Hi-Fi Corner

Spotted in the Medina in Marrakech (see photo below) A new Naim sideline, or a means of drawing people in, or just part of the service for customers  auditioning gear?  

just wondered if anyone had tried the new TQ blue mains cable? And how does it compare to the ultra blue (old award winning blue) cable? How do they compare to the Powerline on a source? 

I've got my NDS set up to control my 552 pre-amp via n-stream, which works fine for volume control. However, it doesn't seem to work how I would think it should to control inputs. I have the NDS set up to play into the CD input on the 552 and my turntable set up on the Tuner input. I can start playing streamed music via the NDS then switch to the turntable no problem, but then cannot switch back again - changing off the input the NDS is playing into seems to kill the streaming music, and...

Hello all, I have owned a pair of cherry DBL's for about 5 months or so and have been quite happy with them. I previously had NBL's and they are definitely a big step up. The thing is, that the best part of them for me is their mid range and treble purity, naturalness and true to life sound. When you look at DBL's, the first thing that you would expect to be raving about is the bass response. Bass is good, but I just feel there is much more to come. I have just recently purchased new DBL...

Nine months ago the PSU for my Manticore Mantra gave up the ghost. Luckily the Hercules board fits nicely into the MB6 case with only minor alterations. I found the Hercules didn’t sound the same as the MB6, it’s not as dynamic, but smoother with more bass output. Not as good, but pleasant to listen too. The Hercules is designed as a direct drop in replacement for the Linn Valhalla board and is therefore supplied with the output voltage set to 85v, last week I discovered the recommended...

Hi Does anyone know if it's possible to configure a NAC282 so that the selected record bank automatically switches to whatever is select on the source bank?  The reason for this is that the 282 is not located in the listening room and sometimes I use headphones.  Therefore, if I don't select the source which matches the record bank then the headphones don't get a signal; in which case I then need to wander into a different room to select it.  It's just an irritation and not a...

I have sent my SBL bass drivers to a specialist two times and they still buzz when I play certain piano passages. He  has checked everything meticulously from cables and phase plugs to crossovers, and both drivers still buzz at certain frequencies.( 400Hz I believe. )I am thinking of ordering two new drivers from Naim but they are over 300 USD each. Is it time for new drivers? Would buying used Mk1 drivers be an alternative? How about using Credo drivers?

To some owners. Does the XS-2 provide a more smoother/refined sound than the 5si? Is the damping factor also higher than the 5si? Sorry for asking the above, as I've never heard either Naits. I should try and seek a demo sometime in 2016!! Thanks. S.

I think I once read that it is okay to go under the recommend cable speaker lenght of 3,5 m on the integrated amps as 5i, XS and Supernait, but definitely not the poweramps.  Can anyone confirm that? 

I just ripped from the Coldplay CD that I just purchased with EAC into secure mode and then I tried burst mode. There were 2 of us, and we heard audible differences between the inferior burst mode and the more accurate secure mode. The burst mode had audible loss of detail, loss of bass, loss of clarity. suffice to say I wouldn't trust a digital file unless it was ripped with HDX/US or EAC (that too, properly configured). Really amazed by the difference.  I never really liked the...

I have been reading about another UK company which makes what looks to be great speakers. I like the look of the Platinum, and now the new Platinum 2 speakers as their top of the line kit. Anyone have or heard these, how are they, Cheers, Steve

As per my above subject, i am now considering a venture into either Isotek Serius or Isotek Gii Sigmas (used). I was told that Naim and possibly few other high end manufacturers do not recommend the use of Line Conditioners, so i like to ask if this is the case and more importantly, why? I currently have both the Serius and the Sigmas under test at home, and i must admit, the Gii Sigmas is rather impressive. System: Linn Sondek LP12, Lingo, Ittok, Naim Nac-272, NAP-100, ProAc Studios.

I have a CDX2 serial no. 219xxx  2005 build. Can someone tell me which mechanism I have and what is the difference between VAM 1202 and 1250? Which are better? and Why? Thank you.

