Naim CDX vs Krell KAV300CD

Hi Zero

Haven't done a comparison myself, but from personal experience there are a couple of related points you might want to consider...

1. A/B demos can be less than helpful sometimes.
Have you tried leaving one player on, on its own for a few days, then switching, & seeing which you miss most? (also bear in mind that Naim kit definitely improves over a number of days / weeks when left permanently on)

2. Service / Reputation
Naim have an excellent & well earned reputation for excellent service (AFAIK they'll still service anything they've ever made, parts permitting), & of course not all companies offer facilities like this on their web site... Not saying Krell aren't as good, but have you checked this angle out?

3. Resale / Upgradeability
I assume Krell kit holds its value on a par with Naim, but it could be worth checking out, Naim always seems to be in demand, & as for upgradeability, well, you've already mentioned the XPS...

4. Price - I'm assuming both are equal / same ballpark?

Can't really help re the bottleneck suggestion as I've not heard that combination, but I'm sure that plenty of others here have...

Hope this helps,

J

The Krell is big and warmish and Phat, like all Yank equipment.
It's a goodie I'm sure ( I've spent a while with the 250 CD from Krell) but firmly belongs with other Krell equipment.
You have Naim. Buy Naim. It makes sense in so many ways.
Don't screw with your synergy.

Joe90

I listened to a Krell SACD Standard /about USD 6000/ with some Krell integrated amp /about USD 3500/. They made plenty of hi-fi.

We replaced the CDP with CD5 and music became more involving and PR&T came out.

Emil

quote:

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Originally posted by zero:
Hi there

My current system comprises of a Naim NAC102/HICAP/NAPSC connected to a NAP180 powering a pair of B&W N803s all on Quadraspire. My currently dilema is deciding which of the above CD players to keep, I have them connected A/B and to be quite honest there is extremely little between them, if anything.

I was wondering if anyone had done a similar comparison? Obviously the CDX has the option of being upgraded with XPS, but I'm wondering if the bottleneck is the 102/180 which is why I'm not hearing any difference?

Anyway any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks

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Haven't tried CD300 with Naim kit, but Linn Ikemi in direct comparison in my rig, was better buy over Krell.

KAV CD250 and 300 were probably the one of the worst turkys that they ever produced for the money. ( I like Krell front end in general as I own both kps25s and 28c. )

They work wonderfully.
The source tells the speaker what to do.

Joe90

Jan

I run N803's with CDS2/52/135's: Good synergy between B&W and Naim. Am not sure a 180 can do full justice to N803's.I have seen your previous posting regarding speakers for naim.

Zero

As to this thread topic. Certain other brands have a synergy with naim: Linn, Meridian etc.
Not so sure about Krell.
I believe Krell sells well 2nd hand, so sell the Krell and upgrade the CDX with XPS.

Hi,
I had the same system a few month ago (except the suêrcap):
CDX/Nac102/Supercap/Nap180/BW N 803
And I can tell you the CDX (or the Krell) are not the bottleneck in your system....
I have changed my 102 for a 52 in July 2003, and it was a trully great upgrade..
I will receive my Nap135 next week because the Nautilus 803 do need more power than the 180 can afford...
If I were you, I would sell one of the player and buy at least a Nac82/Nap250.....
The 803's would thank you...


Charles