Naim Audio - discussion thread

by Chewkw Fri Mar 20, 2009 7:34 pm

Hello, All Naim Kaki in Malaysia & Singapore,

This is the column to post up your question, hopefully I can answer most of it. Further information about Naim Audio please refer to the page below:

http://www.naim-audio.com/
http://impulse7.com/naim/
http://www.tomtomaudio.com/

Let start about "How many Watt is your Naim".

by hasnul Sun Mar 22, 2009 8:46 am

Just curious, anybody actually did any comparison between the latest generation vs. much older models from the 70' & 80's ? What's the difference ?

by Chewkw Sun Mar 22, 2009 11:22 am

Hi hasnul,
I do own this 3 generation of Naim Audio :
1st generation most people call silver bumper.
2nd generation most people call olive
3rd generation most people call new generation.

This 3 generation share the same philosopher which is Fast Attack. They do have some characteristic changes from 1st to 3rd generation.

Please correct me if I am wrong,
My opinion- Wink

Silver bumper is the most musical among them all, you can listen to the music all day long. Compare 3 generation , this is the lesser define, lest dynamic.
(Define = most of the frequency can be capture)
(Dynamic = the range between louder & quiet)

Olive is carry out one step froward from silver bumper, more define and dynamic.

The New Naim Audio have make a big change from olive. It become more aggressive. Also the most define, dynamic among them all. Of cause the price it alot more expensive.

As my summary, i feel that is porn & corn for this 3 generation. The most I like is olive, then siver bumper, later only new Naim.

Nevertheless, silver bumper is lest define & dynamic, it is still allot batter then other top end model from N?D, Ar?am.

I heve try the top end N?D Pre & power, I do like my silver bumper alot more eventhough the N?D is alot more expensive.

For me, I will say that the biginer entry level Naim Audio is sound batter then some other top end model.

Unless you do like Macintosh alot, Naim will sound bad for you.

Naim Audio - discussion thread IMG_3466

by lewce1 Sun Mar 22, 2009 12:20 pm

Hi Chewkw,

I guess we met up during the inaugural members' meeting and i introduced myself to you when i overheard the NAIM topics. I owned the new NAIM set up. Contrary to your findings, i don't find it aggresive at all. Maybe the set up that you listened is not 'matched'. Matching within NAIM components is crucial and you MUST follow the recommended / suggested systems of which you can find them at NAIM website.

If you have time you are welcome to visit me and we can explore further.

Thanks.

by Chewkw Sun Mar 22, 2009 2:38 pm

Hi lewce1,
Thank for your comment. As I mention, I always stress that this is "my opinion". It might not aggressive to other people. The only believe is your own ear. Some might prefer the new Naim but some might not.

For more information, Naim Audio is going to increase prise on this April about 15 % . Money sucker...... Evil or Very Mad

http://www.cymbiosis.com/Naim%202009%20price%20list.pdf

by lewce1 Sun Mar 22, 2009 4:02 pm

Hi Chewkw,

My interpretation of aggresive is rough sounding. But mine is refined and when i listen to sentimental numbers female or male vocals it just melt my heard, its that emotional. When playing Hugh Masakela's Stimela, the dynamic just swings in as if you are part of the live audience. When play Police's Zenyatta Mondatta, it will definately rock you.

I chose new NAIM because it can play more types of music and recordings, be it commercial or audiophile.

Thanks

by Chewkw Sun Mar 22, 2009 6:06 pm

Hi lewce1,

First of all, Please do not misunderstand, I do agree The New Naim is a good & nice sounding amp.

I mean if you start from Naim silver bumper to olive to new generation (hasnul request for compare) , then you will find that Naim is improving. It become more convinience: from Din to RCA, from no remove control to all in one remove. addition DAC. addition Sub-output. Sound quality is batter but the feeling have change.

The ponit is,
is this the sounding old Naim kaki like??

If you start from New Naim, then you will feel noting wrong of it.

