Active Or Not

Posted by: MontyW on 21 November 2000

I would like some advice - should I go active my 3.5/flatcap, 92/flatcap and 90 - Credos - LP12 Ittock - K9. I have a few quid to spend and have seen a second hand 90 and IXO both for under £500 - should I buy? Or should I just blow the whole lot on a CD's & LP's?? Above all what improvements in sound am I likely to get from going active, can anyone advise who has done this?

Cheers,

Dave

Posted on: 21 November 2000 by Former member

David,

Going active in the context of your system can improve certain aspects such as loudness, clarity and dynamic shadings. However, these could also show up deficiencies in your source components and create a result that is less desirable overall.

Although Naim has built the IXO espressly for their entry-level systems, their over-riding philosophy is that going active effectively requires the best electronics up front. By this, I mean CDS2 or full-monty TT, and 52/Supercap/snaxo/250s.

In your situation, you'd find better result in upgrading your source components, e.g. finding an Armageddon PSU for your LP12, upgrading to CD2/CDX, and perhaps a better cartridge. Or alternatively if your are perfectly satisfied with your current system, buy lots of music with your spare change.

James

Posted on: 21 November 2000 by Phil Barry

Yes, front end first is likely to pay much bigger dividends than going active at this stage. Even moving to a 140 would be a good move - but I never liked the 90.

I'm writing to mention that while Linn considers the Ttable drive to be more important that the arm, Naim does not. The ARO should come before the 'geddon. If you prefer the Ekos, the Lingo should come first.

The ARO is a fantastic buy.

Regards.

Phil

Posted on: 22 November 2000 by Former member

Hi Dave,
I was in the same position as you except with Karik CD front end. Yes, the source does come first but you have to consider the sound per pound ratio. You say that you can pick up the combo for £500 so I would advise that you go for it. Going active in the context of a 92/90 system will bring a noticeable improvement in clarity, timbre and communication. Like all upgrades it will show up problems elsewhere, like poor setup so have a good tidy up in that respect. I keep the pre-amp away from everything else but the rest just sit on top of one another. You don't see many people on the forum talking about thier active 92/90 systems, probably because they feel somehow inferior to the 52/250 owners but I believe that the 92/90 system is great for the money and for me going active made me satisfied with the sound for the first time in my life. I haven't got thousands of pounds to blow on hi-fi so the slimline range was something I could build on bit by bit and I think that not enough people have heard what the little 90's can do when activated. The sound isn't perfect and I'm sure that adding an 82 pre-amp would give a substantial lift to the sound quality but I haven't seen any for £500.
All the best.

Posted on: 22 November 2000 by Naheed

Dave, I went active with a 102/napsc/hicap/ixo/140s over two years ago, and still believe it was the best move (after mana) I have made to DATE, the increase in PraT was the greatest benefit.

I found after a demo consisting of various cdx, xps, 3.5, ixo variations the ixo option was by far the best. In the end I ditched the cdx option and went for the ixo, but in hindsight the snaxo 2-4/hicap would have been a better long-term solution (price wise) but the ixo was nearly a third of the cost.

I have heard a single 250 in basically my setup, yes it had more 'weighty-control' but had nowhere near the dynamics of the active option, the improvement was obvious (to me).

I think the ixo is a naim 'great-faliure', great in terms of its sonic abilities, and failure in terms of a misunderstood/overlooked nugget.

Some 'crazy' people are selling ixo's for £300 (BARGAIN), my advice dave if you have no aspiring full-on naim plans and you like your system (aesthetically it'll look good – all slimline series) then hawk the Loot and DO IT

naheed...

Posted on: 22 November 2000 by Dev B

You've got a fine system, I would be inclined take the system active, it will sound a lot better more clearer and will be able to play louder wth less distortion.

Alternatively you could scan the ads for a second hand Naim tuner a decent aerial (an 03 or 02).

regards

Dev

Posted on: 22 November 2000 by Former member

Since this is a Naim forum, I will say:

You have a well-balanced system, so spend all your money on LPs and CDs...something you will never regret doing.

Hock

Posted on: 23 November 2000 by Rico

Source first, or go buy a whole lotta records.

While Naheed's observations above are valid, it must be noted that many who have embarked on a "mullet" upgrade path enter also into an upgrading spiral (an uphill one, at that)... each upgrade exposes the limitations of the chain preceeding it, prompting another upgrade.... until you finally end up with a CDSII in your system, with a large credit bill.

Just like a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim Museum in NYC - Start at the Top .

Rico - musichead

Posted on: 23 November 2000 by Naheed

Your too late

naheed...

Posted on: 23 November 2000 by Rico

Naheed, that's a novel mode of communication! Just where did you learn it, and what does it mean?

Rico - musichead

Posted on: 24 November 2000 by Naheed

The IXO and NAP 90 are on their way to a new 'happier' home.

naheed...

Posted on: 24 November 2000 by Rico

quote:
The IXO and NAP 90 are on their way to a new 'happier' home.

Wow! Well come on man, spill the beans! Where is your system going now, and don't forget to mention the black-shiny supports! We're keen to hear of your dem/experiments/discoveries. Have you traded that kit for more source, more mana, more music; or did a), or b), give you more c) anyway?!

Rico - musichead

Posted on: 24 November 2000 by Naheed

Not me Dave ...

But my shiny black tables are working a treat the cds2 is on hold. So it'll be more tables (P7) and loads of music at the moment.

With the shiny black tables, i now buy around 6-9 cd's a month compared to the 1-2 previously. Its exactly what i want from my system (musical enjoyment).

naheed...

[This message was edited by Naheed on FRIDAY 24 November 2000 at 13:40.]