Thorens TD160 Super,Linn Basik+,AT 140lc / MimicII
Nait1 / Kan1 / KanII stands / Nakamichi Tape
Target 4 tier stand / Naim speaker cable
After having the system in the living room for a couple of years doing primary TV duty, I finally got to move it into another room. The room is
8.5 x 17.5. I have an area 9.5 feet long at one end to work with. The computer is at the other (door )end. The short wall I have to work on has a sash window slightly off center. The window would be partially behind one speaker. The long wall is bare. Both are exterior. Construction is century home, hardwood floors, lathe and plaster with 10 foot ceilings. Any placement ideas?
Also, I found the sound very tiring, bright, harsh
with soft flabby base. I know what it should sound like and this is not it. The Kans while forward are NEVER muddled with bad bass. After lurking for a while I have found a couple of things I would like input on.
First I found one tweeter was pushed it (six year olds !!) I got the grill off, but I can't get the dome to pop out, close but not. (I am using tape and a heavy needle to apply) A friend has a pair of first generation Kaber tweeters. They are a slightly diff model then the upgraded tweets. Will they work? and would it be a worthwile experiment?
Next, my Nait is original (Ser# 10 663) I have had it over 10 years and it has never been touched to my knowledge (I will have to check). I am looking at having it re-capped. I understand that there are other mods that can be done, bringing it up to Nait II specs. What is done and is it worth it?
The last problem other than a very live room is power. I need to put in a dedicated line. Currently I am running on the same line as the Computer and perifs, cordless phone, lites and gasp using a powerbar for all but the amp. I'm in Ontario Canada, anything I should now about?
So do you think I have a good start on my problems? Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
regards,
mykel
Posted on: 19 January 2001 by Martin M
1) Sometimes you can suck the tweeters dome (ooh errr) back to it correct orientation with a drinking straw,
2) Forget about the Kaber tweeters, a Naim dealer should be able to replace the Kan tweeters with the correct Scanspeak versions as used in the SBL etc.
3) Get the Nait serviced. It needs it.
4) Ditch the AT cartridge, its gutless. A Dynavector 10x4 would be a better bet, the output might be a touch low for the Nait. Take some advice from your dealer
5) get the Thorens set up correctly. I guess the suspension is saggy by now.
6) Buy some records
Enjoy!
Posted on: 19 January 2001 by NigelP
Mykel,
Martin offers some good advice here. Here are some thoughts that I have.
1. I wouldn't bother trying to restore the push in tweeter. You really need to buy a matched pair as replacements and I am sure that the Kaber tweeters do not match the cross-over in the Kans.
2. I have no idea what recapping a Nait 1 will cost but I can tell you that, although it is a fantastic little amp (my previous amp before graduating to what I have now) it can sound a little harsh at the top end when driven hard. I think that this is what you are experiencing with the move to a nice big room. My advice here would be to try to invest in the new series 5 Nait which has a great deal more power, technology borrowed from big brother NAP500 and the ability to improve things a later date. I am sure that this will be a much more worthwhile strategy than upgrading the Nait.
3. Take Martin's advice on the TT and cartridge. Ever thought about picking up a second hand LP12? They're very good value so long as you can have them checked over.
4. The Mimik II is a great little CD player and very capable in the system you have.
Hope that helps...
Nigel
Posted on: 19 January 2001 by Martin M
Nigel, how did you get on with the CD players? I remember one I heard briefly and thought was good (albeit in an unfimiliar system), the DCS Elgar.
PS The Scanspeak tweeters will match the Kan crossover.
If you are in a big room and you can't afford a Nait 5 sit closer to the speakers!
Posted on: 19 January 2001 by Chris Brandon
Mykel,
Try putting your mouth over the tweater and create a vaccuum,the tweater normally pops back out .
(p.s. do the above with the curtains drawn,doors locked any with you being the only one in the house...) 
Regards
Chris
Posted on: 19 January 2001 by mykel
and did not have to resort to closing the blinds...
I used duct ( gaffer ) tape. I was nervous because of the amount of adhesive on it but no visable traces.
The tweeter came out ok, it does have a bit of a flat / wrinkle, but I hope that will fade after a day or two.
As for the sound, it is still not right, but a helluvalot better. Most of the incoherance is gone, but it is still a bit sharp in the high and washy in the bottom. ReCap time.
What are the sonic differences I will notice with the SBL tweeter if I choose to go this route ?
Any source of the B110b woofer?, local dealer says they are out of production.
I would like to bring them up to KanII driver specs if possible.
Thank you everybody for your help and comments.
any input on the other q?'s
regards,
mykel