May be Naim is improve for the new customer & neglect the old customer. Sad

by hasnul Sun Mar 22, 2009 9:55 pm

For the record, I did have a listen to the new gen Naim setup (Cdp/Pre/Power & PSU) with Proacs. While I do agree that it was extremely good at PRAT I did have some reservation when it comes to vocals. Playing Isao Suzuki's track : Blue City, I was astounded by the fast bass and overall rhythm/timing/attack. Something I rarely heard from most solid state (krell monsters included). But I was kinda have a second thought when it comes to vocals. Played Mari Nakamoto's Georgia in My Mind and it sounded kinda lack of soul (if you know what I mean).

Thus, I don't think the newer generation are for me. But older ones ? Hmmmm......

by Chewkw Sun Mar 22, 2009 11:00 pm

Hi hasnul,
I did listen to the New Naim 202/200 CDs2 with ProAc D38. The speaker is expensive about RM2+,000, but this is a bad matching Mad

. In other hand, they do have a pair of Naim SL2 neglected at the corner.

The Naim + ProAc matching do not fully preform Naim ability. You might try up the Naim system with Naim speaker.

by lewce1 Sun Mar 22, 2009 11:07 pm

I open my invitation to both of you to listen to my all NAIM set-up and we listen to mostly vocals and we see whether it matches my comment earlier.

Whether it is new naim, old naim or other brand name, they must be able to play all types of music with good recording. This is what we call a true balance hi end sound system.

by Chewkw Sun Mar 22, 2009 11:15 pm

Thank you Lewce1,
I will arrange with hasnul, please MP me your phone number

by skydna Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:16 pm

Halo Naim kaki here~~

I do own a naim entry nait 5i-2

i still remember the 1st time i meet naim it is amazing which make me cant sleep for few weeks Very Happy

according to my experience

naim is very musical amplifier which i can only found from vaccume tube
amplifier(because of size of pocket, my experience might be
lesser).Futhermore it has well arrange accurate and detail sound.

But i do feel now my system abit emotion-less, i still finding out
whats the problems is, may be with naim source will be batter....
and I feel proAc might a good match with naim (the 1 i try is proAc
tablette reference 8 signature)but the systems really need cable tuning
to sound good....

thx.....

by lewce1 Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:04 pm

Hi skydna,

If you have read my earlier posting, please refer to NAIM website for their recommendation. Your's should be suggested system 1 and follow their recommendation. You will not go wrong and 3/4 of your problem is solved where matching is concern. The other 1/4 will depend on your room acoustics. You can tune your room to your musical taste.
Please use original NAIM i/c (free with purchase) and purchase NAIM NACA5 speaker cable which is not that expensive. They are the best for less.

Thnx/lewce1

by skydna Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:47 pm

lewce1 wrote:Hi skydna,

If you have read my earlier posting, please refer to NAIM website for their recommendation. Your's should be suggested system 1 and follow their recommendation. You will not go wrong and 3/4 of your problem is solved where matching is concern. The other 1/4 will depend on your room acoustics. You can tune your room to your musical taste.
Please use original NAIM i/c (free with purchase) and purchase NAIM NACA5 speaker cable which is not that expensive. They are the best for less.

Thnx/lewce1

Thanks lewce1 for ur recommendation but currently i cant affort a full set systems 1 Wink

i do think that my interconnect or speaker cable might makes the problems...
Is NAIM DIN interconnect sold separately? because i am not using NAIM cd player as source but i think i could get 1 and modify to RCA.....
thx~~

by lewce1 Tue Mar 24, 2009 4:54 pm

Hi Skydna,

Yes, there is such a din-rca i/c available for sale. Since you are not in full NAIM setup, it is not neccesary to use NAIM i/c. I suggest you to try other brands rca-rca. I have not explored this application before and therefore i could not make any recommendation.

Good luck.

Regards/lewce1

by Chewkw Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:18 am

Hi Lewcw1,

I appreciate you invited me to audit your system. Just have to say every one got they own taste for naim system. You own a good system. Very Happy

Last Saturday, I went to audit a system which is Naim super nait with hicap, NAP250, CDx2, Xps, biwire with Usher also many expensive cables, totally not my taste. Rolling Eyes

Very power full bass and not the naim sound I used to listen. I can't say that is bad system because he spend tons of money to up grade the system. This is his choice & taste.

