Akurate DSM and NAP 250

Posted by: RM on 20 May 2012

Interested to know if anyone Had tried this combo? My current set up is naim uniti plus 250 with kudos x2 speakers.

Posted on: 20 May 2012 by Jon Myles

I can testify the Akurate with a NAP 200 sounds very good indeed.

I imagine it's even better with the 250.

Posted on: 22 May 2012 by RM

Thanks Jon - what would you say is the key selling point of the combo? Cheers

Posted on: 22 May 2012 by Stefan Vogt

What a blasphemic topic!

Well, the DSM is leading the league tables in German Audio mag at the minute. If naim can do a Superuniti, perhaps they can do a streamer+preamp combo, too? OK, we would put up with that external PSU - as long as it has the DR!

Posted on: 22 May 2012 by Jon Myles

Originally Posted by RM:

Thanks Jon - what would you say is the key selling point of the combo? Cheers

RM,

I'd say the Akurate has a very clean sound - bags of detail retrieval and great reproduction. It's also very easy to control with a slick interface.

I heard one with Linn amplification and frankly it was just a bit too clinical for me. But with the NAP200 that all-important boogie factor got injected into the music. All I'd say is there's a certain synergy there. I'd advise giving it a listen.

Just to be fair, though. I've not heard an NDX so cannot compare to that.

Posted on: 22 May 2012 by RM

Thanks Jon I think that's exactly what I am looking for, and frankly I just don't understand why there isn't a streamer and preamp combination offered by Naim at say the NDS level. Whilst I would be happy to save for a system at that level, not sure I would get away with putting too many boxes in the modest lounge. Not sure how many other naim users feel that way. Your message got truncated and I was really interested to read what you were about to write. Tks

Posted on: 23 May 2012 by Jon Myles

Originally Posted by RM:

I was really interested to read what you were about to write. Tks

I was going to add that (heresy as it may be) I actually think the Akurate with a NAP250 may be a better way to go than all-Naim. I, too, am a bit baffled why Naim don't do a pre-amp/streamer at the NDS level. I actually think there range is getting a little confusing for non-Naimees.

But, back to the point, much as I love Naim gear - Linn gear obviously has its own qualities, clarity and detail being among them. Allied to a Naim amp to my ears you are getting the best of both worlds to my ears.

Others will undoubtedly disagree but, as is always said, it's your own opinion that counts. I would definitely recommend having a listen to the Akurate/NAP 250 combination. I think you'll find it makes a very, very good sound.

Cheers

Jon