Possibly the daftest topic yet........

If you're worried about not being able to demo them side-by-side, then I would recommend that you take your time and have more than one demo of each system. I personally don't believe that you have to hear it at home either. If it's no good in the shop, it won't be any better at your place, although I agree that you should buy the speaker with the room in mind (with regards to the speaker's physical size. I believe that the tonal signature of the system remains fairly constant, regardless of room, and I listen for that more than 'hi-fi' structures.

Having heard both systems, I think you'll find that they are simply different. The Linn will be very polite and clean. The Naim will sound like, well, a Naim.

However I still feel that the CD5/112/150/Allae system is unbalanced, but I know that your lady loves the speakers regardless. You'll have to factor that in on your assessment of the system. Don't blame the speaker for any shortcomings in the sound, as the Allaes are amazing on the right kit. Why don't you demo the system you want to finally end up with, and keep that in mind, as it sounds like you're leaning strongly to the Naim and are going to make the upgrades later. I also reckon you should stick with a Nait5 instead of the 112/150, as the power difference is so small. It will also save you a lot of money for the bigger stuff later, and will make a great bedroom system!
The Linn is more balanced within the Linn hierarchy although the preamp should really be a Wakonda IMO.

Listen to the music, not the hifi, trust your instincts and look for the boogie factor.
Why don't you take some notes during the demo? You'll look like a geek but it may provide better information for later reflection.

Joe90

I heard both systems you mention during the last year.
Unfortunately I hate both of the speakers you mention, but hey, that's just me and clearly a lot of others here really rate the Allae.

As for the electronics. Well I love the sound of the new style Naim amps, hence why I bought one. Ref the Linns, well I nearly stayed awake during the dem.
Being fair, the Linns are clinically clean, detailed, well rounded etc etc, I just found them rather dull and a little lifeless in comparison.

Joe90

Great to see your name again and also thanks for understanding my plight.

I agree with everything you are saying and even have a note for NAIT5 scribbled down.........yes, the pen has been out

Would the NAIT5 unbalance the system further or do I buy a Flatcap2 and create something "special".....

Room size is 5.1m x 3.5m and is the living room - hence the involvement of my wife's aesthetic critique. Floor is concrete and carpeted. Speakers will sit either side of the fireplace on the longer wall.

I plan to hear the Allea's on the back end of a CDX2/282/250 just to hear how "future-proof" they would be. I would hate to invest the bulk of the initial outlay on them to change further on. Stands are a definite "no-no"

I listened to £80,000 worth of Linn and can only comment that it sounded fantastic - but then it should be for that cash !

The Linn dealer actually suggested going down to the Kolektor rather than the Wakonda to allow the upgrade from the GENKI to IKEMI CD player. I suppose it's kinda logical.....

Tell you one thing though, my initial dem with the Naim kit was a total hoot - really enjoyed listening to the music and I think that is the complete point !!!

I just wish I could listen to both in the same environment to eliminate one type of sound

Mr_Sukebe

Thanks for your input and it's great that you've listened to both.

Nice to see speakers are still a personal thing - which ones do you use ?

I suppose I could sum your findings on the Linn vs. Naim dem in the same way as my two recent cars :

1. VW Golf 4 2.0 Gti petrol - lovely car, maybe a little too polite to be a Gti

2. VW Golf 4 1.9 Gti 150 Diesel - total hooligan !!!!

As for upsetting anyone with not liking the Allae's - if all hi-fi sounded the same, we'd probably all buy B&O !!!

Joolz

Thanks also, I am thinking seriously about the room and have already convinced SWMBO that we should carpet the room rather than go wooden...... a simple handclap in her parent's recently refloored room proved that one - rang like a bell.

What would you drive the Allae's with ?
Do you think the CD5 / NAIT5 / Flatcap2 might do the trick ?
Should I just give up and buy headphones ?????

I mentioned the Nait because, although it WILL NOT drive the Allaes properly, neither will the 112/150 (although it is better) IMO. So I think I would go with the Nait and keep the cash building up for the big stuff. Then transfer the CD5/Nait5 to the bedroom or sell it privately.

You're blaming the demo rooms for the differences in the sounds, and I think this is a mistake. You have to listen past the room interaction (no system EVER gets over the room's so --called 'problems) and listen to how it makes music.

Does the Linn make music or does the Naim? It's that simple in the end.

Joe90

I'd be very interested in hearing the Ikemi on the front end of the Naim system.

Stereo Stereo in Glasgow...

...used to do both marques, but clearly things have moved on.

In the absence of a "at your home" demo, what about "at a friend's home" demo. THAT WAY, the room stays the same. Good luck in your venture. 5 grand's a lotta cash, so get it right!

!!! There's always money somewhere for the next upgrade... !!!

quote:

---

Has anybody on the forum had the opporunity of listening to the Linn combination

---

Yep. Ikemi was a definite improvement over the Genki, but ought to be for the c100% price increase. The Genki was too harsh and unrefined whereas the Ikemi had a much more organic feel. I subsequently listened to CD5/202/200 (albeit through Quad speakers) and was much more impressed. The Linn gear was cerebral, but the Naim went straight for the hips and the heart.

In both cases, don't fall for the saleman's foot tapping during the audition!

Nice Post Joe! Perhaps I feel that way because I agree with what you wrote

"However I still feel that the CD5/112/150/Allae system is unbalanced, but I know that your lady loves the speakers regardless."

Owning a Nait 5/FC2/Allae system, I can say that, while the Nait isn't quite enough in the control department for these speakers, it will drive them. If I didn't upgrade my amp again, I would still be satisfied. Its nice when the interim steps are enjoyable rather than being harsh/nasty/whatever rendering the intermediate system unlistenable. I'm seeing far less of this kind of griping on the forum re: the new kit as compared to the olive-style kit.

I wouldn't mind a bigger amp, but don't feel pressed to do it. The system plays loud, fairly clean (a better mains supply would help), and doesn't compress and poop out too early.

- GregB

Insert Witty Signature Line Here

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr_Sukebe:
As for the electronics. Well I love the sound of the new style Naim amps, hence why I bought one. Ref the Linns, well I nearly stayed awake during the dem.
Being fair, the Linns are clinically clean, detailed, well rounded etc etc, I just found them rather dull and a little lifeless in comparison.

---

Exactly my sentiments - having been a former Linn owner. Lifeless is the difference for want of a better description. Why did it take me so long to discover Naim???

Rgds

Mike