If I am the person who like powerful strong bass, I recommend go for Crown & JBL Professional Series. You might getting more power & less expensive. cheers

by lewce1 Mon Mar 30, 2009 12:51 pm

Hi Chewkw,

Thanks for your time and the nice words you put in. I totally agreed with you that even though we may own the same brand name, the final 'sound' should be decided by the owner to suit his taste.

Nevertheless each system should sound "balance" across the spectrum, be it low, mid or hi end and from there you would be able to play as many CDs as possible.

The reasons I chose NAIM over others:
1) Easy to get the ideal balance sound. Just refer to their suggested components matching.
2) Very reliable and problem free and very much tolerable to our TNB.
3) Not too dependant to 3rd parties cables. NAIM provides free i/c and power cords. The speaker cable is reasonably priced. When combined they sound fanstatic in a NAIM system.

Let us continue to explore the NAIM wow factors.

Regards/lewce1

by yhsam Mon Mar 30, 2009 5:17 pm

Hi lewce1,

Thanks for letting me join the audition with Chewkw, I am glad to meet you back.

I agree, both of your taste are different, due to the room setup, electricity in place and some components matching. However, both gave me the real NAIM sound. I truly enjoy at the night. Indeed, I promote your system around my hifikaki.

It's our turn to invite you to either our house, are you ready for any of these weekdays or weekend?

Btw, don't forget to earth your cable Very Happy

Best regards,
Sam

by lewce1 Tue Mar 31, 2009 7:25 pm

Hi Sam,

Thanks for your positive comment, I appreciate it. Nevertheless our system must not be stagnant at the same level, it must be evolving and progressive to higher level without changing the gears. That's where we learn and share from others through home visits and reading from hifi blogs. HiFi 4 Sale is definately a good place to start with.

I believe my set up still have some weaknesses and i appreciate positive feedbacks. I am open.

I will definately reciprocate your visits and will pm you guys.

Regards/lewce1

by Chewkw Thu Apr 02, 2009 4:37 pm

Hi Lewce1,

After the visit, I have no negative comment about your system because this is what Naim sound should be.

If you still want some comment, the only thing I can think of is the Room (batter environment, you should know what to do) . Since you are going to find a new house, then.... do it in the new house. Cool

by solid_snake Thu Apr 09, 2009 5:36 pm

I just want to say hi. i am new to this forum and i am a big fans of naim. Nice to know some naim kaki here.

by skydna Sat Apr 11, 2009 11:14 pm

solid_snake wrote:I just want to say hi. i am new to this forum and i am a big fans of naim. Nice to know some naim kaki here.

Wow 1 more active Naim fanz here, mind to share ur setup?

by Chewkw Mon Apr 13, 2009 9:17 am

Hi Solid_snake,
saw you sale off NAC 252, what is the problems, are you upgrading NAC552?
Naim Audio - discussion thread 552_and_ps_comp_lg

by Chewkw Sat Apr 25, 2009 11:52 am

Hi Naim fanz,
Is any of Naim user is using New Naim Black Pre amp matching with Old Silver Bumper power amp? Just wondering how is sound like? Will it be the New Naim Black sound like? or ......
http://www.zenn.com.sg/Naim_NAC112_NAP150.jpg
http://impulse7.com/naim/discontinued/nap/140_03.jpg

by Sean Tue Jun 16, 2009 7:31 pm

I own a Naim Nait 2 for over 15 years now. I ran it with a Meridian 506 CDP and Epos ES14 speakers. I also have a surround system based on a Denon DVD3930, Cambridge Audio Azur 540R V2 used as a pre-amp, Carver 405 Power-Amp and Canton Audio satellites. I use my surround system primarily for SACD and DVD-Audio playback, of which I have a vast collection.
This is my story....

I sold my Epos ES14s when one the woofers was faulty (to a nice gentleman who eventually got it fixed) That left me with only my surround system. I was happy with that for a while but somehow, I wasn't really enjoying my music. I even put my Meridian up for sale one day (Thank god it wasn't sold....more of that later) and offered a friend my Nait too!

