Ovator / n-cent/Axess

no ideas/experience?

The Ovators have only just hit the stores, so i imagine most listeners will be more concerned with normal stereo use at the moment.

I'm sure in time, there'll be one or two trying them in their AV systems.

Just don't hold your breath waiting for an Ovator centre speaker...

I am waiting for a pair of S400 for my home theater. I will see which Naim center is best match. I am still using Allae+Access. So still a couple of monthes to wait...

Manu,

does that mean you will try Axess with the Ovator S400.

I am eager to know your opinion once you have it in place.

What electronics d you use? AV2 and Naim Amplification?

I will be able to try the 3 Naim Center.
As for electronic, of course all Naim, amp models can vary.

Any news here? Any other Centers tried that work with the Ovator???

I am considering a B&W HTM3S, any opinions?

I see the appeal in having a center that more or less matches the mains (like Manu I own Allae+Axess) but even if they didn't have the same tweeters, I would still buy the best center and not the one that best "matches" my mains.

The center is absolutely vital to movies and music-dvds. Even n-Sats would be better off paired with an Axess although the n-Cent "matches" them better.
I personally look at a center as a standalone speaker. Just like my fronts are standalone stereo speakers and need to match each other to properly produce a homogenous stereo-sound.
The center is a mono-speaker.

As they will rarely play the same signal (one is vocals, one is music; left and right guitars and bass and drums, center is vocals and singer's guitar; with movies it's usually music and effects vs. vocals and minor effects), I doubt one will be able to tell if the speakers have matching tweeters or mid/bass-drivers.

The better the center the more enjoyable the movie. If funds allow, get the best center you can. If you have a Naim system and like Naim speakers, Axess or Axent would be my choice. Would love to be able to afford even a s/h Axent...if they even came up

@Manu:
If you already own an Axess, why even consider an n-Cent? Why downgrade?

No intention to downgrade in my personal HT. The Axess is a keeper for me as long as it matches the coming Ovator. I agree with you on the importance of the center speaker, but IMO matching with others is mandatory.

Trying the 3 centers with Ovator(s) is more ''professional''. I need to have an idea of what each combo does to guide dealers and end-users.

Alex

I owned Axess with SL2s but I decided against SL2s and for Ovator due to personal preferences. The Axess left together with the SL2. I have an n-cent here but I doubt that it will work with the Ovator as they have a significantly different voicing (apart from size etc).

I am considering an AVR or Processor able to adjust some of the differences of this but I doubt even the best of such systems is capable to get me a completely coherent sound from the front and as Naim seems to be reluctant to offer any Ovator Centre and as I will not by a third Ovator for the front, I am looking for a matching Centre/rear option for my system.

Georg

I know of a couple of dealers who consider the Axent to be the best center channel speaker ever made and use it as their reference regardless of what the main left/right speakers may be - in most cases non-Naim speakers. You may find that is the solution. Not sure whether there are any left at the factory, but you may still find some ex-dem at dealers - probably worth investigating.

Richard,

Thanks for this. Shin would I have to contact at Naim to get to Know whether One is left?

Georg

Georg,

have a word with the guys at Musicline. They should know, or at least get you an answer very quickly. They might also know whether any of their dealers have one in stock or for sale ex demo.

Contacted them, waiting for Feedback.

Anybody tried other options?

Dear Richard,
do they have another AXESS.
Let me know about it please
rehgards
Alessanro

Alessanro,

I have no idea I'm afraid. Probably best to contact a few distributors or the factory. You never know....