Round-Earth inhabitant visiting

Posted by: Emil on 20 May 2002

Hi
I have been thinking about visiting your planet for some time now. The enthusiasm here has definetly got my interest.
I have the opportunity to purchase a Nait3/ CD 3.5
and was concerned with compatibility with my current speakers, Reference 3a Decapos. They were recently reviewed in HiFi Plus magazine. Has anyone read the review? Those who have read it, or are familiar with my speakers,do you think they would work well with naim gear?
Thanks for you time,
Emil
Posted on: 20 May 2002 by JRHardee
Just about anyone here will urge you to listen before you buy. Is arranging a home demo or schlepping your speakers to the seller's place out of the question?
Getting the most out of you speakers is usually a matter of putting the most into them. Assuming the Naim goods are better than what you're used to, your speakers will probably blow you away. Every time I upgrade a box, my speakers' previously-untapped potential amazes me. cool
Posted on: 20 May 2002 by Emil
Hi JR
I will be purchasing on the used market so an audition is out of the question.

Thanks for responding,
Emil
Posted on: 20 May 2002 by JRHardee
Cultivate your nearest Naim dealer. Be upfront about what you're doing, and he may be able to set up a similar demo on a not-so-busy day.
Don't feel cheesy--he'll be thinking "Pharmacist, early forties...he and his checkbook will be back for more." And he'll probably convince you that you need some Naim speaker wire anyway.
Posted on: 20 May 2002 by plynnplynn
Make sure you get NACA5. It is essential!!!!!! I had a Nait3 and CD3.5 without NACA5 and when I finally purchased the cable I couldn't believe the difference. A Flatcap1 on the 3.5 also improves the combo. Worth the second hand price of £200.
Terry
Posted on: 20 May 2002 by Kevinbro
I have Ref. 3a Royal Masters (essentially the same as Decapos) with my Naim system. I can tell you they sound wonderful. I have a CDS2, 72, 135 setup. Prior to this I had top line Monitor Audio speakers. In my mind the Ref. 3a's are the best speaker I've yet heard with Naim. Better than Naim IBLs and Allaes. The Reference 3A's are very Dynamic, well integrated, accurate, lots of detail and non fatiquing "easy to listen to." I think Ref. 3a makes VERY GOOD SPEAKERS and will compliment Naim gear.

However - ....I'm still very curious about Naim SL2's. I wouldn't be surprised if they beat my Royal Masters! Someday soon I will hear them!

Kev.
Posted on: 20 May 2002 by MrI
Absolutely fantastic combination. I demoed a pair for a few days with cdx/72/hi/180 and they were excellent (and I wish I had bought them). In a large room they were super, however, in my smaller listening room at close range they added a chestiness to the bass that was a bit false sounding. However, give them a listen. They sound utterly wonderful off 5 watts of tube amplification. Make sure they have the heaviest stands you can find.

Also, as my location states "Snow Belt" I was amazed to have snow showers here the past two days! I gotta move to a warmer place.
Posted on: 21 May 2002 by Emil
Hi JR
I got a little nervous that you knew so much about me but then I realized I did give this info in my profile. DUH !

Terry
Thanks for the tip on the cable.

Kevin & MrI
Good to hear you have first hand experience the the Ref 3a. Your responses have helped me remove the final barrier in entering flat-earth land.
This should be interesting smile