I have always dreamt of owning a Naim surround system one day, but they cost the earth and more! Lucky me, a much more affordable alternative came my way. I managed to acquire a Yamaha DSP-E800 Processor/3 Channel Amp secondhand from another nice gentleman through hifi4sale. This magnificent solution developed by Yamaha Corp allows it's owner to retain his or her original stereo amp whilst enabling processing and amplification for the remaining L,C,R and Sub. I took it home and after a quick setup, my new system was up and running. My system is now;
1) Denon DVD3930 (excellent sounding SACD/DVD-Audio sonics)
2) Yamaha DSP-E800 Processor/3ch Amp
3) Canton Movie MX10 Satellite/Sub
and the ta daaah....
The NAIM NAIT 2 driving the front speakers.

Many a Naim purist may find my system very un-naim and un-pure but let me say that even with the Canton satellites, I find the music I am listening to now just comes alive!!! I can't explain it. The sound is not as well defined and detailed as though my Cambridge Audio/Carver system, but man did the music communicate! I found myself listening to disc after disc after disc. Normally I can only listen to only 1 or 2 albums before I either got sleepy or bored. I have never felt this enthusiastic since my Meridian/Naim/Epos, and it's even better now that I also have surround sound!

I'm moving soon from my pigeon-hole apartment to a nice house.
Once I've done that.... my next move would be to own 5 full range speakers with the existing system. My Meridian will also come on-line again as I can't use it now with my puny satellites and then maybe even get a turntable to resurrect my old dusty LP collection. I'm currently speaker hunting, so do offer some suggestions to me. As I said....It's good to be in the clouds again.

Cheers.

by moppy Tue Jun 16, 2009 11:51 pm

Well, Naim... one of the most poisonous hifi virus.. I was trying my best to get rid of this virus and finally I still own some Naim equipement.

I was using Naim about 15 yrs ago and I was a student. My first Naim was Nait 3, introduced by one of my close friend. When I first look at the Nait 3, I told myself what a joke, a slim integrated with small wattage (Yes, about 30 watts if my memory serve me well now). The selling price was about 545 pounds. The demonstration was in a Naim's dealer. That time partnering with the cdp 3 (987 pounds) and Rega XEL spk (~1000 pounds) When first switch on I was totally didn't like the sound at all. But... after half n hour sitting to audit it and allowed the system heated up, my opinion was totally different. From that moment the first thing I want to bring home is the Nait 3.

Before I left the shop, the shopkeeper was too kind to me and he showed me another system, he said that will be my next little upgrade, NAC 92 and NAP90, the demonstration still with the cdp 3 and XEL... OMG... the first notice when he powered on was the sound was much cleaner... aiks... kena poison kao kao.... affraid

After 6 months later my next upgrade was a cdp3... continued follow by NAC72/NAP140..

When I returned I continued to experience more vintage Naim like NAC42/NAP90.2, NAC32.5/HICAP/NAP250 as well as NAP180. But, I nvr experience much using Naim spk, frankly speaking I don't quite like the entry level Naim spk... only higher range I prefer (from Allae).... Allae cost about RM9k (quoted from Absolute)....

Many yrs later, finally, today I get rid most of Naim virus... Very Happy

but... I still own 2 Naims CDP... CDi and the 3.5.... I love the sound of the CDi (warm enough for my taste).... Smile

by car o scope Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:26 am

Hello Sean,

Glad that you like your system so much.
As long as we like the sound of our system, we just dont have to take criticisms heavily.
After all, we bought our gears is to enjoy what we like to hear. Very Happy

by solid_snake Wed Jun 17, 2009 11:38 am

No Problem with NAC252. It is a nice preamp. You know with the naim upgradis, you always looking forward to move up the ladder. My plan is to sell off 252, keep the supercap for superline, then move on to NAC552 Very Happy

by CH Sat Jun 27, 2009 12:57 am

Hello to Naim fans,

I am wondering any of you driving a pair of LS35a? This is because I read from the net that Naim is voicing them with LS35a.

Secondly, there is a lot of fuss that new naim has lost its appeal to naim die hard. Can anyone tell me what are the new and old naim specifically?

