Fraim gaps.

Yes indeed Gary. Additional levels of Fraim supporting now't but fresh air are sonically most efficacious.

Ah, the delightful perversity of it all eh? We're not mad!

John. 

Yes John, it's a strange old thing this fresh air... Quite honestly, i'm struck today by my system playing at a level not heard before. My Shahinian speakers have gained in clarity, bass and size.

Back to Shahinian's eh Gary? Interesting. Which model?

You ain't heard nothing yet! If one can persuade Peter Belt to lie atop an empty level ........

John  

Had Compass here for about last 10 months John. Had them before, and this time better than ever. Look good too.

gary yeowell posted:

Yes John, it's a strange old thing this fresh air... Quite honestly, i'm struck today by my system playing at a level not heard before

That'll be because it's higher up. 

Elevated performance 

Being an impoverished person tempted by Fraim (pretty much constantly but facing a spousal brick wall until recently), has anyone considered the relative merits of a "spare" standard level against a longer legged level? 

gary yeowell posted:

Had Compass here for about last 10 months John. Had them before, and this time better than ever. Look good too.

Nice. I heard Arcs at Bucklesham once, sounding lovely. Ab-fab and unique soundstage for sure.

I recently recommended a friend to put them on his audition list.

John.

Chris Dolan posted:

Being an impoverished person tempted by Fraim (pretty much constantly but facing a spousal brick wall until recently), has anyone considered the relative merits of a "spare" standard level against a longer legged level? 

+1

While I do indulge in the empty shelf ritual under the NAP500, I use next-size levels for this purpose everywhere else.  Almost don't want to know if I am missing the benefit, if any, of an actual empty shelf!

Nick

As you know John, i used to own Arcs, which were lovely, and Ob's which never quite hit the spot completely, as they needed more than the 300 i drove them with and likely more space around them. Compass on the other hand are a little easier to drive and only fire upwards as opposed to all directions. In my room they are incredibly tight and agile, whist still retaining the organic, live, room filling sound that Shahinian is known for.

If we must get an additional shelf and keep it empty in a very expensive piece of furniture designed for optimal placement of naim products,  i think of a design flaw!  It is an expensive piece of kit and i think must performe at optimal level with all shelfs are full. 

It should be the best sound without gap! Or it must be designed with a gap. Our gaps should be cost less than 500£!

My humble working class toughts

Emre, it works great with all levels full, however additional space around pre amps, source products, crossovers and phono stages in particular pays dividends.

I am a happy owner of fraim base+3shelfs and got a new base+a shelf to start second row but no gaps for me 

Space around the boxes containing big transformers is especially helpful.
For me the Power supplies for my Power Amps being on Medium levels or even more was unexpectedly astonishing.
If you have all the power supplies neatly squashed-up in a stack you are not hearing what your system can really deliver.

DB.

Darke bear your setup is way above avarage your power supplies can power my house! 

Chris Dolan posted:

Being an impoverished person tempted by Fraim (pretty much constantly but facing a spousal brick wall until recently), has anyone considered the relative merits of a "spare" standard level against a longer legged level? 

I use medium levels to good effect, so yes longer legs are rather attractive.