For those interested....

My system: Original CDX2 plus XPS2 non DR 202/200/HC2 DR The 272 has been around a little while now and seems the obvious upgrade to the 202 but a) is a bare 272 an upgrade? b) anyone done a comparison between having the XPS2 on the CD player and switching it to the 272? I can't afford both but a traded 202 and HC2 DR for a 272 may be an option. No rush. I can always get a dealer dem. but if anyone has tried this I'd welcome views.  

One online definition is " the quality of having a pleasant sound" which I hardly think is the meaning here as I don't think we have scores of people wishing the mu-so qb sounds as pleasant as other Naim products, or maybe they do. Enlighten me please, what do you mean when you use "musicality"  to describe music being played on an electronic reproduction system in the nearly 100 uses of this word in the last 3 months.  Does all live music innately have "musicality"? Is...

There are three things I’ve always loved about Naim in the 25 years I’ve owned their kit. The marvellous sound, the reliability, and the clear upgrade path. Over the years I’ve gone from a simple 72/140, LP12 and IBL setup to a fully blown 500 active system into SL2s. Virtually every upgrade I’ve made has significantly increased the pleasure I get from listening to music, and there is always the urge to get as close to the music as you can afford. Which is what brought me to Super Lumina… I...

Is this something we should know about? Photo below taken in Marrakech medina... A new sideline, or part of the service for people spending time auditioning?  

has anyone been able to compare the analog only side of the 272 vs the 202 (say both with Nap 200) Of course it gets a bit tricky with PSU, so maybe 202/HCDR and 272/XPSDR is another comparison and also the power amp would have to be consistent for both of them to hear what they are capable of.

Hi, Currently I have 10 mm dedicated mains spur just one wall socket installed at the wire's end. Also have Wrewold Matrix 2 distribution block for the plugs of my boxes. My mains powered boxes as follows: PS555DR (for NDS) SCDR (for 282) NAPSC (for 282) CD5XS NAP250 In what sequence should I insert these plugs into the distribution block for optimum performance?   Thxs in advance.    

ok Forum, interested on experiences on this one. I recently simultaneously powered up my Naim equipment on from scratch having been off for a few days. After a few hours I sat down to listen .. It sounded a little lacking in life .. I have had a terrible head cold and I put it down to that. Today feeling somewhat better and having the afternoon off I sat to listen to the Naim... still not right.. So I powered down NAC252/SuperCap and 250.2 and left sources powered up. Left it a minute.. I...

Apologies to the gentleman who pointed out in another thread that NAP 500 & 300 have different gains (30 & 29), I've forgotten who you were, but thanks for the point. Nonetheless, has anyone done the passive bi-amping trick with a mix of 500 and 300 ? And does it work? Firstly is the difference in gain noticeable and secondly what does the 300 bring to the party over a single 500? I've read that Naim doesn't advocate bi-amping, but with Naim speakers that's one...

I have just been forwarded a complete price list for down here in Oz. (in Aus $)  It lists the full range of Naim, and interestingly it includes the following; NDX $6800 NDX B $7825,  ND5XS $4500 ND5XS B $5150   Then lists all the ALL IN ONES as SuperUniti B, Unity2 B, Unity Lite B, UnityQute 2B with respective prices.  It is the official price list from Naim Australia, am I seeing a new "B" version of models or is that standard. If I can figure out how to post the...

hi all ,after my resent experience trying small speakers ie kef crest 1s,Rega kytes Ian wondering if ibls might be worth a go as they seem to be a high quality speaker for the price you can get them for now .Any pitfalls to them ,regards martin

Last night while I was doing some basic upkeep on my new 300 DR / 252 combo (power down, unplug leads, replug leads... just your basic hifi lunacy) it occurred to me that the Snaic 4 > XLR cables running from the power supply to the amp are relatively flimsy when compared to even the basic Naim Snaic 5 cables, DIN interconnects and especially when compared to a hiline. I then checked a current Naim price list that I have kicking around and discovered that these leads are also...