I have listened to Supernait, they sounded decent. is this consider old or new naim?

by mugenfoo Sat Jun 27, 2009 1:39 am

the new Naims has gone more "commercial" by having RCA jacks in their amps. Sad

I actually read a copy of Naim's star-grounding topology white paper from the J.Vereker era and it makes a very compelling argument on why Naim persisted with DIN connections then.

by Chewkw Mon Jun 29, 2009 4:31 pm

Hi CH,

Code:: I am wondering any of you driving a pair of LS35a? This is because I read from the net that Naim is voicing them with LS35a.

As my system Naim Audio NAC72/NAP140/Hicap/Roger BBC3/5A,
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nFPT7mQqICc/SbcvsJq__HI/AAAAAAAAANc/SpytSrIuTF4/s1600-h/IMG_3330.JPG

I am happy with it. BBC3/5A is not a clear & refine sounding speaker compare with my other Naim SBL. However it produce the warm vocal which not many manufacture can achieve. Further more BBC3/5A do not produce lower bass, that why AB1 was produced later.

You can do some reading about the BBC3/5A at: http://www.ls35a.com/

It is a good matching with Naim Audio, because you can play it for full day long without annoying. It is also good to plug up your TV speaker for everyday TV channel use.

According to BBC specification, this speaker is produce for the broadcasting purpose. It will perform best for the vocal.

I personally give
Like a Star @ heaven

for Naim Audio & Roger 3/5A matching

by Chewkw Mon Jun 29, 2009 5:44 pm

Hi CH,

Code:: Secondly, there is a lot of fuss that new naim has lost its appeal to naim die hard. Can anyone tell me what are the new and old naim specifically? I have listened to Supernait, they sounded decent. is this consider old or new naim?

This topic have been discuss since New Naim Black box launch. Once can find the argument in Forum over the world. Naim announce the Black Box is improvement version. They claim that newer is batter then older.

I have no comment which is batter. Is just which one you prefer.

Thought my hifi journey, I have tested Silver Bumper, Olive & Black box, even try up Lewce1's system NAC282/NAP250/Hicap/CDS2. I do not have any problems with all of this preamp matching because there all sound very wonderful.
Silver bumper: NAC12, NAC32.5
Olive: NAC72, NAC82, NAC52
Black Box: NAC202, NAC282, NAC252, NAC552

The most difference is the integrated amp from Nait2 & Nait3 to Nait5 & Nait5i. Naim have change the characteristic to these amp since they produce, some old Naim user do not accept it. Also the philosophy is change after the died of Julian (founder of Naim)

If you are the Naim fan follower long time ago, Naim have make some statement before which there conflict them self now.

Example:
1)Naim using DIN but not RCA, with batter sounding. (there produce more RCA now).
2)No remove control for more efficient power distribution (there produce remove control for all unit now).
3)No batter power cord, just use original (there produce Hiline now).
4)Every New Integrated amp launch, there claim this is the best they ever build. (every time also the best ever made)

Due to the marketing strategy & statement have been made, price is getting higher, some Senior Naim owner is disappointed & (Hokkian-Too Lan) with the new items. More & more negative discussion spate on the internet.

I am not blaming what ever there said. I still like the new Black Box Naim Audio. Naim do change/ improve there product & still produce fast sounding. Is just the matter which one you like it.

Good luck for searching Naim Audio.

Ps/Sorry & please correct me if I am wrong.

by mugenfoo Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:20 pm

but good also mah, so the s/hand value of the old naims also naik ! hahaha

by CH Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:30 pm

I have seen a photo of your setup somewhere in this forum. You were using LS3/5a. I am wondering if you manage to make LS3/5a rock.

by mugenfoo Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:49 pm

@CH , huh ? who's got the Naim with LS3/5a ?

by Chewkw Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:25 pm

hi CH,
Humm.... 3/5a for rock... It can be louad but not the low bass. Feeling vocal alway infront & intrument go behind. I am not sure it sound fentastic or horrible.

For me,it is acceptable, because the focus is the singer.

If the music is just instrument, the focus will be the midrange.

If the music is just low bass drum, it should be sound horrible.

by mugenfoo Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:54 pm

for Rock, sure wiil need a full naim from Source to Speakers, if u dun mind the "flat earth" sound.. but with amazing PRaT.

