naim and xeo

Posted by: bbi on 31 August 2012

Thinking about the combination of naim nac-n 172 xs with my Dynaudio Xeo loudspeakers I have got several heterogenous answers from different retailers. Thus, as I'm completely unfamiliar with the interpretation of the corresponding technical specifications, I'd like to ask, whether this kind of combination would make sense from an acoustic view or whether a more inexpensive streaming device would give comparable audio-results.

Thanks and kind regards!

Posted on: 31 August 2012 by Tog
The Nac-N 172 XS is an interesting device and has it been a classic series model I would have bought one by now. There is little review material yet but Naim have yet to release a poor quality streamer yet. The XEO speakers are an excellent choice if you like the simplicity and can live with the Redbook only resolution limitation - no hi res 24 bit files for these babies. The Naim would probably be overkill for these speakers - use Sonos or perhaps a MacMini ? Tog
Posted on: 31 August 2012 by Gavin B

Hi BBI

 

The 172 is just a pre-amp and needs a power amp to provide the speakers with the juice.

 

I'm afraid I don't know your speakers but your choice of power amp might be defined by how easy they are to drive.  I have no idea whether the speakers work well with Naim in general.

 

Gavin

Posted on: 01 September 2012 by Tog

No you don't need power amplification that is the whole point

 

"They have their own power amplifiers (50W for each driver) and digital signal processing (DSP) handling crossover duties, all of which negates the need for external amps and DACs, while of course that wireless connection means there's no need for dangling cables."


Not my cup of tea and the Nac-N would be overkill with its own Dac


Tog