Naim Neophyte

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Currently have Rega P3, 10X gold, Tom Evans phono stage, Alpha 6 and Royd Minstrels. Initially thought that next upgrade would be speakers but local dealer suggested that a better amp would get a lot more out of the Minstrels and suggested Naim.

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I would ditch the P3 and the Arcam amp for a second hand LP12/Ittok and any Naim amp. Even buying second hand at dealer prices this would be easy to achieve for the money you have specified. If it were my system my choice would be something like a LP12 / Ekos or Aro from Loot, they crop up from about 800 quid now and again, keep your phono stage and cartridge, and buy something like a Nait 2 for about 200 quid. That system would sound seriously good.

Tony.

In my humble estimations, your dealer is spot on the money. ditch the Arcam - try Naim, they drive the Royds even better. Still, there are other brands to try as well - perhaps Densen or Linn, amongst others - do have a good listen around... and let us know how you got on.

Natrually my pref is for the Naim kit, and has been for a number of years... but the earth ain't as flat as some of us would like it, and not all value the magic that Naim provides - best you listen around, ... and then buy a Nait 5.

beware, though, you'll likely get bitten and find yourself trading the P3 for a Linn, and before you know it you'll have sold your car, bought a 52/250 and you won't answer the phone coz you're too busy enjoying the music.

Rico - let them eat Kans.

PS - don't keep the phono stage just coz you've just bought it! Do not make compromises in future kit purchases - it will ultimately skew the sound of the system. View your pre and power solution as a whole, and remember the term "system synergy" - this may or may not include the phono stage you currently have in the final config.

For those about to dem I can assure you that from the Arcam you will find a big difference with any Naim amp. This is the Flat vs Round Earth thing-in fact the initial vibe can be a bit difficult to get used to as the sound may lose some of the apparebtly pleasant smoothness which is actually masking detail and emotion. My old Arcam amp was very muffled and 'squashy' sounding.

Of course let your ears decide but I am pretty sure you that changing amp will open a new window on your music.

Bruce

The Minstrals are actually really good loudspeakers and probably the best part of your system. I've heard them running off a Naim CD3/42.5/110 and they are excellent.

I would 2nd Tony's opinion.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
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