Variation in sound quality
Posted by: roosevelt51 on 27 October 2016
Hello all - I'd be grateful for any thoughts on the following.
About 18 months ago I converted to streaming and ripped 3000 plus CDs, plus downloaded a number of hi res files. I had to give up work three years ago because of ill health. It was a bit of a blow having to give up work, but the positive side of it was that I now get to listen to a minimum of six hours music a day. I also have to go into hospital every 12 weeks for treatment which really knocks me out, but again the positive spin is the opportunity to listen to music when I'm recovering at home. Sources for listening include rips, downloads, internet radio, satellite via a Sky box. My equipment is as follows:
NDS + 555PS
NAC552 plus Power Supply (of course)
NAP500 plus Power Supply (of course) non-DR
Unitiserve – which is only used to rip CDs and then sends them to a ReadyNAS
Ovator S-400 speakers
Three Power Line mains cables
All the above were bought new within the last 18 months or so, with the exception of the NAP 500 which is more than 10 years old, but was serviced by Naim last year. The system is never switched off (apart from thunderstorms, etc).
My musical tastes are pretty wide ranging – rock, pop, classical, jazz, acoustic. I've owned Naim-only equipment for more than 17 years now, including 135s, NAC52, DBLs, CDS3, so I'm pretty familiar with the Naim sound.
My issue is that the sound from my current system varies. At times it seems “on the money”, with real presence and definition and engagement and at other times is appears recessed, unfocussed and uninvolving. I was going to use the word “muffled”. That doesn't quite describe it, but there’s a definite lack of definition and a blurring – “veiled” and “flat” are words that spring to mind.
There appears to be no rhyme, reason or pattern to when this kicks in. It can happen after 30 minutes, or three hours. It can happening after I’ve used the mute button or not happen after I’ve used the mute button. It can be present straight away when I start playing something, or not be present straight away. It can happen at any time of the day or night. It’s the same from all sources – NDS, TV, Blu Ray. I live in a rural community – there is no heavy industry, but there are a couple of farms.
I have a battery back-up attached to the NAS in case of sudden power loss. This incorporates a voltage readout, so I know pretty much what voltage is powering the equipment at any time. The effect I’m describing doesn’t appear to be affected by any fluctuation in voltage, high or low.
Cable dressing, separate sockets, speaker positioning etc., have all been addressed and there was a definite change in sound – but the problem still keeps manifesting itself.
I’ve tried to be as specific as possible, and would be grateful for any advice and observations forum members could offer. Sorry for such a long post, and many thanks in advance for your help.