Hello...New-to-Naim

Posted by: JF Lux on 02 April 2016

Thought I would put a post up to say hello...After 20+ years with Cyrus I have treated myself to a new hi-fi (well, it is my birthday) so have gone for Naim.

Most of the current set up has been with me a very long time - Cyrus 3i running as a pre-amp into 2x Cyrus Power amps with PSX-R in mono-bloc mode. Source was a DAD3 Q24 but thats now dead and have moved to NAS through Squeezebox Touch with the EDO plug-in (so 24/192 ability with appropriate hi-res downloads). Using a Rega DAC. Speakers are Sonus Faber Toy Towers.

Took the plunge this morning and have ordered a NAC202/NAP200DR which should arrive next week. And I am afraid that is just the start blush HICAP and NAPSC will very soon be following...then new streamer...then another power supply...then Headline2...and another NAPSC...and...and...and...I'm sure everyone empathises

I auditioned Simaudio 350p (pre)/330a (power) alongside the Naim. I really wanted to like the Simaudio kit and I must admit it was very close. The 350p/330a is very transparent but because of this it ended up being too sharp for my ears. The Naim was what everyone seems to say - musical.

Looking forward to next week. And asking questions on here !

Posted on: 02 April 2016 by Eloise

Already planning your upgrades... That's a bad sign :-)

You mentioned streaming... Did you consider the NAC-N 272 rather than the NAC202?

Posted on: 02 April 2016 by TOBYJUG

If you plan on getting brand new Naim speakers you better hurry up.

Posted on: 02 April 2016 by JF Lux

I did think of the 272 but decided against for the main reasons that I don't really need digital radio/service streaming so want to have the possibility of choosing other brands and can then look at just a player/renderer (eg Moon MiND). Also gives me the opportunity to improve on the network player and/or DAC. And for now, the Rega DAC is doing just fine...

And not thinking of Naim speakers. Trying to persuade Mrs JF Lux (and so far, not being successful...) that a pair of Sonus Faber Olympicas are a must.

Posted on: 02 April 2016 by Massimo Bertola

Hi JF

welcome to NaimWorld. I have had 202/NAPSC/200 ten years ago, and have the same set now after a long period of very intense experimentation... Just to let you know that while I suggest a NAPSC as soon as you find one – they can be had second hand for little money – enjoy your pre/power for some time before you decide to add a HC. I have always added HiCaps whenever and wherever I could, but lately I have removed mine from the 202/200 and have discovered a smoother, lively, dynamic sound that was somehow – well, different with the big PSU.

Don't hurry to a HC... I have had everything below 282/252/250/300 level: all integrates, all combinations of pre/power and all PSUs, all sources and a number of Naim speakers; and have discovered that 202/NAPSC/200, with no further addition, is indeed a musical, intriguing, enjoyable and satisfying combo.

Best

Posted on: 03 April 2016 by Adam Zielinski

Welcome to the strange world of Naim and to this even stranger forum

Posted on: 03 April 2016 by Jude2012

Massimo Bertola posted:
Hi JF
welcome to NaimWorld. I have had 202/NAPSC/200 ten years ago, and have the same set now after a long period of very intense experimentation... Just to let you know that while I suggest a NAPSC as soon as you find one – they can be had second hand for little money – enjoy your pre/power for some time before you decide to add a HC. I have always added HiCaps whenever and wherever I could, but lately I have removed mine from the 202/200 and have discovered a smoother, lively, dynamic sound that was somehow – well, different with the big PSU.
Don't hurry to a HC... I have had everything below 282/252/250/300 level: all integrates, all combinations of pre/power and all PSUs, all sources and a number of Naim speakers; and have discovered that 202/NAPSC/200, with no further addition, is indeed a musical, intriguing, enjoyable and satisfying combo.
Best
M

Welcome.

I'd also agree re HiCap DR, unless planning to use it with the Headline (as the 200DR would give quite a bit of what a HiCAP DR would do for the 202)

Jude :-)

Posted on: 03 April 2016 by Christopher_M

Hi JF,

Congrats on your new Naim amp, one I reckon that few here will have heard because of the specifics of the DR tech in your NAP200. Napsc is the next upgrade imo and huge value for money.

Then I'd chill.

Best,

Chris

Posted on: 03 April 2016 by CharlieP

Do consider a stack of Fraim on which to place all those black boxes. The rack should be considered an important component which enables the system to perform at its full potential. This is too often overlooked or under-rated.

Posted on: 03 April 2016 by blythe

CharlieP posted:
Do consider a stack of Fraim on which to place all those black boxes. The rack should be considered an important component which enables the system to perform at its full potential. This is too often overlooked or under-rated.

Consider yes, but - Overlooked or doesn't fit in with decor, or you don't want your stereo system permanently on show, or your room layout doesn't allow for it, or you have other priorities where to spend your money.....Or.......

Posted on: 03 April 2016 by Skip

Fraim required if you can swing it. You definitely need a Naim friendly stand like Isoblue or something similar, but the Fraim slays them all. If you defer for now, using an existing stand, you will be amazed when you upgrade.

The beauty of Naim is that it all works together and every upgrade is audible and important. You may not like it, but you can always hear it. You can hear every little thing even more with the Fraim, and the more boxes the more you need it.

Sorry in advance for the damage to your wallet, now and in the future.