Suggestions for a Naim Newbie

Hi Martin, welcome to the madhouse!

I think the safe bet with any Naim gear is to start out with Naim cables, which, in the case of a Nova, just means speaker cables. Then you can be sure that you are hearing the system as Naim intended it to sound. Then, if the mood takes you, maybe try some other cables. You might prefer them, or you might not, but at least you will not be left wondering it you have missed out on the Naim sound - whatever that is?! 

This can all start to get expensive if you're not careful. I would suggest finding a good dealer, who should be able to lend you some cables to try, rather than you having to buy and sell just to try them out. 

Regarding 'power regeneration' the general concensus here is that Naim gear is usually better without it. What's the worst that can happen? Buy a Nova. Listen to it. Take out the fancy power regen thing. If it sounds better without it, stick the regen thing on ebay. 

Thanks Chrissu for getting back to me. A great reply and I must say, has summed up my thoughts. I will try and get an audition when I can. I'm quite happy to trial various cables etc and hope to be able to keep my Audio Physic speakers at least!

I do listen to headphones, anyone have a view on the headphone stage in the Nova?

M.

If I was starting out as a Naim newbie again I would definitely start with one of the all-in-one streamers. I have heard both the Atom and the Nova and both are very impressive. The Nova with a carefully matched pair of speakers is all you may ever need. Also you don't need a Core (a UPnP server) to go with your all in one either. A half decent NAS (QNAP or Synology) with some decent UPnP server software installed will act as a server and back up to get you started, assuming you can rip CDs on your PC.

Yes, go with Naim stock cables as they are recommended and relatively cost effective. If you start with a one box Naim solution you don't need to worry about tweakery. Careful set up only becomes necessary as you go up the Naim separates hierarchy. Speaker selection and positioning is worth taking time over however.

As Chris mentioned, find a Naim dealer and go and listen to a few options. When you hear something you like and can afford, ask if you can demo at home.

Welcome Martin, I joined the Naim family last May and if the NOVA was available it just may have been the unit I began the journey with.  Nova and a pair of speakers, simplicity and a beautiful system. If I went with this configuration I would have gone with a NAS vs a Core, just personal preference.

What I currently have is Network Player into an Integrated Amp and my current config is a NAS (Synology) > Cat5e > NDX > SuperNait2 > NAC A5 (NAIM Speaker Cable) > Ovator S-400.  The NAS is in a separate room with a router and switch with an ethernet cable run up to the living room where the NDX & SN2 sit on a 3 shelf rack. A pretty simple set up with no power supplies. The NAS has about 1200 CD's ripped to it and along with TIDAL and on the rare occasion internet radio supplies the music. It is all controlled from my seat with an iPad using the NAIM app. Simple and sweet, the music selected and volume controlled with the iPad.

Good luck with your decision(s) and the journey.

Thank you gentlemen. I will investigate my options, do some auditioning, and let you know how I get on.

Many thanks.

M

Hi. Only wanna add Tellurium Q Black 2 as an alternative to Naca5, but it doesn't mean it's better, just different - but it's a "must audition". Not TQ black1, mind you, which kills Naim.

mb66 posted:

Thanks Chrissu for getting back to me. A great reply and I must say, has summed up my thoughts. I will try and get an audition when I can. I'm quite happy to trial various cables etc and hope to be able to keep my Audio Physic speakers at least!

I do listen to headphones, anyone have a view on the headphone stage in the Nova?

M.

Which Audio Physic speakers do you have?

I run a SU and US with Audio Physic Tempos (2008 model). Wiring is Chord Odyssey 2. 

I have Audio Physic Tempo 25's. Bought them about 4 years ago. I like the sound they make, so I hope they'll work well with Naim. A home audition would be ideal!

mb66 posted:

Dear all,

I have just joined your forum, and have a few questions asaalthough I have been a HiFi nut for many years, I have not gone down the Naim route as yet.

However, I am considering crawling into the 21st century and have been looking at the Nova, and Uniti Core. What concerns me, after years of going a certain route with upgraded power cables, interconnects, and speaker cables including power regeneration, do I forgo such things, and start again with Naim cables etc? Does Naim equipment get on with power regeneration?  I always remember reading in the HiFi press that there's more tweakery pokery (which I'm not averse to) than most whilst going the Naim route, whether that's true or not.... If anyone is kind enough to answer I would appreciate it, as I do like to do things as well as I can.

Best wishes to you all.

Martin

 

Hi, Martin.

What did your cables used to connect?  What have you been used to?

Nick

Personally, I'd suggest the Nova and Core with at least a 2TB SSD.  Use whatever cables you have at first, and if you need to buy something, go ahead and try to demo some Naim cables, but keep in mind that Naim cables are not necessarily the be and end all of cables.  There's lots of good products out there.  Experiment a bit.

Good advice from DOCMARK.  Back when Naim where very young they designed their amps and speaker cables as one as part of the same circuit now however you can use pretty much any cable you choose which may or may not work for you. I would add though that especially on the used market Naim Nac A5 which is the onle cable you need with a Nova offers great value for money.

The already suggested Nova is a good point to start. But as newbie the most important thing is that you are feeling comfortable that the dealer represents your core interest, and not just is selling boxes. The Naim Sound is best consumed initially with the Naim speaker dabbles and they are also good value for money. But the first thing to determine if your music signature is in the direction of Naim or if you prefer another type of presentation of the music. That’s where any journey in hifi starts.

Thanks Bert, and all you wonderful people for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate it. Fascinating stuff. I shall be looking at auditioning equipment soon(ish). I have not read anything being said about the headphone section, any comments? 

Best,

Martin

rainsoothe posted:

Hi. Only wanna add Tellurium Q Black 2 as an alternative to Naca5, but it doesn't mean it's better, just different - but it's a "must audition". Not TQ black1, mind you, which kills Naim.

Am I the only person who changed from TQ Black to TQ Black 2 and is more than a little underwhelmed? Maybe I need to go to Nac A5?. Originally had XS/XS2 now 200/202.

What ever you do listen at home if you can.