Which amp for a NAIM CD3.5?

[Peter G.]

Hello all,

I am new to this forum and would like to ask you for your advice.
I am looking for an amp for my Naim CDP. I currently own the AKG 501s but am thinking of buying Sennheiser's HD 600 or 650.
An obvious solution would be the Naim Headline paired with my Flatcap and the Nait3R.
I, however, would be grateful for other ideas. I am thinking of spending EUR 600 max. on the amp.

Thanks for your help beforehand.

Peter

 

[Glod]

Welcome to Head-fi, fellow-countryman! You have come to the right place.

As you no doubt have discovered there have been thousands of posts in the Amplification section about HD6XX and suitable amps.

I am afraid your question does not have a simple answer. One of the first water sheds are the choice between tube or solid state amps, then, what kind of presentation of the sound you like, e.g. highly analytical, up front, warm, euphonic, laid back et cetera.

EDIT: This part of the Amplification section covers most of the more popular amps around here.
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/forum...?s=&forumid=20

 

[kuma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter G. An obvious solution would be the Naim Headline paired with my Flatcap and the Nait3R.

Peter,

Perhaps, not too obvious answer, after all.

I run a Naim Headline 2 with a NAPSC via Nait 3R albeit my primary source is an LP12.

I'v tried an AKG 501 with Headline.. Yikes! dunno what's happening there, but it wasn't a good match between them.

My primary cans are Grado RS1 & Alessandro Pro. But Senn fones worked better than the AKG 501.

Another well suited choice with the Naim source/amp is Beyerdynamic DT 931. ( it's like a halfway between Grado and Senn. )

 

[Peter G.]

Thanks, Glod, for the link. I will spent quite some time reading here this evening. I would prefer a solid state amp that suits the warm sound of the Naim.
That's a nice and friendly welcome. I do live in Holland but I am not Dutch myself. However, my wife is.

 

[Peter G.]

Kuma,
I had a brief chance to listen to the Headline with the CD5/Nait 5 combo some time ago andwas thrilled by the sound - I can't recall the headphones used. The dealer put me off the idea of reviewing further as he claimed the older CD3.5 was not a suitable source for the Headamp and tried to talk me into buying the CD5.
I have read very positve reviews about the Naim/Grado combination. I am eager to try the Grado RS 2.

 

[mega db]

I own a CD5X-HeadLine2 both powered by my FlatCap2X. I dig this setup and would think that the CD3.5 would still make for a very enjoyable listen. As for headphones, I currently own the Senn HD650, HD595 and the Grado SR225. Other cans come and go but the HD650's are my mainstays (they almost do everything). In my listening, I've found that the AKG are more like the Senn models but slightly worse at everything. In my opinion going from the 501's to the HD650 would be a great move if you enjoy the sound of the 501's. As for the Grado's, I have demo'd almost every level of the lineup and think that the RS2's stink. Maybe they don't stink, but are way too thick in the lower mids. My favorite model is the SR225's. The RS1's are better but not 3X better than the SR225's.
Of course this post should contain "in my system" and "in my opinion" and "your mileage may vary".

 

[kuma]

Peter,

A CD3.5 is still an excellent CD player especially at the used pricing.
However you have to be careful, if its transport is shot, it's costly to replace it if you purhcase the unit off the net without any warranty. ( around 500 bucks US$ )

I see the the lack of soundstage with Grado/Naim source combo does not suit everyone.

With Grado, when I am not using my record player, I still prefer my Krell CD player over Naim digital in my rig, tho.

The Headline 2, unlike the older Olive kit, has more spacious and natural feel.

FWIW, a CD5 has more of that newer voicing than the CD3.5.

The RS2 is an excellent buy, btw. It has slightly leaner tonal balance than the RS1 and less frequency extension but, in some rigs, it is easier to control that infamous RS-1 *bloated bass*. Since they really need a well-suited source to shine.

 

[braillediver]

Personally I find Grado and NAIM go together well. Throw in a tube amplifier and it’s a match made in heaven. Since Soundstage isn’t either’s forte’ why even bother.

I’d look towards the Earmax Anniversary Edition or Pro with a pair of RS-1’s. Yeah we know how to spend money here.


Mitch

 

[kuma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by braillediver Personally I find Grado and NAIM go together well. Throw in a tube amplifier and it’s a match made in heaven. Since Soundstage isn’t either’s forte’ why even bother.

Mitch.

yeah. A Naim source and tube amps work well with Grado.

Have you tried a Headline 2 and Hi-Cap yet?

It's not bad at all!
I've been out of a tube headamp for a long time but I don't particularly miss it.

 

[drarthurwells]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter G. Thanks, Glod, for the link. I will spent quite some time reading here this evening. I would prefer a solid state amp that suits the warm sound of the Naim. That's a nice and friendly welcome. I do live in Holland but I am not Dutch myself. However, my wife is.

Best SS choice is the Lehmann Black Cube linear.

Will drive AKG and used by Sennheiser at demo shows.

I just sold one in new condition - 2 mos. old - within your price limit.