Naim w/SVT/Linn Radikal/Urika
Posted by: blownaway on 06 December 2015
I've decided to get a 4 level Quadraspire SVT bamboo rack with a bronze upgrade for my new Naim/Wilson system. This simple set up with have 4 places for gear. On the top will go my LP12, then I have 3 spaces below for my gear. I'm looking for advice on the best order of components that will have little or no impact on the Radikal since I read that the Radikal prefers to be further away from Naim amps.
Should put my NAP250 on the shelf below the LP-12, then my NAC N272, then my Radikal? Or should I put the Radikal directly below the LP-12 then the N272, then the NAP250? I would prefer to avoid an empty shelf above the Radikal if at all possible. Thanks!
I would choose the latter solution. LP-12/Radikal/272/250. If you can, I would also have the Radikal on a separate power rail or on a conditioned plug, where the Naims would be straight into the wall or onto a multiway block (with no conditioning as generally that's not good for Naim equipment sonically). The radikal uses a switched mode power supply which pollutes the mains and causes a lack of dynamics and squashing of presentation.
Is there a reason you're choosing the SVT over the Naim FraimLite or Fraim? The Naim stands are a more natural match.
Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.
I think this is something you need to try. If it was mine, I'd have the LP12 on the top, then the 272, then 250, with the Radikal at the bottom.
I would put the LP12 on a VulKan wall shelf ![]()
radikal on the top shelf of rack
272
250
empty shelf
naim_nymph posted:I would put the LP12 on a VulKan wall shelf
radikal on the top shelf of rack
272
250
empty shelf
Yes, my thoughts as well
.
Similar to my thoughts - but I'd probably put an XPS-DR on the empty shelf to stop it going to waste ![]()
Frank Abela posted:I would choose the latter solution. LP-12/Radikal/272/250. If you can, I would also have the Radikal on a separate power rail or on a conditioned plug, where the Naims would be straight into the wall or onto a multiway block (with no conditioning as generally that's not good for Naim equipment sonically). The radikal uses a switched mode power supply which pollutes the mains and causes a lack of dynamics and squashing of presentation.
Is there a reason you're choosing the SVT over the Naim FraimLite or Fraim? The Naim stands are a more natural match.
Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.
I have 4 dedicated 20 amp outlets that I devote to my hi-fi. I plan on plugging everything into these 4 outlets. I won't be using a line conditioner this time around. This may not be the ideal set up but should perform well. The reason for the SVT vs the Fraim rack due to cost & SAF (spouse approval factor).
Hungryhalibut posted:I think this is something you need to try. If it was mine, I'd have the LP12 on the top, then the 272, then 250, with the Radikal at the bottom.
Yea, sounds like I'll need to experiment and find out.
Should I spec an empty shelf? If so what order makes the most sense? I'm thinking LP-12-RadiKal-empty space-272-250DR.
Then if I get and XPS-DR I'll roll with LP-12 Radikal 272 XPS 250DR.
naim_nymph posted:I would put the LP12 on a VulKan wall shelf
radikal on the top shelf of rack
272
250
empty shelf
Yes, wall shelf best for LP-12 but not for marriage ![]()
Other than the wall shelf, I'm told the next best option LP-12-wise is to have a separate SVT stands- one for LP-12 and Radikal, then one for 272 & 250 (and XPS). In this case I would have 2-4 shelf SVT's about 24.5" tall. I wish I could make a decision one of these day's.
Also heard that Quadraspire Q4Evo stand works real well with the LP-12 since it's lighter than SVT & Fraim.
The bamboo SVT works even better with the bronze cones under the top shelf. You could substitute these for the legs (if this isn't already your plan) of your extra shelf,
If you go for the cones then don't use the inserts which normally provide additional isolation as the LP12 likes a firm base. This is recommended by Quadraspire.
The bamboo plus cones had a very beneficial effect on my LP12. It sounds better and the noise floor has dropped away.
I agree it looks nicer than the Fraim too.
Keith
Actually, you may need to avoid the inserts even if you don't use the cones.
In case it helps, this is how I have my SVT. The spikes improve sound quality and at the same time give extra space between the 272 and its XPS below. If you can manage two identical racks, that would probably be the optimum to support the Naim boxes and the Linn and its power supply.
This arrangement is nice and low in the room and avoids the spindly look of taller racks.
KRM posted:Actually, you may need to avoid the inserts even if you don't use the cones.
I think I saw your post re: this with a picture. I'll be sure to do to be aware of this with LP-12.
Hungryhalibut posted:
In case it helps, this is how I have my SVT. The spikes improve sound quality and at the same time give extra space between the 272 and its XPS below. If you can manage two identical racks, that would probably be the optimum to support the Naim boxes and the Linn and its power supply.
This arrangement is nice and low in the room and avoids the spindly look of taller racks.
This is a real nice set up. I looked at my space and don't really have the room to put 2 SVT's. I could possibly go with a SVT2 but the best size for my space is 1-4 shelf SVT with Bronze & extra shelf like yours. Hopefully one of the layout options outlined by you and Frank with play nice with Naim. I can get black bamboo for a 10% premium but waiting on a sample before I order (I like natural also). My Sabrina's are going to be Galaxy Gray.


GG on far right.
GG with two SVT silver & bamboo racks.

I certainly wouldn't want the silver legs, especially with Naim boxes. Black is far more discreet. As for the shelves it's a matter of choice, but the natural certainly shows the dust less, and gives a nice visual contrast. If you go with the spikes and use them as I do, make sure your dealer specifies long tops. These are the silver bits that go through the shelf into the legs below, if that makes sense.
Hi HH
Very good point about black shelves & silver uprights.

Oh, uh, hang on a minute....
Best regards, FT
I like silver also.
Frank Abela posted:If you can, I would also have the Radikal on a separate power rail or on a conditioned plug, where the Naims would be straight into the wall or onto a multiway block (with no conditioning as generally that's not good for Naim equipment sonically). The radikal uses a switched mode power supply which pollutes the mains and causes a lack of dynamics and squashing of presentation.
One piece of advice if I may:
If I understood the post correctly, your advice is to separate the Radical PS from the rest of NAIM gear?
I have two separate mains circuits next to my rack: dedicated audio circuit and a more general one. Currently all my NAIM gear + LP12 Radikal are plugged into the same audio circuit via a RFI filter made by Enerr.
Should I separate LP12 from NAIM?
if i may be so bold, i would advise letting your significant other choose the color of the rack!
it sounds like you're building a truly great system -- what version of the LP12 are you running?
joe9407 posted:if i may be so bold, i would advise letting your significant other choose the color of the rack!
it sounds like you're building a truly great system -- what version of the LP12 are you running?
Good idea, I may just do that. We think allot alike. My LP-12 is fully suited with Ekos II, Akiva, Trampoline, Rosenut plinth, new arm board ect ect.