Seeking your expert advice.

Posted by: Richard F on 25 November 2001

I want to go active. I currently use a pair of Hi-Fi World KLS3Golds speakers (3-way)with my Hi-cap/72/250. I would be greatful if anyone has any advice on wheather a NAXO or SNAXO would be compatible with the Audax units used. Is it possible to adjust the cross over frequencies to match or would I have to consider selling the speakers in favour or Naim or Linn speakers?

Thought I had better ask the experts before I commit myself to buying the extra 2 amps and hi-cap also required!

Posted on: 25 November 2001 by Manu

Naim crossovers are not frequency adjustable.
You can ask Naim to adjust to specific frequencies. But they will charge for that, and they will not garantee the suitability to your speakers. You also will have to modify your speakers to by-pass the passive crossovers.
IMHO it is not a good idea.
If you like your speakers keep them as is and upgrade your CD instead...or change them for Naim speakers.
Have you tried to biamp your speakers, sometime it gives good result.

Emmanuel

Posted on: 25 November 2001 by Steve Toy

Wy not just stay passive, and get some 135 monoblocks instead?

Alternatively, swap your 72 pre for an 82 - you know it makes sense.

You haven't stated what your source component is.
That may also be worth looking into, as Manu has stated.

Find yourself a decent dealer who can offer you the above demos, then make up your own mind based on what you hear.

It's always a nice day for it Have a good one!
Steve.
It's good to get back to normal.

Posted on: 26 November 2001 by Malcolm Davey

Richard

as one who has just moved from a 32.5 to an 82 (via a demo of the 72) I can only echo Mr Toy...the difference with an 82 is huge and you need to hear it.

Mr T I am usually in a village remarkably close to the 'Heart of England' at w/e....where is the Heart to which you refer????

Posted on: 26 November 2001 by Richard F

I mainly use a Meridian 506.20 CD player but also have a Linn LP12/Ekos/Dynavector Karat 17D2.
I did recently try bi-amping using the 250 for the mid & treble and a 140 for the bass. I simply connected both amps to the hi-cap and allowed the speaker cross overs to do the work. It certainly made a big difference, the sound stage, depth and timing greatly improved. Alas, after a couple of days one channel started to fade so I quickly stopped! Yes I did try the 250 for bass, but found it was put to better use with the mid and treble.

Thanks for taking time to reply to my topic, I may well think about saving for a pair of 135's untill I feel the time has come to change my speakers.

Posted on: 26 November 2001 by Duncan Fullerton

Richard F,

The advice given here about upgrade paths is sound. However, just to clarify, the SNAXO 3-6 and SNAXO 2-4 all have user adjustable crossover frequency points. They come setup for Naim speakers, but you can tweak them yourself.

Check out the crossover manual.

Posted on: 26 November 2001 by Martin Payne

quote:
Originally posted by Duncan Fullerton:
Richard F,
However, just to clarify, the SNAXO 3-6 and SNAXO 2-4 all have user adjustable crossover frequency points. They come setup for Naim speakers, but you can tweak them yourself.

Indeed, Duncan, you may like to re-read the manual yourself.

(S)NAXO's can be adjusted for level, but the turnover frequencies can only be modified by Naim's service dept.

cheers, Martin

Posted on: 26 November 2001 by Martin Payne

Now that I'm home, here is the relevant section from that manual. No mention of turnover frequencies:-

quote:
Output level adjustment for low and high frequency sections is available within a snaxo 3-6.

sorry!

Martin

Posted on: 27 November 2001 by Duncan Fullerton

Martin,

I read that snippet too some months ago, but in my haste assumed that it meant you could adjust the frequencies! What a plonker ....

Posted on: 27 November 2001 by Martin Payne

Duncan,

Naim Service can change the crossover frequencies if required, and they will be able to do this more accurately than you could, anyway.

At least, being a kit speaker, this info on crossover points should be easy to come by.

cheers, Martin