what next?
Posted by: simcat on 27 April 2003
Hi All...This is my first post after reading the forums for a while. Just requesting a bit of advice on next upgrade steps really, or help with current setup. Current system is CD5 connected to an Arcam Alpha 8 with Chord Cobra interconnect, Proac Tablette 2000 speakers with Chord Rumour cabling on Target stands.
System sounds quite good, sounds better loud
, but on some cds it sounds a little "sharp" and trebly at times. I was thinking of upgrading the amp to a Naim pre\power combo but was a bit worried that by buying more Naim gear it would further the slightly bright sound that I already have. I wanted something a little less tiring to listen too but wasn't sure what to do next. My previous cd player was an Arcam 72. Music is mainly jazz, electronic\dance, dub etc.
Appreciate any thoughts
www.liquidjigsaw.comPosted on: 27 April 2003 by NB
HI there, welcome to the forum.
Firstly I would suggest that you add a hi-cap to the CD5. This will improve your cd player.
Then I would suggest that you audition a pre-power amp. Start with a 112/150 and move up as your budget allows. A 202/200 would be ideal for your CD palyer.
Only by listening will you find out whether a Naim CD/amp is too bright for your tastes. Naim gear is very much a matter of personal taste, you either love it or hate it.
regards
NB
Posted on: 27 April 2003 by bjorne
I believe a 112/150 pre-power combo together with a flatcap2 to power the cdplayer and preamp would be fine. Try to get a dem at a dealer or at home. You should try to bring your speakers if you go to a dealer so that you will hear how the amps work with your speakers.
Maybe even a nait5 would be ok if you don't play very loud but I'm not sure how difficult your speakers are to drive.
Good luck
Posted on: 27 April 2003 by simcat
Thanks for that. I guess I have to let my ears be the judge at a future demo. But do you think that what I perceive as sharp or bright is inherent to the cd5 or is instead arising from something else, amp or speakers or the cds I play?
cheers for the advice...
Posted on: 27 April 2003 by bjorne
Simcat, I suppose the brighness or sharpness you hear is a symptom of a bad match of components. The cd5 itself is not bright. I have no experience with your amp, but I once tried another arcam amp in my sistem, the delta 290 and a nait3r performed way better. Maybe it's that your amp/speaker are not a good match for each other. Try moving speakers around a bit, experiment with distance to backwall and toe in. Also don't switch your gear off, keep it powered on all time. Maybe a change of speaker cables might help.
But if you want to invest some money do try to borrow a nait5 or a 112/150 pre/power. If u can also stretch to a flatcap2 it would get even better. Naim caps do work wonders. It might also be that you prefer more laidback speakers. Proacs are quite popular among naim users but there are many good alternatives. But you should really give some naim amplifiers a try and see what you think. Remember that even the small nait is a cracking amp. You don't have to invest megabucks to get a good sound!
Posted on: 27 April 2003 by simcat
Bjorne, thanks for taking the time to offer your thoughts, and NB as well. When I get some cash I'll audition some naim pre\power amps. I suppose the speakers are there to fine tune the system. I've read good reviews for B&W signatures and also Neat MFS. I haven't heard Naim speakers yet. I'm also worried that stepping inside a hi-fi shop will relieve me of vast amounts of cash or else give me aspirations that will be difficult to satisfy...
www.liquidjigsaw.comPosted on: 27 April 2003 by mathew farley
Hello simcat, If you have gold plated banana plugs on your speaker cables cut them off and get some nickel plated ones. Your local dealer should have some or maplin electronics. I've done a a/b demo of both the gold plated ones seem to add a bit of distortion/harshness...Do a search (top of main page) on bright/harsh or nickel plated, you may find some previous threads that help.