Otherwise, its the power from a Krell powering some bad-ass floorstanders that will deliver the "right stuff" for Rock, Metal, Grunge, Industrial. Smile

G n'R, Skid Row, Nirvana, NIN, RaTM, Marilyn Manson & Rammstein anyone? Razz

by CH Thu Jul 02, 2009 8:31 am

Chewkw,

Get a sub. Not AB1. I think the Ho stereo sub sound be good. I have not heard them but my frens praise them, reported going down to mid 30hz. It is cost effective.
Once you hear the low(foundation to the music), there is no turning back.

by Chewkw Thu Jul 02, 2009 1:11 pm

Hi, CH
is the Ho's Sub come in passive? do you need amp to drive it? what is the price range?
Most of the sub couldn't catch up with Naim fast sounding. Hopefully Ho's does.

by CH Fri Jul 03, 2009 8:30 am

Chewkw,

Ho's sub is retailing at RM2K+ new. It is a passive sub. Here is the link. http://www.gini.com/index.php?id=318

Frequency Response:	35Hz-60Hz
Sensitivity:	86dB
Input Impedance:	8 ohms
Maximum Power:	50W
Drive Units:	5" cone woofer
Dimensions:	24" x 7.5" x 6.25"-10.5" (HxWxD) + 2-2.5" (spikes)

Might not be available in Malaysia, tho I have seen them here. Much better than AB1 as reported. Read Stereomojo review.

by Chewkw Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:21 pm

Thank CH,
Thank you for the information, just observe the out look of gini sub-woofer, seem they are not same design as AB1 which woofer located inside the speaker & do not expose.
Have you match it with other speakers? I could be a good idea for other small speaker too.

by annshu88 Mon Jul 13, 2009 10:42 am

anyone got info about the Naim CDi (1994) i would like to know the sound quality compare to recent entry CD5i version 2. And also the spare part of the CDP (Philips 9 Pro)

by Chewkw Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:10 am

Hi annshu88,
The CDi or some say CD1 is the 1st generation of Naim CD player beside CDS. It also share the same board as CD2
The last badge of CDi produce 1994 & no power supply can be added.

I have no compare with CD5i but CDi should be batter/higher range. It should compare to CD5X

I do have the CD2, it sound good.

Mr Oh should be able to services this CDP.

by 123_rocketman Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:49 am

Hi Naim Sifus,

I just bought a used Nait 1 and new to Naim gear.

This vintage amp is coupled with Quad CDP and drive my Harbeth 7 ES3.

I would like to learn from Naim Sifus what speakers cables and DIN to RCA interconnect are suitable for the set up.

by takashi78 Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:05 am

Hi all i am new to this forum, been a long time lurker in the old HiFi4sale blog.

I dont have a system yet but always looking to get the entry level NAIM set, CDP,AMP and speakers.

Are they a good pair?

How much am i looking at?

by jtan Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:15 pm

123_rocketman wrote:Hi Naim Sifus,

I just bought a used Nait 1 and new to Naim gear.

This vintage amp is coupled with Quad CDP and drive my Harbeth 7 ES3.

I would like to learn from Naim Sifus what speakers cables and DIN to RCA interconnect are suitable for the set up.

Hi Rocketman,

I'm no Naim sifu but a Naim newbie myself. It's interesting that you have the original Nait, because I have the latest Nait 5i which I use with Harbeth M30s. My speaker cables are by Quad (no longer in production). I havent tried any other cables with this pairing yet, so would also be interested to know what the Naim sifus have to say.

I am very happy with the sound I'm getting though, which has something of the 'directness' and immediacy of a live performance. It's not quite the real thing, of course, but it does 'time' very well (as a good band might), and I can listen for hours at a time without getting bored or tired, and to all kinds of music, from classical to pop to African music and in between. Every day, I come home looking forward to putting on a new album.

Still, I'd like to hear what them Naim sifus have to impart regarding speaker cables. Guess I am an audiophile...

cheers

by 123_rocketman Sun Jul 19, 2009 9:48 am

Naim Sifus,Well, why it is all quiet at the western front?Nobody has any experience with Nait 1?

by leofric32 Wed Aug 05, 2009 2:12 pm

Hi there,

I am new to Naim and just got myself Naim 122 and 150x driving a pair of Usher BE-718. Still using my old Marantz CD63. Will upgrade to Naim CDP later when budget allow as I notice that the best matching is for Naim itself.

