Information overload - need help developing a strategy before my head explodes...

Posted by: billgpdx on 22 April 2004

Sorry for the re-posting of information for those of you who have read my previous posts. I've been searching/reading so much info on this forum that my brain hurts.

I am in the process of spiffing up my current system: Linn LP12, Arcam FMJ CD23T, Arcam A85 w/phono board, Magnum Dynalab MD-90, Dynaudio Contour 1.3 mkII.

For multiple reasons, I've already put the Dynaudios up for sale. Upon searching for new speakers I discovered Naim amplification and have decided that this offers the sound that I have been looking for.

I've seen mention here of a possible 5x series of components. Do any of the moderators here know if there is any truth to such rumors. From what I've read here, it seems that Naim has been doing away with the resistor ladder scheme for the volume control in their products (note the 5i) - I'm not sure how this effects things from a sonic standpoint but thus far I've mostly read positives. Also, mention has been made of the benefit of passive preamps. Once again I don't know exactly how this effects things from a sonic standpoint. I do know that my ears best suited to serve as the final judge in all of this.

The end point that I have in mind would be pre/power combo with a separate power supply for the pre and phono pre. The final factor making all of this so confusing is new product development. I'd prefer not to follow a path of continual upgrades.

My options at this point (aside from speakers) are as follows:

New Nait 5i with standalone phono stage (maybe something rather less expensive from Rega for now for example). Bearing in mind that I'd eventually be selling both pieces.

Possibly a new Nait 5 and a Stageline if a Nait 5 can still be located in inventory here in the States. Then I could use the Nait 5 as a pre later if I so desire.

Forget about a possible "5x" series with potential sonic benefits and go for a NAC 112/NAP 150 available as a demo pair at a reduced price along with a Stageline.

Finally, stick it out with the Arcam A85 and see what happens with the Naim 5 series of separates.

So, if my goal is to aspire to a pre/power combination, based on your experiences, what factors should I consider in setting my strategy?

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by Winnie

Wow, what a dilemma you have.

If you wait for the arrival of the 5x series you'll then be thinking about the arrival of the 6 series and so on. So, if budget allows buy the best you can afford now (after listening first, trust your ears, not someone else's). I have the NAC 112/NAP 150/Stageline and am very pleased with them. If you don't want the continual upgrade path, don't take it. With NAIM the upgrade path is there if you want and can afford it, it's not a necessity.

Of course I don't know what your budget is and whether you'll be thinking about upgrading your CD player to a NAIM. However, one thing is for certain, if you put rubbish in, you get rubbish out, so, if you do go for NAIM amps you will have to think about your source at some point.

I hope some of that helps.

Regards

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by billgpdx

Winnie,

Good points. I only mention the possible "5x" series as it sounds like this is looming close on the horizon. If I were to go for the 5i, I would probably be interested in upgrading to the separates later. If I were to go for the 112/150, then I would probably stay put and look to add a flatcap a bit later on. Either way, once I get to the point of separates (either now, or later on) then I plan on staying put for quite some time.

Thanks,
Bill

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by Goldstar

Hello Billgpdx,

You mention passive pre-amps, with the Naim system the more advanced (and complicated) pre-amps sound better.
There is a conventional wisdom that a simple signal path is more desirable and should therefore sound better. So keep an open mind and listen to all the equipment you can and then decide.

Cheers Robert

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by Steve Toy

billgpdx,

You have a private message.

Regards,

Steve.

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by billgpdx

James,

Sorry, did not intend to come across in a rude way by not acknowledging your post. I do appreciate the input.

However, at this time I prefer to do business with my local dealer. In the past I have enjoyed a relationship with a local dealer and the side benefits that it brings. I've since moved to a new location and would prefer to establish a similar situation here. Besides, there are too few dealers here in the States that are focused on 2 channel audio and I like to give them my support when possible.

All the best,
Bill

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by billgpdx

quote:
Originally posted by Steven Toy:
billgpdx,

You have a private message.

Regards,

Steve.

Steve,

Sorry, but I have not yet received your email at this point.

...Bill

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by Audio Visionary

Mr billgpdx
There are a few important questions to be answered. What are your affordable dream speakers? What kind of music do you listen to and how large is your current room? What kind of budget do you have currently and in the next 12 months? I believe that without knowing a bit more about your situation, it is a waste of time to try to predict what your purchase path should be.

Bryan
The Gramophone

Posted on: 23 April 2004 by Adam G

Bryan,

B&W Prestige Nautilus?

Adam

Edited: Sorry didnt notice the "affordable" in there...

Posted on: 23 April 2004 by billgpdx

quote:
Originally posted by Audio Visionary:
Mr billgpdx
There are a few important questions to be answered. What are your affordable dream speakers? What kind of music do you listen to and how large is your current room? What kind of budget do you have currently and in the next 12 months? I believe that without knowing a bit more about your situation, it is a waste of time to try to predict what your purchase path should be.

Bryan
The Gramophone

Hi Bryan,

Good questions all obviously. My room is approximately 13' x 18'x 9' with a large opening into another room of similar size. The Dynaudios did not gel with this room at all as my situation requires placement of the speakers on the long wall, relatively near the wall. As far as speakers go, I don't know that "dream speakers" would be the appropriate way to put it - I need something that works well with the room and does not take up too much space and looks halfway decent (the later two = must appeal to my wife). I primarily listen to rock/blues/bop/acoustic. In the end I want a lively sound that is full bodied, not too bright/thin (i.e. Arcam A85/Dynaudio Contours in my room). The Naim/Spendor combination seems to work quite well to my ears. At this point I think I'm going to go with the Spendor S5e floorstanders (they sounded really good with the Nait 5i that I auditioned earlier). My budget right now is around $4K. I would max that out with the 112/150/Stageline/S5e combination. 12 months down the road is a bit hard to predict, but I would not probably do too much more than adding a flatcap. Also, my dealer does take trade-ins but does not currently have anything in the way of used Naim gear.

All the best,
Bill