I have been looking into either a Mana (used extensively in my old olive active system) or a Fraim, but struggling with two scenarios so looking for some advice.
I only have a Nova to support BUT I am looking towards a NDX2/SN2, two box later in the year, IF I feel it is a worthy upgrade.
Note i recently tried Naim Fraim Ball and Bearings x3 directly under my Nova to surprisingly good effect, it was meant purely as a taster, I did look towards sourcing a glass sheet Naim spec, but that brings me back to my questions.
1. Now I have longer runs of A5, I have a nice out of the way piece of dead space (behind a sofa, but close proximity to a radiator.
Concern here is citing my Nova near a radiator, in particular in winter months.
An option I considered, was turning off or turning down that radiator but it is the main room one.
2. If I went Fraim, I want full fat, do I just need a base as in with the balls and Bearings, or as I have seen most do not use the base level to support.
A fall back is to maybe try a sheet of glass with my Naim balls/bearings and retain just local component isolation, the least effort solution.
Thanks in advance.
Posted on: 05 August 2018 by Obsydian
Just a bump for help.
1. Positioning components within 2 ft of a radiator
2. If I went Fraim, I want full fat, do I just need a base as in with the balls and Bearings, or as I have seen most do not use the base level to support.
Posted on: 06 August 2018 by hungryhalibut
My system is about a foot from a radiator and has been fine for 26 years, if that helps. Most heat goes upwards so it’s not like the boxes are baking.
As to supporting the system it’s partly down to logistics. Putting it on a Fraim base would mean that it was six inches above the floor, which is hardly practical, but it would sound fine. These days a Fraim base costs £900, and for that you can get a three shelf Quadraspire SVT in bamboo. With 180mm legs between each shelf it’s a sensible height and will have space to support a 272/250, and the almost inevitable power supply, going forwards.
Posted on: 06 August 2018 by ChrisSU
I don’t think 2’ away from a radiator would be a problem as long as there is space around the box(es) for heat to dissipate. Naim amps have a thermal cutout that operates at 70 degrees, which is hotter than a central heating radiator, so unless you keep both the volume and the room temperature really high, I would say that you’ll be OK.
Posted on: 06 August 2018 by feeling_zen
Don't forget that hifi is not the only thing that can be put on a rack. If you want a full rack like Fraim and can afford it, you can always get it, put the Nova on top and other items below.
I have 3 racks and none are 100% hifi dedicated. On one, the top shelf has nothing on it and the bottom shelf a box of odds 'n' sods. On other rack a top shelf has a lamp. On another an ornamental bowl on one level. The point is, nothing says the shelves must have hifi on them or in fact anything at all.
Posted on: 06 August 2018 by Obsydian
CHRISSU - Thanks so radiator location is not a issue.
FEELING ZEN - Thanks, my plan was maybe to sit my Cisco switch on one shelf, if i go two shelf
Still trying to understand IF i can just use a Fraim Base for the Nova, yes pretty much on the floor, but it will be out of the way and generally never touch the Nova, all control is via a tablet.
At a later date, if i add another box, then i can just add a shelf.
Posted on: 06 August 2018 by Obsydian
Hi obsydian- I too have a nova and am interested in the point about sitting it directly on the naim ball and cup - what sort of change does it bring!
As mentioned i just wanted to trial, as i feel with some more effort just plonking the balls/cup underneath is not ideal, as even though the setup is stable the Nova like most amps is heavy to the right due to the transformer.
That said, even with just plonking method the bass has transformed, becoming even deeper more articulate (bass detail), but i would say maybe out of control, but i feel optimized further (see below) it is a bargain sub £100 tweak, for those with one box setup and no dedicated stand.
Out of interest i plan to add some felt under each cup, as they reside on glass and then see if i can source the glass.
Reading older threads, one person likened it to a DR effect, another as the ball/cup/glass being not far from the Fraim.
I have always found stands critical, hence a lack of desire to tweak as you may introduce unwanted effects, but for those who plonk boxes on tables, furniture cabinets, etc..
Heck i saw a picture on eBay of a someone (i think) NDAC/300/and others boxes crammed into a ikea kitchen type carcass, with Chord Music, or maybe Sarum cabling throughout, all into B&Q 6 way block crammed onto the top right near the NDAC.
