PMC usage and amps
Posted by: redeye on 12 February 2002
Much as this perturbs me I am beginning to think that Naim Audio and I may have reached the end of the line as a happy couple.
Let me explain.....
I have a system comprising CD3.5 with FC into 92R and 180. Naca 5 is the cable of choice. For the last 4ish years I've used an old, beat up pair of Royd Minstrel speakers which despite their obvious limitations I love to bits. 2 years ago we bought a house with a huge-ish lounge. The Royds suddenly sounded lost in such a big space and I started a hunt for new speakers with more balls. While on hol's in Oz I heard and was blown away by a pair of PMC FB1's, bought them, waited nine weeks for delivery of a cherry pair from the UK etc etc....
Now I have 'em (and yes they are run in) I'm starting to realise that my amp simply isn't capable of driving these things and making them sound as good as they can. I recently tried a 2nd hand 72 pre and while that was better I declined the chance to buy it (cheap) because it was shifting the focus and not addressing the basic problem.
I think this is what is known as a system mismatchright?
Any suggestions??
Please nobody recommend Bryston as they aren't available over here. The FB1's were demoed to me on the end of a Cyrus CD7 and #7 integrated. Yeah, I know.....???..... Go figure
Rgds
redeye
quote:
not addressing the basic problem
Redeye
You don't sound very happy - but what exactly is the basic problem? What makes you suspect the 180's not giving the goods? Bass, clarity, presence, control, detail, etc?
If you think it's the 180, is it possible to borrow a 250 and see whether that fixes your problem? Even if you can't afford a 250 at the moment, at least you can elimate that from the equation or save for a 250.
OK someone's going NOOOOOOO, "buying a 250 would create a Gold Medal mullet of a system". But if it works and the alternative is not enjoying your music, I know which one I'd rather do.
Another option is trying a hi-cap either on that 72 you borrowed or on your 3.5, or on the 3.5 with that 72. A hi-cap can make a very big difference to a 3.5 or 72.
I hate to see you chucking the whole thing out because of a pair of speakers so last option could be, if you like Royds what about trying a pair of Doublets or the new Royds, or cutting your lounge in half and using your existing Mintrels 
Jay
I am also from the land of the great white cloud...I do so believe than Bryston is available in New Zealand it is distributed by the same crowd that do Sennheiser headphones.....i.e. think it's Syntech. I think a retailer Stereoworld or something corney like that retail Bryston along with lot's of other japanese brands like sony etc. I've looked into PMC before and ran Syntech at they do sell Bryston in NZ but didnot take up the dealership for PMc because it was already being sold in OZ and hence uneconomic.
Another wee story I heard from my local dealer was a customer recently enquired about bryston amps and the dealer mistakenly told him they were not available(are you in CHCH), the customer used to run Royds much like yourself and went to Oz and bought some PMC's he had heard but founf that the magic had gone when he hooked them onto his naim kit......sound familiar?? Apparently he hooks his royds back on and the magic is back..
It's horses for courses...some luv the PMC/naim sound...some perhaps like yourself don't.
If you believe the amps may be at fault perhaps try the new Perreaux or Plinius 8200. Drop us a line on my email; and your email address listed on your profile doesn't work!!
If your in Canterbury give us a yell luv to hear the FB1's.
or maybe sell the bloody lot and buy a 61" Toshiba projection TV and a PS2
Don't laugh.... seen it done.
Now you are beginning to see the light, methinks...
Upgrade to a CDX, and cross your fingers.
When I do dems, I am not usually looking to buy, (although buying does take place from time to time 
)
As a result, I am totally relaxed about the whole business - I often get my kicks out of it on Tuesday afternoons when I am not at work.
The first time I heard these speakers, I was blown away by their bass and tonal neutrality, but subsequent dems revealed the weaknesses that I have already outlined.
I am sorry to say this, but it aint Naim's fault, and I admit that if I were in your position, I would not be very happy to read this post of mine.
I sincerely hope that you find a solution to the problem without it costing you loads of money, or wasting that which you may have already spent.
I agree that babies should not follow their own bathwater...
Cheers,
Steve.
[This message was edited by Steven Toy on SATURDAY 16 February 2002 at 05:33.]
Kindly put a sock in it will you. The point of this thread was to hopefully explore other amp options not invite bozos like yourself to slag my speakers off.
Predictable you certainly are mate 
If I'm ever unlucky enough to get into your taxi I sincerely hope I have a brick handy!
My above reply was dignified. This one is less so. 
The last guy who threw a missile at my cab many moons ago....
Cheers,
Steve.
Problem? Yeah well....
Biffed the 92, thats history. Have a 72 now which has improved things quite noticably. Much nicer pre than the 92, much more together sounding. I can actually play The Chemicals at volume without wanting to run from the room
Winding myself up to buy a HiCap soon...once thats in if the PMC still aren't doing what I want then its the chop for those suckers
If speakers dont sound yummy on the end of this...
3.5/FC/72/HC/180 then they can SOD OFF 
Cheers for asking.
redeye
I do think you could do with fronting up with a "Sorry" to Steve though - sensitive spot though it was. 
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
I'll think about it
Regards,
Steve.
The proof of the pudding...
Apologies for ripping your head off earlier in this thread. Must admit the..'Redeye I told you so' response got my goat.
As Rico pointed out recently I was pretty harsh...
You may be interested to know that the speakers are performing a lot better now. Amazing the difference a 72 can make
Anyway...no hard feelings??