we agree that...

Posted by: ken c on 28 August 2001

i am often amused (bemused?) by divergent views on this forum, especially on upgrades and merit or otherwise of certain non-naim equipment.

other than that naim amplifiers are world beaters, what do you guys believe that we have universal agreement on? (i realise this question could get recursive, but dont be silly just for the sake of it...). its better if its a single thing...

another side of the same coin, what do we most disagree on???

enjoy

ken

[This message was edited by ken c on TUESDAY 28 August 2001 at 22:28.]

Posted on: 28 August 2001 by Mike Hanson
That would have to be Soundstage! Some of us desire/require it as part of the puzzle, while others run screaming from the room as soon as they hear any semblance of imaging.

As far as agreements go, I think we all value the "fun quotient" very highly. Non-Naimees often seem to desire "accuracy" more than "fun", which is a little counterintuitive to me. We listen to music for enjoyment, not to perform objective, scientific analysis. (A little analysis can be fun, but it's not the end goal.)

As far as that goes, I'm not ready to swallow the outside world's argument that Naim isn't "neutral". I find most non-Naim equipment rather boring. Since when does "boring" equal "neutral"? (How about that for a non sequitur? wink)

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Posted on: 28 August 2001 by Tuan
Certainly not true. Just different flavours than other high-end Audio lines. I like Mark Levinson ampliiers too. Exposure amplifiers are quite good. Also, Musical Fidelity with the hibrid design tube for pre-amp stage and solid state for the amp section sounds really sweet and powerful etc., It all boils down to your musical preference as each high-end audio line has a unique sonic signature. I prefer Naim source and ML or Exposure amplification. However, Naim amps are also highly praised for their quickness (250 or 135s). I am quite happy with either a 250 or a ML integrated or better a pair of 135s (thinking about buying them). There is a beautiful wolrd of HiFi outside the Naim castle. You just have to step outside the castle and experience yourself.
Posted on: 28 August 2001 by SaturnSF
Two posts, and already we're off-topic.

I'm with Mike on this; it's all about the fun.

Sean

Posted on: 28 August 2001 by Mike Hanson
quote:
As for soundstage, well, I don't often sit in the stereo 'hot-spot' anyway

This is a common misunderstanding. If a system is really doing a good job of imaging, then you don't need to sit in the "perfect spot" (although it will amplify the effect). Even far away from the hot seat, you'll get a sensation of the expanse of the music, the "shape" of the sounds, the position of the performers, etc. I'm essentially talking about palpability, which is the most important aspect of soundstage for me.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Posted on: 28 August 2001 by Happy Listener
I compare this rather subjective matter as being like the the front row of a concert or gig(where you can here the raw and involving power -- same as a pub jazz band!)and standing at the back, just trying to glean the smooth picture, and missing out on the emotion and action in the process.

I know where I want to be!

PH

Posted on: 28 August 2001 by Peter Stockwell
quote:
I'm with Mike on this; it's all about the fun.

Damn!, I thought it was about neurosis.

Peter

Posted on: 29 August 2001 by Tony L
quote:
other than that naim amplifiers are world beaters, what do you guys believe that we have universal agreement on?

The general concept that the system should play music… The first thing that I noted when I started lurking on this forum years ago was that the average Naim user had what I would describe as real taste in music i.e. the majority of purchases were carefully considered and came from well outside of the mainstream. I had been a Naim user for over ten years before I found this place, and it was a big relief that it was not full of people playing bloody test records and typical hi-fi dem records. We have some people here who are into really cutting edge music, we also have Mick Parry wink The amount of excellent music discussed on the Music Forum is really refreshing, and to my mind unique within audio forums. I have enjoyed learning from and contributing to the Music Forum.

Within the hi-fi equipment discussions it is equally refreshing that a lot of the original "flat earth" concepts are more than alive and well, and are frequently being touted by people who were not around at the start. This has to be a good thing, especially as the hi-fi press currently seem to be totally insipid, bland, and under the control of their advertisers, a place like this is very useful to exchange and understand ideas. There are very few here who do not buy into the front end first concept, and likewise very few who put hi-fi presentation above musical content.

I think the disagreements are equally refreshing, it would be a worse place if everyone bought the same systems, equipment supports etc. I briefly joined the Linn mailing list, but soon tired of it as it was literally "Any Linn product is better than any competitors product, and the more expensive Linn product is always better than the cheaper one…". Thankfully there are far wider views here, and a also very large number of people who don't run all Naim systems giving their perspective.

Tony.

Posted on: 29 August 2001 by Ron The Mon
Anyone disagree?