gear. How many heard improvements are just maintenance?
Posted on: 20 April 2004 by Maxi Me
quote:
I can't believe you envy mine


I don't really, it just made me notice what I was missing. Overall I prefer the balance of the Ruarks. I now have enough detail to keep me going, much more might become fatiguing.

quote:
Of course Naim will also extoll the virtues of Fraim as "the" shelving system to put their kit on, and as an owner I agree they are right.


Just a bit too pricey, especially as I already own a Soundstyle XS105 and matching wide AV rack (well actually that belongs to my Girlfriend, to support her superb 32" Loewe TV). I do plan to get a Fraim eventually, but there are many more calls on disposable income before then.

Seth
Posted on: 20 April 2004 by Geoff P
quote:
(Fraim is) Just a bit too pricey, especially as I already own a Soundstyle XS105 and matching wide AV rack (well actually that belongs to my Girlfriend, to support her superb 32" Loewe TV). I do plan to get a Fraim eventually, but there are many more calls on disposable income before then.


Seth
A very reasonable attitude. Sounds like a plan. I hung out against buying fraim for about two years but in the end it was recommended as the "next" upgrade and I caved in.

I am happy I did BUT is is expensive.

regards
GEOFF