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What's wrong with Naim..?

Mar 1, 2008 at 6:35 PM Post #61 of 84
Kuma,

I decided not to bother with vinyl years ago, mainly due to practical storage problems. CD's in wallet folders take up much less space.

I've got about 1,200 cd's and about 20 vinyl albums so there's no point in getting a Linn Sondek.

My big worry now is with regard to the cd player(CDS1). I emailed the Naim factory about a year ago and they said certain parts for CDS1 are no longer made. If the transport stops working then basically I need to buy a new cd player.

I also have the common problem regards when I fast forward to certain tracks then I sometimes get the error message. If I use bluetac to clean the cd and puck then it tends to improve. If I play a cd from start to finish then there's never any problem.

With well recorded music, R and B, accoustic, dance and electronica my system sounds fantastic. The SBL's are really fast and have a quality bass.

It doesnt sound too good though with badly recorded cd's. Also it sometimes fails to resolve and separate busy tracks (especially rock music).
 
Mar 1, 2008 at 6:57 PM Post #62 of 84
Sheffsteel,

Understood.

A record playing is not for everybody.
But the classic Naim system like yours work so well with a Sondek.
smily_headphones1.gif

I agree that the software choice should dictates the playback format. Not the other way around.

Regarding a CDS1, IIRC, they were taking it back and giving an owner a credit toward a new purchase.
Have you checked?

I think they ran out of the transport.

An SBL is not *forgiving*.
This is a dilemma with them. They sing with a better source and amp. :x

A newer Allaes are mroe forgiving comparatively but you don't get nearly the articulation and speed of an SBL.

A second-hand CDS2 might help there. ( CDS3 is ideal, but it's dear )
 
Mar 1, 2008 at 7:52 PM Post #63 of 84
Naim did suggest I could see my dealer and they would probably offer me about £200 for my cds1 if I upgrade to the lower level cd player, about £400 for the middle level cd player and about £800 towards the upper range cd player.

I really like the CDS1. It might not be brilliant in terms of hi-fidelity qualities, but for more simple music the sound is really nice and addictive. It sounds more like a turntable and less like a cd player.

I've resisted going for a demo at my dealer as I'm scared I'll walk out with a cds3 etc. Also I might become aware that my current system is lacking compared to the Naim stuff. I can't really afford to upgrade and when ever I do build up some money I always find something else that seems a better buy (i.e. car, fancy holiday etc).

Also at the moment, for certain types of music I believe I have the best system in the world. As they say "ignorance is bliss".
 
Mar 1, 2008 at 10:36 PM Post #64 of 84
sheffsteel,

A sensible approach.

I've enjoyed a stripped down LP12 and a Nait 3R/HC.

The only reason I've upgraded was because I could. It was not a requirement or the system needed it.

At some point you'd need a replacement CD player or move to a music server. (it seems to be where the trend is headed )
 
Mar 2, 2008 at 5:54 AM Post #65 of 84
as Kuma knows, i had an all Naim for 5 yrs (cd3.5/flatcap,Hicap/Nait5, Headline2/flatcap,Intro2 louspeakers). like others have echoed, very involving with great presence. i enjoyed it immensely. the cd5i/nait5i is an exceptional pairing with JM Reynaud speakers, but i feel their speakers are a bit of a let down (not terribly bad though). but when i started to audition other speakers in the attempt to upgrade my Intro2s, i heard what i thought to be a more natural presentation that i prefer. the ATC SCM12 are so spectacular, but unfortunately pigs to drive. (i bought them used in a 9.5/10 condition with custom built Sound Anchors stands for silly cheap and only a 6 hr round trip to pick them up - the guy was hard up for $$$). while naim's pre-amps and Headline2 are exceptional, their amps are a bit of a let down in their limited power output - they had to go. enter Krell.

yes, they are a bit more pricey, but individual pieces come with the recommended cable. no need to waff around with cable rolling. you pay for the exceptional service as well (i do realize they are not the only customer-oriented hi-fi company around).

PACE

P.S. Kuma, please send Bub to the sin bin for a month, or better yet, ban him from the "trade room".
 
Mar 5, 2008 at 8:38 PM Post #70 of 84
Just wondering if anybody has experience of Naim CD mods, like the clock upgrades from Trichord and Audiocom. I've got a CD5 and am going to get a PSU. After that I'm wondering if the clock upgrade would improve things too.
 
Mar 7, 2008 at 4:02 PM Post #71 of 84
Quote:

Originally Posted by Donald-Dasher /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Just wondering if anybody has experience of Naim CD mods, like the clock upgrades from Trichord and Audiocom. I've got a CD5 and am going to get a PSU. After that I'm wondering if the clock upgrade would improve things too.


Are you trying to take the OP's subject to the extreme saying that there's something wrong with Naim?!! Is there something wrong with your cdplayer? Do you feel it's lacking something?

Thou shalt not tinker with your Naim Sistem!

Just kidding. I have a hard time accepting the dogma-like manners of many Naim users but even I can't understand why you would want to start modding a fully functioning cdplayer with very good resale value (if unmodded). So I guess a good start for you is to ask yourself what it is you want to achieve with your system/sound. Maybe change to some other Naim cdp or change brand? At least wait till you try out the PSU on your cdp.
 
Mar 8, 2008 at 2:12 PM Post #72 of 84
Quote:

Originally Posted by snejk /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Thou shalt not tinker with your Naim Sistem!


Yea I know but the next model up is the CDX2 and I haven’t got £3k for one of those. I agree I’ll get the hicap first and see how things are.
 
Mar 8, 2008 at 3:29 PM Post #73 of 84
I haven't heard the cd5 (only heard the cd5i, cd5x and cdx2) but from what I understand the cd5 has quite a different sound than both the cd5x and cd5i so maybe a sidestep could be worth trying if you want another sound character. But as you say, try the hicap first, a lot of people think it makes a huge difference. Good luck!
 
Mar 8, 2008 at 11:26 PM Post #74 of 84
originally got into naim gear many years back,needed an amp to run my original quad esl's(had a bedini 1meg& was worrying about arcing them)back then it was a 42s/hicap/140,worked well for the quads,upgraded to a 72 & 180 & cd3,sold the quads(kids & electostatics) and got SBLs.... finally working my way up the naim chain, 72 to 82 to 52,180 to 250(actually went bi-amped with 2-250's on the sbls,for a short bit,bi-amp or preamp,the move to the 52 was more sonically effective),Cd3 to CDS2. All in all ,thru the years I have not had a problem with any of my equipment. finally sold the SBLs last year & picked up a pair of Harbeth compact7's (truly amazing speakers),that is till I brought home the Harbeth 5's.................. Damn,BIG difference.(even my wife likes them) BUT,all said the nait integrated,still amazes me ,even the cd3(which I still have) ,are great pieces.................I KNOW, I DRANK TOO MUCH OF THE NAIM KOOLAID ,remember ...the bottom line is LISTENING to the MUSIC , My2 cents
 
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