Ovator s400/Entry Level System

Posted by: andyharc on 13 February 2016

Thinking about getting a pair of S400 to go with a 202 NASPC /150x and a CDX5.   Any thoughts?   Does the amp have enough power to drive them? Has any one tried them in a similar system?

 

Thanks

Posted on: 14 February 2016 by Christopher_M

I think you will be ok. When the S400s were first introduced, Naim suggested they could be partnered with a CD5XS and Nait XS.

When are you having the demo?

Chris

Posted on: 14 February 2016 by Christopher_M

I should have said I've not heard the Naim system above but have heard something similar from Rega with their [BMR tech] RS10s. Made me think that for some modern speaker buyers the days of big power amps could be over. Well not quite, naturally Naim would be only too pleased if you eventually ended up with, say, a 252/ SC/ 300 with your S400s but I'm sure you get the point.

C.

Posted on: 14 February 2016 by matt podniesinski

Very nice speakers.  Power shouldn't be an issue.  I hope they work in your room. 

Posted on: 15 February 2016 by J.N.

A fair point Christopher. Naim's integtated amps are powerful enough to drive pretty much any big loudspeaker out there, but of course with the added beef of the big (split) boys comes better resolution, sophistication, layering, ease, control, pace etc. 

Paradoxically, the sound is arguably more improved at low listening levels  

John. 

Posted on: 15 February 2016 by gary yeowell

Good point JN. When i had my S400, i doubt i'd ever have bothered going past my CDS3 with Nait5i, if it weren't the fact that it needed 9 on the dial before it came alive..... but when it did it was magic. I later moved to an XS which was far better at low volume, if slightly less fun when turned up. Most of my listening happened at night, when neighbours were home, so the XS was the better choice. Mark my words though, a top source into a Nait5i was great at the right volume.

Posted on: 15 February 2016 by joerand

Balls are never wasted at any level of hi-fi replay. Pretty much an axiom.