What system to choose?

Posted by: Jerry_Lee on 05 March 2007

Hello all, I am currently in the process of composing a system setup of HiFi components. I would like to have some advice from all of you in what system is best suitable for my wishes.

First of all I am not married to Naim but would like to explore if Naim could be my dream setup.

My search is for a home theatre setup with 5 speakers and a subwoofer. Allthough I must say that stereo listening of CD's has priority over multichannel. What can you recommend to me? I am thinking of a dvd player, receiver and power amp. Since Naim has so much separate components it is hard for me to start searching.

Hope you all can help.

Best regards!
Posted on: 05 March 2007 by Gary S.
Jerry

What's your budget?

Gary
Posted on: 05 March 2007 by SimonJ
Not sure exactly what your expectations of CD listening is. To many it would be a nice CD, pre, power and two speakers and keep that horrible AV out of it. Your approach of DVD, receiver power and 5.1 speakers is slightly different to a traditional Naim user setup, but is not a problem and is easily achievable. I suspect you have been looking currently at Arcam and Denon DVD+AV type setups and are looking for a simular Naim version. If you are after CD playback you are in the right place to achieve a better result.

Since your preference is CD and not AV, but you want AV too.. I would suggest you start with an audition on an n-Vi + n-system (2 x n-Sat sets, n-cent + n-sub - do not skimp on the n-sub). Listen to that for CD playback and see what you think. If you want more from CD playback then work out how much of your budget you have left after all that, buy a CDX2 next and if any cash left either and XPS2 for it or maybe even a Supernait.

The skys your limit really depending on your budget. Here's a few examples.

n-Vi + n-system = £ 6,290
+ CDX £2925 = £ 9,215
+ XPS2 £2550 = £ 11,765
+ Supernait £2350 = £ 14,115