Posted on: 02 September 2017 by ryder.
I am a bit late to the party but would like to add a little to this thread after I inserted the 3rd party PSU into the system for the Nth time. I did not read all the responses here and only skimmed through the posts on the first page of this thread. Although I agree that there is an emotional connection to music with Naim gear, there must be something that sets it apart from other hifi manufacturers to give Naim the edge. For this reason, in my opinion a Naim sound does exist but it may not be as straightforward as it appear to be as a system consists of everything from amplifiers and sources down to loudspeakers and cables. If one is not using a Naim source or speakers, the interpretation of Naim sound will not be all that accurate apart from fact that all Naim gear do not sound the same as mentioned by someone here.
I only have experience with Naim amplifiers - Nait XS, NAC 202, NAC 282, NAP 200, NAP 250 DR, Hicap DR and NAPSC. I have previously compared the 202/200 to half a dozen amps though not all at the same time. My current reference - 282/250DR/HCDR are matched with Chord QBD76 DAC and Harbeth SHL5 Plus loudspeakers, standard Naim power cables on NAP 250 DR and Hicap DR and the rest are mostly from Chord - Epic Twin speaker cables and interconnects are Chord Signature Tuned Aray.
Naim amps : NAC 282 / NAP 250 DR / Hicap DR / NAPSC
I have previously formed an impression on the definition or interpretation of "Naim sound". The comparison of a 3rd party PSU and Hicap DR on many occasions had further reinforced my understanding on the subject which is solely based on my own observation and opinion. To me, the most important aspect of Naim sound is rhythm and pace. I believe the attack and decay times with Naim amps are the parameters that shape or influence the "Naim sound". The attack and decay times are relatively short with Naim, ditto sustain and release times. For this reason the attack and pace in music are often superior with Naim. With non-Naim amps one may obtain a smoother sound when attack and decay times are stretched longer. However, there is reduced attack and urgency in music.
Another observation is bass. I find Naim amps to be bass driven. The bass lines are taut, clear and defined, and it stands out more than the rest of the amps. I can easily follow the bass structure as it changes when the music is playing. With other amps (or 3rd party PSUs), the bass is not as pronounced and sounds softer. More wooly or mushy bass.
Some folks who prefer a smoother or more soothing sound have regarded the Naim sound to be assaulting to the ears. To each his own I guess. To me, the Naim breathe life into music. Music sounds more lively and real with the Naim. Smoother amps favoured by folks who regarded Naim amps as assaultive sound dull and lacklustre to me.
If Naim did not exist, I can still live with other non-Naim amps. Nevertheless, after comparing some of these amps (and third party PSUs) in my system, I find the Naim to tick most of the boxes for me.
In summary, the Naim sound does exist in my book even though it is only defined by the amplifiers - 282/250DR/HCDR/NAPSC.
