Naim Allae v B&W N804 v PMC OB1

Posted by: Nigel_Rav on 06 October 2003

Just thought I'd share my thoughts on the above 3 speakers and see whether anyone else has had any experience of these comparisons.

I have more or less decided to buy a CDX2/202/200, possibly with PSC and/or Hi-Cap. I quickly discovered that sub £2000 speakers didn't really cut it and didn't show the CD and amps to anywhere near their full potential. e.g. B&W 704/703, ProAc D15, Spendor S8, Neat Elite. I've also tried the Shahanian Arcs, but they weren't really for me - too vague and mellow.

The Allaes, 804s & OB1s seem to be the front runners; I may also be trying the Totem Forest, Dynaudio Contour S1.4 and Wilson Benesch Arc, although I have doubts that the latter 2 can give as much bass as floorstanders.

So, the Naim Allaes I found to be quite raw. Detailed and with great bass definition, but lacking in weight and warmth. I suspect they could be good in the right environment and with a higher spec front end.

The PMcs were smooth, weighty and well balanced - a nice easy listen. However, despite being a 4 year old design, I thought the 804s were even better. The bass had virtually equal weight but also had improved 'texture'. In addition the soundstage was more expansive and they sounded that bit more natural.

I'd be interested in any comments and also if I've missed auditioning anything else that goes well with Naim up to £2500. (Preferably floorstanders).

Posted on: 06 October 2003 by CraigP

I was in the same position as you about six months ago, although with not quite the same kit. Out of all the speakers i tried it just had to be the Nautilus 804s, and they still make me smile now. The sound is just fantastic. The Allae for me came a close second. I didnt think much of the PMC. I also tried Spendor s8 and the Linn Ninka and didnt like either of these. People have mentioned it before and i think that there is a certain synergy between Naim and some of the B&W speaker range. When i was auditioning them in the shop there were a number of people milling about, and everyone gave the 804s the thumbs up. So basically what i am saying is they would be my suggestion.

Posted on: 06 October 2003 by NB

Nigel,

Thee is one obvious ommision from your shortlist of speakers.At that price range no one should ignore the Neat MFS's. They may not be floorstanders but they are an impressive speaker.

Regards

NB

Posted on: 06 October 2003 by Chris Metcalfe

The Neat MFSs are £3000, therefore over your budget. I would say you also need at least a CDX/XPS2 to do them justice.

My firm recommendation would be the speaker I use, the Dynaudio 1.8/II. I preferred these to the Allae, Spendor S9, and Audio Physic Tempo. Great timing, neutrality and musicality. Need running in of course.

Posted on: 06 October 2003 by long-time-dead

Nigel_Rav

Did you use NACA5 between the power amp and the Allae's ??

I ask this as I recently dem'd Naim amps with Allae's using Chord speaker cables (at around £30 per metre) and the resultant change to NACA5 really made an improvement - taking away the "metallic" brashness and smoothing out the sound.

Might even help out the budget a little !!!!

Posted on: 07 October 2003 by NB

Quote:-

The Neat MFSs are £3000, therefore over your budget. I would say you also need at least a CDX/XPS2 to do them justice.
_____________________________________________________________

Still worth an audition though and think of the possibilities for upgrading

Posted on: 07 October 2003 by naimless!

Nautilus 804

and when you get an XPS

82 and 2nd hi-cap

and on and on....superb speakers!

pete

Posted on: 09 October 2003 by Nigel_Rav

Thanks for all the comments.

Chris & NB - I think the Neats would be stretching the budget too much. At the end of the day if the budget was £2500-£3500 instead of £1500-£2500, a lot of other good candidates would be in the running.
As for the Contour 1.8s, they have just been discontinued and now the Dynaudio floorstander range jumps from the Audience 82s at about £1.5k to the Contour S3.4 at £3.5k.

Long-time-dead, I've heard the Allaes with a couple of different cables including the Chord cable at about £20, and NACA5. Both times I didn't really get on with the speakers. The cable I have at home is QED XT400, so will be using that in the short term then trying Naim's new cable next year.

Adam, I can't find a dealer that does the Vito and Naim, it doesn't seem to be a popular choice for some reason. It also looks like it may be replaced next year...

I think the 804s are the ones to beat if the budget is strictly £2500. I may consider the 805s, but I suspect the bass will be lacking against an 804. I'm comparing 6 speakers on Saturday, so we'll see what happens...

Posted on: 09 October 2003 by naimless!

Speakers are subjective obviously, but I thoroughly rec B&W, and with the money your spending in 1 go, I would suggest a discount would be possible on the 804's.

Just ask

the 805's do without doubt lack deep bass, but tuneful nonetheless, and depending on the music you listen to, this is far overcompensated by a stunningly natural projected mid range. I listen to a lot of rock so for me the bass was required for a bit of CHUNKINESS, but when listening to 804/805 with vocal/accoustic (for my home dem it was the elvis costello/burt baccharach collaboration) the 805's were beautiful. the 804's for me though just added the required dynamic

pete

Posted on: 09 October 2003 by Audio Visionary

Dynaudio Contour T2.5's are still current models and are very similar to the old 1.8mkII.
Much easier on the ears in the top frequencies than the PMC's and very full but a bit slow on the bottom. The Dyn's do like a wee dram of power but the 200 may work well if your room is not too large and your taste in music is not too Motley.

Posted on: 09 October 2003 by Arnaud

quote:

. The cable I have at home is QED XT400, so will be using that in the short term then trying Naim's new cable next year.

Is there a new Naim Cable planned for next year? Did Naim officially announce that? Will it replace NACA 5, or will it be more upper market etc?
Does anyone have more details (price, date of issue etc)?

Posted on: 10 October 2003 by Nigel_Rav

A couple of dealers have mentioned that a new cable is in development for release next year.

From what I can gather, it is designed to replace and improve upon the NACA5. I can only guess at price, but I suspect a few pounds dearer than the current £7.50, but still reasonable compared to high-end cables.

Of course, my sources may be wrong. I'm sure Naim will confirm details when they're good and ready...

By the way, on the subject of replacement ranges, the B&W Nautilus range is pencilled in for replacement in Q4 2004. No doubt with a good 10% price hike at the same time, which is why I probably won't wait.