Why do people dislike naim so much?

Halloween Man posted:

very negatve and self-deprecating topic to start. could have equally been called why do people like naim so much?

 

personally, because in one box solution (I own a SU) I have everything I want, without having to worry about spending more money to listen to music as I like it, with great emotion and simplicity. I hope that this great experience lasts a long time and does not happen that the sympathetic HH ruled in previous posts 

Anto68 posted:

I'm worried about it,  I wonder why Naim has no heatsinks on the chassis 

In most cases where a heatsink is not immediately obvious, it is usually found inside the chassis and then extends to the entire extruded aluminium case - an elegant solution. 

In my opinion this thread is a fairly good description of the human condition. You can choose to follow the faith and have an all Naim system, mix and match or choose another manufacturer's products. There is nothing wrong in any of these approaches so long as you want to listen to music and not the hifi.

I used to be 100% Naim but I have heard something else that I like more so now I have a mix and match - part Naim and part something else. From a manufacturers viewpoint, you cannot please all of the people all of the time. Some will dislike Naim for petty reasons which are nothing to do with music while some will just say that they prefer xyz.

The secret is to buy what you want because you think it is "better" at reproducing music. Brand loyalty can be a blessing but it can also be a curse. I've had some Naim kit that I loved and spent money on upgrades only to find that they were less enjoyable that what I had before. 

I have always found the crome bumper amps to be Naims best. But that's my opinion. It's your money so spend it wisely.

DrMark posted:

I attribute it to a form of audiophile penis envy!

I am also sure it is in part because "Naimaholics" engender some of that by refusing to consider anything non-Naim as being worthy of consideration. Look at the Chord Hugo thread by way of a fairly recent example.

It's a hi-fi brand, not a religion.

Naim makes great stuff. So do some other companies. Enjoy the music.

+1

Richard Dane posted:

Anto68 posted:

I'm worried about it,  I wonder why Naim has no heatsinks on the chassis 

In most cases where a heatsink is not immediately obvious, it is usually found inside the chassis and then extends to the entire extruded aluminium case - an elegant solution. 

Thank's Richard

My view is that Naim can, for the uninitiated appear cliquey and un orthodox in connections, set up, power  supplies, loudspeaker cables etc. I think that difference will attract or deter people depending on attitude, position and whether they are willing  to be introduced into the slightly unorthodox way of much of the Naim portfolio. I think the price of much of the Naim can amplify this effect.. either way too. I also feel this slightly un orthodox approach tends to lock or encourage customers to remain with Naim.. encourage loyalty if you will.

As far as SQ, there is more to Naim than just music, it can convey wonderfully sound scapes and dramas.. Naim is not unique here but it tends to be quality systems that can do this.and Naim is certainly that. Clearly a good audio replay system allows your brain to better resolve music it's listening to... Hence the somewhat over used phrase that you can hear the music with Naim or it sounds like music and not hifi. This is true for a well set up Naim as with other quality vendor systems too.

Curious topic for a site dedicated to Naim enthusiasts...

Imho, i like to think people who invest in a Naim system are not too hung up on Hi-Fi aspects  of audio equipment but music enthusiasts who love to spend time enjoying their music collections.

Personally, Naim kit is hand built here in the UK and I have pride of ownership in such well designed and built equipment that makes any genre of music engaging and enjoyable.  

I don't like all Naim products, but what I own, is reliable, works well and looks elegant and classic.