Downgrading

I used to be the same, but after many years of playing music on my own I found a like minded bunch of Naimees with whom I now share regular evenings of music. Now I find that my Naim system is played all the time, but it isn't the system that matters; it's the music, and being introduced to music that I wouldn't have otherwise come across. So the whole thing has kicked off for me and I just couldn't do without the Naim system, even though the Naim system is the least important element, ironically. You just need to make it a less solitary passtime. If you don't mind the drive to Brighton you would be welcome to join us.

Hi Fisbey;

I've found with myself and other Naim owning friends, that usage of systems, and interest in music new and old, waxes and wanes in accordance with events and moods in one's life.

Keep your system if you can afford to do so. If your enthusiasm comes bouncing back, and you've flogged a good system, you'll be well pissed off.

Good luck.

John.

PS. Try to hear and buy some new music. It's a great catalyst for system usage.

I've been there and thought that! I resolved the situation to some extent by going DIY, with the result that I'm in the money and own a very high end audio system that I could never dream of affording through more conventional commercial channels. But there's no way I could tolerate going back to listening to an old tin can - every time I visit a friend I am reminded of this!

EW

I suspect your Naim system isn't working properly. Whenever I lose interest in mine, I find it's because something isn't working (again)

quote:

Originally posted by Rockingdoc:
I suspect your Naim system isn't working properly. Whenever I lose interest in mine, I find it's because something isn't working (again)

What of the much-vaunted Naim reliabilty?

EW

No the system isn't broken!

I have to admit my enjoyment has decreased since I changed from Arcs back to Elas - a forced change due to a room (house) change.

Mmmm - maybe need to think on this a bit more.

Rasher - thanks, a very kind offer - if I'm down Brighton way!......

I have a cure for this.
Just go and see a friend who owns a japanese big box.
Put some CDs on for.......mhhhh.....3/4 hours.
Then go back home.
You'll start cryin' and surely hug and kiss your system.

quote:

or some time now I have seriously considered selling my system and buying something cheaper. The reson being I really don't think I can justify (to myself) owning a system that I barely use these days. I know (at times) I will miss what Naim has to offer, but in all honesty I feel I would be just as happy with, say, a Rega system or (shock horror) a Japanese amp and CD player.

Not sure I want advice really, but what do people think?!!

You need to be slapped.

That's what I think, and my advice all rolled into one!

So life's busy! So what?
I've two children and a business and a wife and a dog and a cat and life doesn't leave a lot of time for 'me' hours. But try dragging my system away - you'll get a booting.

Wade through these fellings of shame.
You're worth it.

I have sold two beautiful guitars because 'I wasn't playing much' at the time. Now when I think that i could be playing them it almost makes me cry.

Sell it and you'll regret it!!!!

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

If it's not a matter of finance, why don't you box-up your Naim system, store it somewhere and buy a mini system. After 2 or 3 months you'll know whether you can live with a lesser/cheaper system or not. You can then make a better informed decision.

rgds,
Peter

Have you done a bit of basic maintenance on the system, eg remove and insert every connection many times (the experts say 20 times) to clean up the contacts. Ditto with the excess current protection devices, just make sure that they are not corroded.

Fisbey

I had a CDI, 82 and 250 for years, which I used with SBLs. It makes a fantastic syatem. A pair of SBLs should be great in your room - shove 'em against the walls out of the way and they will be really happy. They, together with Derek's cleaning tips, should put the zip back. The system would sell for very little, compared to its worth to you, so keep it and enjoy it when you can. It can envelop you in music in a way a cheap mini box thing can never do.

Nigel

quote:

Originally posted by J.N.:
If your enthusiasm comes bouncing back, and you've flogged a good system, you'll be well pissed off.

John did actualy downgrade from 52/2xSC/SNAXO/2x250 to 202/Hi2/250.2.

He certainly much preferred the "new sound", so it wasn't quite as it would seem in context of your problem.

Just look at his profile now!

cheers, Martin (lucky inheritor of JN's XPS2).

quote:

a forced change due to a room (house) change

Aha! Could that be the nub of your problem? Martin Payne and I have just visited a friend who has moved to a smaller bungalow, and had somewhat compromised the position of her loudspeakers in a smaller room.

Result? It sounded crap, with consequent reduced usage and enjoyment. We moved the speakers onto another wall, and hey presto! - the difference was unbelievable.

If you have a new room, it might take some time and experimentation to achieve a good sound.

Martin's comments about my downgrading and change to new Naim electronics also illustrates the point that your tastes may have changed - mine did.

I became very disillusioned with what I perceived to be inconsistent results from an 'Olive' active system (in an admittedly 'difficult' room). I found that the new electronics in a passive system, offered me a much more consistent level of performance and enjoyment.

Have you tried new Naim electronics? They are clearly designed around a CD source (unlike the older equipment) and I think it shows. A CDX2 sounds very different to your CDI.

As ever; you need a good dealer to let you experiment with the options.

Or maybe you just need to wring a better sound out of your new room?

Good luck - don't give up!

John.

OK I made a change and moved The TV from between the speakers (there's a bean bag there now!), the TV moved to where an armchair was and the armchair went upstairs.....

Bit happier with the ways it sounds, but was very busy at the weekend and only listened to Wild Planet by the B52's and it sounder ok, if a little thin, will hopefully try some other CD's tonight.

John - I haven't tried the new series and to be honest it's not really an option right now - any money I have goes on fixing the rest of the house up!

Will report back.