Yesterday I went to my first hi-fi show in about 20 years. The major difference I could detect was that the average price of the systems was over 20 grand, and often a lot more!!!
I thought the Naim kit was great, my first reaction being that the Allaes were very competent. This was rapidly tempered by totting up the cost of the total system as I sat there – suddenly I realized I was listening to well over 20 grand’s worth. To be honest, I’d expect a lot more for that sort of cash. Myself and the friend I was with (see – I’m an Anorak and have friends! Unusual eh?) both thought the Allaes were clearly the limiting factor and they’d have been much better off using NBLs. Therein lies the quandary – upon releasing mid-range kit like the Allaes, is it better to put them on the end of killer kit so that they sound their best (and risk people thinking of the total system cost and wishing they’d get more for over 20grand), or put them on the end of a much more balanced system, similar to the sort they’re likely to be used in (eg CDX, 82, HiCap, 250), and have people thinking what a great system for less than half the price? We’d have preferred the latter approach.
This point was emphasized in the Absolute Sounds dem. The Wilson kit was big, big, big, loud, loud, loud, hideously expensive, and bloated/plummy (although it wasn’t as bad as the Chord stuff, mentioned already, which was truly awful even appalling given the cost). The ‘little’ Absloute system was the new Martin Logans (Aeon) paired with the bottom-line Krell CD and integrated amp – this system was, in our opinion, far and away the best value for money at the show; balanced, rhythmic, transparent, detailed, pacy and one of the least expensive relatively! There was no competition given the Naim system was 10grand more. Knock the CDS2, 52, 500 out of the Naim dem, replace with CDX, 82, 250 and the cost-benefit ratio would have been much more interesting…one to ponder.
Which is the right approach? Clearly the best would be to rotate the stuff used throughout the day, rather like a dem, but this seems impractical?
Steve
Posted on: 16 September 2001 by Alex S.
Interesting what you thought ebirah.
I guess these hi-fi shows (it was my first) are set up as aspirational events where manufacturers attempt to show off. I'm sure Naim and all the other 'high end' boys find it very difficult to resist setting up a mega system and trying to blow us all away.
I understand that Naim used Allaes not so much because they're new but mainly because the room was unsuitable for NBLs or DBLs. Sure they sounded good on the end of NAP500 etc but how many Allae customers are going to put them on the end of that system? None. In one sense it was a little dishonest - a better representation of the sound they are likely to produce would be provided by CDX/XPS, 82/Hi-Cap, 250 say. This would have been a more informative demonstration.
Going back to Chord. If I had 100 grand to spend on hi-fi I might spend 60 on Chord and 40 on Naim. The Chord did give a sort of outer-body experience which I found unnerving and very impressive. You don't need drugs with this gear - the look and the sound is enough. Its not music, far from it, but there is something captivating about not only hearing every breath but even every nose hair ripple. When I wanted music I would retire to my Naim room.
Alex
Posted on: 16 September 2001 by garyi
Its fair to say that Naim would have been showing off the new speakers, at the end of the day the people that attend these shows attend every year, Naim and all the rest will not be demoing to many new customers, therefore why install NBLs which were at last years show?
what Naim have done i think is display all the new stuff, the AV processor and the Fraim kit also demoing the newest speakers and the Big End stuff attached to it. bear in mind the main business done is on Thursday and Friday when the dealers are in, they know what NBLs sound like and they might not have seen the new speakers, hense why they were there.
I know I am addicted to Naim and my view is very biased, but I didn't hear anything else there yesterday which I thought was better for the money. Plus some of the speakers there this year were F***ing hideous, I love music but I ain't making my house look like shit. There were some with the speakers inside out as it were so you get to look at the magnet, for christs sake, lets all get real here, its music.
Posted on: 16 September 2001 by Martin Payne
I understand Naim tried to get several rooms and could then have demoed systems at various levels, but this was not possible.
There is value in demoing a very good system.
People are trawling the show, looking for manufacturers & systems that tie into their priorities.
If you find you like valves & hate Naim, or vice versa, you've learnt something. Once your interest has been tickled you can investigate further at your dealer.
cheers, Martin
Posted on: 17 September 2001 by Andrew L. Weekes
The Naim room was the ONLY one where I took time to find out what music was being played, rather than what equipment.
Whatever it's cost that means it works, in my book.
Andy.
Posted on: 17 September 2001 by Steve B
quote:
The Naim room was the ONLY one where I took time to find out what music was being played, rather than what equipment.
That was the difference I found when I last went to a HiFi show.
But that was way back when Linn and Naim occupied the same room.
(And it was Laurie Anderson's "Big Science" playing).
Steve B