I do have a lot of questions to ask and hope to get some help here, if you dont mind.

1) I notice there is a grounding point at the back of the pre-amp. Should i ground it to the wall power socket?
2) I have an old Bada LB-2200 Line Conditioner. Should I connect the Naim Power Amp to it? My worries is on the voltage 220v and also whether will it help to improve the sound quality. Currently I am connecting direct to the wall socket.
3) When I turn on/off the amp, there is pop-sound at the speaker. Is it common for Naim. I checked with the dealer, and he said it is common.
4) I notice the bass is a little heavy with my setup, any thing i can do to tweak it?
5) I read from the manual that the best recommended speaker length should be more than 3.5 ft. Mine is less than that, should i change it and is the different very marginal only? What recommended speaker cable?

When I bought the pre-power combination, i have another choice to make, the new Nait XS. But i choose the pre-power but thinking further should i get the XS for its upgradability? Later I notice that XS has preamp-out, meaning can get a new power-amp when budget allows. Now stuck in the 122 and 150x, when upgrade has to sell it off.

by Chewkw Thu Aug 06, 2009 12:00 am

Hi leofric32

Code:: 1) I notice there is a grounding point at the back of the pre-amp. Should i ground it to the wall power socket? 2) I have an old Bada LB-2200 Line Conditioner. Should I connect the Naim Power Amp to it? My worries is on the voltage 220v and also whether will it help to improve the sound quality. Currently I am connecting direct to the wall socket. 3) When I turn on/off the amp, there is pop-sound at the speaker. Is it common for Naim. I checked with the dealer, and he said it is common. 4) I notice the bass is a little heavy with my setup, any thing i can do to tweak it? 5) I read from the manual that the best recommended speaker length should be more than 3.5 ft. Mine is less than that, should i change it and is the different very marginal only? What recommended speaker cable?

1) The ground point is for turntable use. You might use it if humm sound occur.
2) Naim do not recommend any power conditional because the sound quality is design without it. No harm to try it out, it should be not very much difference.
3) The pop-sound is normal for naim, because it shouldn't switch off when not using. it take a week to warm up the system.
4) Normally naim won't give heavy bass but enough bass. Just need to relocate the speaker ( avoid placing to corner & wall) need more tweak by try and error.
5) naim will give recommended speaker cable length but I do not find any difference. Naim NACA5 should be the good match and value for money, however I prefer Cord speaker cable.

Naim NAC122/NAP150x is always batter then Naim Nait XS, because is easier to upgrade. Example:

NAC 122/NAP150x
1st upgrade power supply = NAP122/NAP150x + Hicap
2nd upgrade CD player= (NAP122/NAP150x + Hicap) + CD5x
3rd upgrade CD Player power supply = (NAP122/NAP150x + Hicap) + (CD5x + Hicap)
4th upgrade bi-amp= (NAP122/NAP150x + Hicap) + (CD5x + Hicap) + NAP250 (Hicap can hook up to 2 power amp)
5th upgrade pre-amp= From NAP 122 to NAP202/NAP282/NAP252/NAP552

By using NAP122; is a long journey to add on/plug up some equipment before you change the preamp.

Happy listening,

by yhsam Thu Aug 06, 2009 11:11 am

Dear all,

Chewkw is a truly NAIM enthusiast. His NAIM setup simply gave me the best impression of a good Hifi system is.

Trust me, NAIM is really well balance for the high, mid and bass. It is really suitable for kinds of music, not only famous for pop and rock, but also Jazz and vocal. All you have to do to optimize your NAIM, give it a good room, electricity and most importantly TRUST! Sound familiar? Indeed, this rule applies to all brands, not limited to NAIM.

Chewkw, correct me if I am wrong. I realize that NAIM not good for orchestra reproduction. Simply is because NAIM is not designed for the big band, like Krell, Pass Labs, and etc.

Finally, my wife and I really enjoyed his complete NAIM setup, although I am Accuphase user.

Happy listening

by Sponsored content