Support for my new CD5

Posted by: Tim Collins on 09 November 2000

Seeing the large thread regarding Mana stands, I thought I would start a new thread to ask about support for my new CD5/Nait5.

I have heard that the new "5" series is not as vibration sensitive (is this the right word?) as higher end Naim equipment, thus may not have the requirement for expensive supports (such as - dare I say it - Mana).

Your "mana-or-otherwise" opinions would be most welcome.

Regards,

Tim

Posted on: 09 November 2000 by Top Cat
Mana seems to work in a number of different ways; it's not just down to the equipment's sensitivity to vibration. It's more complicated than that. Best thing you can do is to try and find someone with some Mana and take along your CD5 and try it for yourself. If you're in central Scotland, I'll happily oblige...!!

John

Posted on: 09 November 2000 by Top Cat
...Mana seems to reduce the 'gap' between 'lesser' and 'better' components somewhat - I've found it particularly good on cheaper kit; I wanted to buy a new CD player until I managed to hear how good even a bog standard CD player can actually sound on Mana (or Hutter, although I haven't heard their kit, you owe it to yourself to at least consider all the options).

My one tip would be to go straight to one of the 'infamous' quality stands - Mana, Hutter, Base(?) - rather than piddling around with Quadraspire (which I've owned), Target (ditto), etc. - a little more spent now will reap a great deal of extra pleasure over the life of the stand - that's why I didn't baulk at spending £2000 on Mana since June this year, although my bank balance certainly did. Regrets? None.

John

Posted on: 09 November 2000 by P
It's a really great player - but not as good as a CDS2 and neither need Mana - do not be convinced by the hype - try a Base 01 isomat first (comparatively cheap and doesn't impart an effect)- it's dependant on a standing wave and reflectivity thingamebob or whatever but it really can work given the right environ - and given total impartiality of course

Regards P. (JV used Base?)

Posted on: 09 November 2000 by P
Blimey ,

Crucial statement!

I thought mine was bad but you have just taken and eaten a really rather large biscuit.

Why do I bother?

I often wonder, I really do

Fire in the hole! and with a cough. P.

Posted on: 09 November 2000 by Tim Collins
Thx for the advice guys (and invite John - unfortunately, I live in Dubai, so bonny Scotland is a bit far to go).

This is the first price estimate of Mana I have seen, and I think that my wife would probably see the lawyer the next day if I bought some for 2K GBP

Pierre, do Base have a web site where I can view their racks?

Tim

Posted on: 09 November 2000 by Tim Collins
James,

Thx, I also intend getting the new NAT03 and a Flatcap 2 in the future, so would probably need 4 shelves.

Posted on: 10 November 2000 by Top Cat
I may have misled you with the £2000 thing; you see, Mana is largely modular; the basics are not too expensive, but once you start adding soundstages, you keep getting more and more of an improvement. I have:

1xMana 6-tier rack (£700) (for electronics)
4xMana soundstages (£800ish) (under rack)
1xMana PSU table (£80 secondhand) (for Lingo, etc)
1xMana Reference Wall shelf (£325) (for LP12)
1xMana Flat top (£100ish ex-show stock) (on shelf)

I also have a pair of Mana SBL soundbases, not currently being used (£200ish (now selling these for £125ono))

Total: £2200ish. Ouch

Still, all of the above has been worth every penny and then some - in fact, a whole lot cheaper than upgrading my boxes to get a lesser return would have cost. So, I'm happy, but yeah, you can start fairly modestly and build up (as I did; I started with the reference shelf, heard the amazing things it did for my LP12, and never looked back)

John

Posted on: 15 November 2000 by Top Cat
quote:
Yes I've heard Mana vs. others several times at dealers, shows and at home to really make sure. Yes I think they are hugely overpriced, hype driven, not founded on any knowledge about acoustics or vibration whatsoever and most of all, sound awful.

OK, which dealers were they? AFAIK, Mana don't use dealers (yet). I think you're trolling...

I can state categorically that (a) the price, whilst high, is cheaper than any rack in its 'sound quality' bracket, (b) there is hype but it is entirely justified as it 'does exactly what it says on the tin', (c) I don't care how they arrived at the solution; it works and anyone with any appreciation for music/hifi/etc. will be able to tell in an instant that it improves the sound of most any hifi dramatically, and (d) it sounds great.

If you want to play Devil's advocate, then feel free, but we'll just laugh at you...

John

Posted on: 15 November 2000 by P
Ah yes - the quality of the sound.

John - If I wanted a special effects generator I'd ditch my Naim and buy a Sansui and some Mana - Know what I mean????

Personally I like my music AS IT IS - thanks very much all the same. Good enough for JV - good enough for me.

Richard - you strike me as an intelligent person who can form a subjective opinion. Some people seem to think that you HAVE to agree that Mana is the only answer REGARDLESS of your requirements.

Good luck to all you manaphiles - May you reach phase 118 or whatever. I find your rampant enthusiasm refreshing but please, just stop trying to tell everybody that they have to agree with you OK?

Regards P