NAC A5

Posted by: Double Diamond Dave on 10 July 2018

I am new to the forum but not to hifi i would like to share my experience with Naim NAC A5

I own Neat Iota speakers & Exposure Super XX Integrated based on reviews i have been using Chord Odyssey 2 speaker cable but have long considered if there are any benefits using NACA5 so i took the plunge and bought some and it will be staying

The Chord has a nice open sound to it with a well defined bass however it can at times become harsh, The NACA5 brought a much more acceptable sound quality warmer and more laid back that the Chord Odyssey although i have read many threads and comments that NACA5 can be bright and aggressive which is not the case here

I can only say that if you choose its partnering equipment carefully it is still an excellent cable

Posted on: 10 July 2018 by The Strat (Fender)

Dave,

As you say it’s different for different equipment and users I found the opposite. I wouldn’t say Naca was aggressive but thought the Chord slightly warmer but also fuller - more rounded.

Regards,

Lindsay

Posted on: 10 July 2018 by Double Diamond Dave

I have used NAC A5 in the past and agree with your comments entirely but with the current set up i have it just works

I was shocked as more l expected the same as you

Posted on: 10 July 2018 by joe9407

Posted on: 10 July 2018 by joerand

The Strat (Fender) posted:
As you say it’s different for different equipment and users .....

Definitely different strokes for different folks. I found the Odyssey 2 to have a well-defined bass, but with mids and highs too soft and polite - a polished and refined presentation that left me feeling somewhat distant from the music. The NACA5 by comparison was grittier and more realistic. A closer, more immediate, and more engaging presentation.

Posted on: 10 July 2018 by Double Diamond Dave

Somewhat agree Joe the Odyssey is better at bass but wouldnt say the NACA5 was grittier so it must be my amplifier

A dealer i spoke to recently commented that he thought Neat speakers work even better with Exposure than with Naim amplifiers

I instantly noticed the amplifier ran so much cooler using the NACA5 than with the Chord stuff also

Posted on: 10 July 2018 by joerand

Double Diamond Dave posted:
A dealer i spoke to recently commented that he thought Neat speakers work even better with Exposure than with Naim amplifiers

Interesting. A lateral comment, but a local Naim dealer who's into vintage Naim thinks the current Exposure sound is much akin to Naim's olive gear. He's not so much into Naim's present sonic signature.

Posted on: 11 July 2018 by Double Diamond Dave

Having owned both i would have to disagree