Looking for Speakers

Alan,

there are a few forum members that use the Neat MFS's with Naim gear. The combination works extremely well and is worth a serious demonstration.

Regards


NB

Quote:-

I don't understand 3D imaging, so I can't comment there
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3D imaging and Naim amps arn't normally associated.


Regards

NB

Huge soundstage, massive space, deep controlled bass - must be Shahinian! I wish I could say they have pin point 3D, but they're not like standard forward firing speakers. Very different sound, the imaging is very deep, but the presentation is unusual. To give this some context, speakers I think are good include Naim SBL, Quad electrostatics, Neat. The Shahinians are worth hearing. You'll know quite quickly whether you like their presentation.

Happy listening.

Noel.

Doesn't anybody recommend B&W speakers for Naim and if so which model?

My previous system (Balanced Audio Technology VK-3i/VK-200/Thiel CS 2.3) delivered loads of 3D imaging, detail, soundstage etc... When I switched to NAIM gear (112-HC/150/CD5-FC2/Stageline-HC/NAHA 2-FC2) I lost the pinpoint 3D imaging and gained musicality, PRAT etc...

I soon realized the 2.3's were not a good match for the 150 (2.3's sounded lean and need more power than the 150) and purchased a pair of Neat Mystiques which are a good match for my current system.

In my limited experience, I don't think you are get the 3D imaging from NAIM gear - at least not from my system. I have not heard the better NAIM gear so maybe it's possible.

I don't miss the audiophile/hi-fi sound of my old gear. Now I find myself tapping my foot saying "I love this song" instead of saying "Wow, the bass guitar sounds like it's coming from outside the soundstage".

Dave

Every speaker has a somewhat unique presentation
and character of its own. Having said that, I
have heard both Quad 63usa monitor and Spendors,
both bc1/sp1 and larger sp100 sound superbly
convincing when driven by a 250 anchored Naim
system. I believe the largest Harbeth monitors
would also work well...of course ....listening
is the final test.
Scott lovemusic

I have B&W Nautilus 803's, with 52/Supercap/CDX/CDS/135's.

Very good definition with a sweet bass (not agressive); a little bit laidback. Excellent on good CD's but average on CD of poor quality or Big Hits'CD type. I have tried the SACD; the sound was fabulous.

If I had to change I'd go for Nautilus 802 or 801 or Spendor SP100.

quote:

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Originally posted by AlanK:
Hi Everyone,

I'm seeking a pair of quality speakers with big soundstage, open sound, pin-point 3-D image and excellent bass extension that will go with my Naim system. Does anyone think that Neat MFS is a good match to what I'm looking for?

Thank you!

Alan

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Your Naim will not do big sound stage, pin-point 3D image. You need Mark Levinson and Wilson Audio combination for these effects.

Hello,

make your list of example cds/records you want to hear and go into a Hifi-shop with one or two hours time.
Speakers sound very different, even from the same company.
I spent days listening to different speakers in different shops.
B&W (biggest model) I heared once with Mark Levinson big mono blocks... - and for me they sounded very industrial with the CDS2 no realistic music at all. But I was very happy - that owner sold me his 52/supercap/135/DBLs to a decent price.,
135s Olive and/ DBLs are not best in 3D soundstage. Audio Physic Virgo or Avanti and Olive 250 are much better. With Audio Physic Subwoofer (Luna/Minos) you have all the realistic bass you may want to hear.

Have fun in making the sales guys bored because you listen to your favorites over and over again comparing speakers. (In nearly all shops they retreated to other rooms if available because my testing favorites went after some time on their nerves- Hindemith-deep organ (Chambermusic Nr.7, second movement), Bruckner-9th sinfony with Günther Wand:big orchestra in a church room, Mahler 10th Symphony:3rd movement:Fortissimo stroke on a BIG orchestra drum, Schubert, 10th string quartett , 4th movement played by Melos, Apocalyptica: Inquisition symphony,). My girl friend choose a traditional Chrismas song (with solo tenor and Childrens choir and orchestra) to compare equipment. After 20 times this was even hard for me

Good luck

Alan, like others i'd say naim equipment dont do 3D soundstages as much to do with the naim amp and sources - so getting a non naim speaker wont really change things.

The best system ive heard for imaging was with a Cyrus amp (renound for its soundstage) with Kef uni-Q speakers also renound for producing a good sounstage. The soundstage produced was enourmous, I dont know what this kit is like with naim gear though. I might go back to this, yep I know sounstages are an artificail creation by studio engineers but it helps me to focus whilst listening - I also hear the new cyrus stuff is fast and rhythmic too - so the foot should be kept happy to

I owned B&W speakers for 15+ years and, while I got alot of enjoyment out of them, they were not the best match for my Naim gear.

I tried a new pair of B&W's, but both me and my wife wanted the speakers out of the house within 24 hours. They DID have more scale than the other speakers we had tried - and I believe some would have preferred them over the Naim Allaes we ended up with - but for us, there was no contest.

I've not heard Neats and so will not comment on those.

FWIW, B&Ws are a more difficult load that Naim speakers and so if you go B&W be prepared to shell out for amps if you don't already have them. 250 minimum IMHO.

- GregB

- GregB

Insert Witty Signature Line Here

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. In fact, I pick Naim gear for its musicality. On the other hand, I like the clear soundstage presentation when I listen to ProAc 2.5. Since ProAc 2.5 is discontinued, I'll have to consider its replacement ProAc D25. But I have not had a chance to listen to both ProAc D25 and Neat MFS. I'm wondering how they compare with each other. I have been hearing good reviews regarding Neat MFS with Naim gear, hence I think I'll give it a serious consideration. But I really want to find out the differences among ProAc 2.5, ProAc D25, and Neat MFS.

Thank you!

Alan