Toe Back in the Water
Posted by: Greg Beatty on 28 June 2002
I put my toe back in the water and started with one of these:
Monster PowerBar 1100
A friend with a Naim system uses the HTS2000 with good results. I did the dem at his place a while back and for those of us without dedicated mains, this gives an improvement. John Coltrane and Ella were both grooving better at our place last night. Background rhythms and instruments are now clear and synchronize with the lead instrument or singer - a definite musical improvement. We'll see if the trend continues and if we think the difference is worth $200 USD. We have a 30-day return on it from a local dealer.
I also contacted the local Naim dealers Re: a Nait 5. Man, we have two dealers in the area and we STILL need a good one. The guy I spoke with at Deja Vu Audio had no idea what a Nait was even though they carry the stuff. They also had the OLD PRICE of $1,600 USD instead of the current price of $1,450. I mentioned this and was told that $1,600 was their price and that I would have to take it up with the owner.
I've also scoured around for used Naim kit and there is none to be found in the area. We like remote so the 32.5 type stuff is out. A Nait 5 would do nicely methinks.
I'm also unsure about speakers. The traditional recommended speakers I read about on the forum are not available in the Washington, DC area. I liked the Totem Sttafs I auditioned a few weeks ago, but those don't seem to be a Speaker of Choice among Naimees so I feel like I would be missing something. Arcs are also a possibility - a road trip to NY would need to happen to get Arcs - again, no local dealer.
Thoughts???
In other news, WE ARE PREGNANT with our first
We have decided to get a large-screen TV and upgrade the stereo before the new family member arrives figuring we won't get the chance later. All of this depends on my wife staying with her new job, which she does not particularly like, for at least two or three more months. Else the household is running on my paycheck alone so no dosh for toys, if you get my drift.
- GregB
Insert Witty Signature Line Here
Monster PowerBar 1100
A friend with a Naim system uses the HTS2000 with good results. I did the dem at his place a while back and for those of us without dedicated mains, this gives an improvement. John Coltrane and Ella were both grooving better at our place last night. Background rhythms and instruments are now clear and synchronize with the lead instrument or singer - a definite musical improvement. We'll see if the trend continues and if we think the difference is worth $200 USD. We have a 30-day return on it from a local dealer.
I also contacted the local Naim dealers Re: a Nait 5. Man, we have two dealers in the area and we STILL need a good one. The guy I spoke with at Deja Vu Audio had no idea what a Nait was even though they carry the stuff. They also had the OLD PRICE of $1,600 USD instead of the current price of $1,450. I mentioned this and was told that $1,600 was their price and that I would have to take it up with the owner.
I've also scoured around for used Naim kit and there is none to be found in the area. We like remote so the 32.5 type stuff is out. A Nait 5 would do nicely methinks.
I'm also unsure about speakers. The traditional recommended speakers I read about on the forum are not available in the Washington, DC area. I liked the Totem Sttafs I auditioned a few weeks ago, but those don't seem to be a Speaker of Choice among Naimees so I feel like I would be missing something. Arcs are also a possibility - a road trip to NY would need to happen to get Arcs - again, no local dealer.
Thoughts???
In other news, WE ARE PREGNANT with our first
We have decided to get a large-screen TV and upgrade the stereo before the new family member arrives figuring we won't get the chance later. All of this depends on my wife staying with her new job, which she does not particularly like, for at least two or three more months. Else the household is running on my paycheck alone so no dosh for toys, if you get my drift.- GregB
Insert Witty Signature Line Here
Greg
welcome back "to the fold"
, and large congrats on impending parenthood to you both. Be sure to allow system budget for Cannon or Fieldcrest, ok? 
There's a lot to be said for CD5/FC2/Nait5 - loadsa bang for the buck. Not so sure about matching with the speakers you're talking about though, as I've not heard them. Works well with Naim Intros, or even Rega Juras. YMMV.
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
welcome back "to the fold"
, and large congrats on impending parenthood to you both. Be sure to allow system budget for Cannon or Fieldcrest, ok? There's a lot to be said for CD5/FC2/Nait5 - loadsa bang for the buck. Not so sure about matching with the speakers you're talking about though, as I've not heard them. Works well with Naim Intros, or even Rega Juras. YMMV.
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio