Speaker Recommendations For Nap 100 + Dac V1

Posted by: Jozzer on 01 November 2017

I have bought my source products being Nap 100 & Dac V1 and now need the forum's help on speaker selection. My room is 6m x 5m with the speakers to be positioned on the 5m wall. I would prefer flloorstanding speakers.

I am initially looking to audition PMC Twenty 23 and Neat Motive SX1 or SX2. Would be willing to look at second hand speakers as well.

I want a detailed sound that won't tire me out after a couple of hours.

Your expert help would be very much appreciated and I've checked through the forums and I am totally lost now!!

Cheers

Mark

Posted on: 01 November 2017 by Timo

PMC is more detailed than Neat — I prefer the former, others the latter. Speaker advice is a difficult one... Do you plan to buy second hand? I.e. no chance to audition in your room?

Posted on: 01 November 2017 by Gazza

No advice can help other than your own ears and musical taste. I tried a few speakers and then the dealer put PMC 25.26 on, I was hooked. All the other speakers have their fans on this and other websites( Russell k, Kudos, Focal, ). But not for me in the system I bought, and my home.

Posted on: 01 November 2017 by hungryhalibut

I can’t really guide on speakers for you to try, but the PMC 23s that you mention need at least a 200 to bring them to life. With the 100 you are going to need something easy to drive. 

Posted on: 01 November 2017 by Jozzer

Thanks Timo & Gazza....My short list is definitely from these two manufacturers unless somebody can successfully change my mind again!! It also seems to be pointing in the PMC direction. Saw a second hand pair of GB1's on Ebay last night for under £500 but they sold in a flash!

Posted on: 01 November 2017 by Jozzer

Cheers HungryHalibut, The PMC dealer man said the 100 would drive them without any issues, but will only find out when I audition them. 

Posted on: 01 November 2017 by hungryhalibut

Yes, it will get  sound from them, but it won’t give real drive and dynamics. But if you are not worried that you might miss out on that you’ll be fine. Remember that you can get a used 200for little more than a new 100. The 23s are great speakers, but I really, really wouldn’t try to use them off a 100 in your large room. My room is a lot smaller and I used a SuperUniti, which is a lot more powerful. And with a 250DR they were excellent. 

Posted on: 01 November 2017 by Gazza

I stupidly wrote off PmC after sitting down to listen to their 25.26 at the Signals open day with the new Naim uniti Nova, which I was interested in. It sounded awful, could not get into the room with Russell K, cos the sounds from that room sounded so good. Then when I came to purchase , Alistair and Andy had them on the list. The ones I heard were new, running in overnight. Fully bedded in, they just sounded how I like to hear music, not a hifi replay of a track, but take me there to the concert, studio etc. It’s very personal.

Posted on: 01 November 2017 by ChrisSU

I’ve heard a V1/100 driving Russel K 100s and it sounded great. I would guess that Kudos X2s (which I run with a 200) might work well with a 100 too, so there’s another possibility for your shortlist. 

I would adopt one of two strategies when choosing speakers. Either but new from a dealer, but only if they allow you a home demo, or buy used, knowing that you can try at home and sell any speaker you’re not happy with. Take your time and enjoy the process, it’s too easy to rush into a decision and end up with a mediocre result. 

Posted on: 09 December 2017 by Jozzer

Well Guys, I'm officially now a PRaT !! Eventually bought a pair of previously enjoyed PMC GB1i in absolute mint condition (even no fading of the wood where the grills go) they are 9 years old and sound absolutely superb. I've got them isolated on granite plinths. The bass is tight with great mid range and tops. I actually prefer them to the newer PMC Twenty 23's. The Nap 100 drives these 87db sensitivity speakers beautifully, so no need for a 200 yet. Thanks for your advice and I'm off now for more fun listening!

Posted on: 09 December 2017 by james n
Jozzer posted:

Well Guys, I'm officially now a PRaT !! Eventually bought a pair of previously enjoyed PMC GB1i in absolute mint condition (even no fading of the wood where the grills go) they are 9 years old and sound absolutely superb. 

Great speakers. I only recently sold mine onto a friend after 7 happy years and he's really enjoying them.

Enjoy 

Posted on: 09 December 2017 by dave4jazz
Jozzer posted:

Well Guys, I'm officially now a PRaT !! Eventually bought a pair of previously enjoyed PMC GB1i in absolute mint condition (even no fading of the wood where the grills go) they are 9 years old and sound absolutely superb. I've got them isolated on granite plinths. The bass is tight with great mid range and tops. I actually prefer them to the newer PMC Twenty 23's. The Nap 100 drives these 87db sensitivity speakers beautifully, so no need for a 200 yet. Thanks for your advice and I'm off now for more fun listening!

Hi Jozzer

Good choice but I'm biased (aren't we all?)

I initially used PMC GB1i's with DAC-V1/NAP100 but NAP200 upgrade is certainly worth considering if you have the funds.

Happy listening.

Dave