Choices for a Starter System?

Cartridge: Something from Rega; either an Elys or Super Elys. You'd also need a Rega Fono phonostage from your TT to your preamp - it works well in this system.
Speakers?
Now that is down to personal taste.
Again, try Rega: ELA 2s/Naos,
or, JM Lab Cobalt 816s,
or Naim Intro/Credo.
I have no idea as to US availability, but I would imagine that all the Rega/Naim stuff is as per UK.
As for your tastes in music, IMHO, equipment choices should never be programme-dependent - it's either musical, or it isn't - especially as your tastes are quite broad, and will cover most of the issues of reproduction, i.e: pace, rhythm, timing and accurate pitch of notes and harmonic interplay, as well as openness, frequency extension and imaging.
FWiW, my system is: CD5/Flatcap2, P25/ Rega Fono,
Densen B200/300 - in place of Nac112/Nap150. My P25 is on a Rega wallshelf - it doesn't like being on the same table as the electronics - too much hum.
I'd also recommend decent equipment supports for the rest, and I don't know what is available in the US, but QS standard, or QS Reference may give the overall sound a certain "naturalness," as they do not introduce any major "ringing" of their own, which, in turn, can really ruin the integrity and cohesion of the musical performance. The ultimate test of the latter is to listen to the system from outside the room, with the door open: does it sound like a band is playing in there, or a hi-fi system?
Decent mains blocks/leads, such as Music Works, can also have the same impact on the system as, say, the Flatcap 2, but I really don't know what is available in the US in this domain.

It's always a nice day for it, have a good one
Steve

[This message was edited by Steven Toy on SUNDAY 15 July 2001 at 06:33.]

In which case you'd need the MC version of the Fono phonostage. There is not a version switcheable between MM and MC.

It's always a nice day for it, have a good one
Steve

Ok, how many of us are hugely happy with our Naim systems?

My guess is that most that have predominantly or exclusively Naim systems are very happy.

I know that I am very happy indeed. Yes I am!!!

I have a theory about relative affordability but someone might argue I should be running dbls which I don’t want to get into …….…..but I’m not yet convinced by the 5 series.

Ok that opinion is slightly premature as I’ve yet to hear the whole range, but my first impression is that I prefer the 3s and I certainly prefer the rega planet to the CD5 based on the demo I heard…..but I much preferred the 3 to the planet!! Clearly my hearing is suffering with age.

May be my views will change, I know that some Naim products have improved as time has gone on, but the mid-range stuff is more difficult to assess. I’ve just posted that I prefer the rega planet but that could easily be reversed by a superior stands or better set up.

The Naim mid-range is actually ok sound-wise. It looks ok-ish as well, but those buttons are naff (not as naff as the rest of the square buttons on the equipment but not far off), but are we witnessing a Linn-style change in priorities. If it sounds ok, that’s alright so long as it looks good????????

Chris

They look very similar. However there is really no contest between a Planet and a CD5 - the difference is black and white.
The Jupiter, on the other hand, does give the CD5 a run for its money. It's a close contest, although the Jupiter is perhaps a shade too bright compared to the CD5. I don't think I'm biased here, given that my system comprises of a mixture of Naim and Rega components.
Anyway, you can't add a Flatcap to a Jupiter, and the CD5/FC2 leaves the Jupiter for dead

It's always a nice day for it, have a good one
Steve