Which is the better of these two?

[Dork Knight]

Now looking at Naim Headline & i-Supply from post #6 onwards

I was wondering which is the better amp?

Rega Ear:
http://www.rega.co.uk/html/ear_2001.htm

Pro-Jesct Head Box SE:
http://www.project-audio.com/main.ph...sories&lang=en

The current setup would be Audigy 2 ZS Sound Card -> Amp

Later this year I will be looking at a CD player (possibly NAD/Arcam) to hook up to the amp.

So with this in mind, which amp would be the better?

Thanks.

 

[Piotr Ryka]

Pro-Ject is better, but if you can, buy Musical Fidelity V3.

 

[Thaddy]

What headphones will you be using?

With the HD650's, I didn't like the sound of the Rega Ear. The low end seemed a tad too boomy and unrefined for my taste.

 

[Dork Knight]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piotr Ryka Pro-Ject is better, but if you can, buy Musical Fidelity V3.

Is the Music Fidelity v3 of good build quality and whatnot? I think its an additional £100/$170, I could stretch to this if people come through who owe me for a Peavey amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thaddy What headphones will you be using? With the HD650's, I didn't like the sound of the Rega Ear. The low end seemed a tad too boomy and unrefined for my taste.

I've currently got the Grado SR125, but investigating the AKG K710 and Audio-Technica ATH-W1000, possibly to follow in a month or two.

I'm trying to buy an amp with the above headphones in mind, plus the option to add a CD player (NAD/Arcam or similar) into the mix in six months or so.

Currently looking to convert the garage to an additional room, so once thats done (I hope by the summer), then I can use that room for music and whatnot.

 

[Piotr Ryka]

Dork Knight

If you really intend to buy AKG 701 and good CD, think about good amp. too. MF V3 is a minimum. Really good is Cayin HA-1A. Do not waste your money for poverty. Naim is also very good, but works only with Naim CD.
(Forgive me my english.)

 

[Dork Knight]

Ok, could I just confirm that if I went for a Niam Headline (RCA):
http://www.stoneaudio.co.uk/stoneaud...336&range=1336

And the Naim i-Suppy (h):
http://www.stoneaudio.co.uk/stoneaud...Y&product=1528

Would I be able to take any device over RCA e.g. my Audigy 2 ZS, into the Headlines RCAs and that will work OK?

Then later in the year I could buy the Naim CD5i:
http://www.stoneaudio.co.uk/stoneaud...i&product=1324

And then just take the CD5i and plug this straight into the Headline?

Apologies for my lack of knowledge, I'm just getting into this area and am very lost at the moment.

Thank you for your help & information so far.

 

[maarek99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thaddy The low end seemed a tad too boomy and unrefined for my taste.

Seriously? I thought the Rega had perfect bass with hd650. Very controlled and tight. With the hd580 Rega was actually bass deficient. I think it has a pretty good synergy with 650. Don't go for the headbox though.

 

[Dork Knight]

Looks like everything is pointing towards Naim at the moment then.

Noticed (as posted above - RCA version) that the Naim Headline has two versions; therefore, if I purchased the one with RCA connections I should be able to connect that to anything which can give it an input - Correct?

 

[Piotr Ryka]

Dork Knight

That is really great news, that Naim at last do RCA connectors in its stuff.
I think, you would be able to do what you want to, but confirm that with Naim dealer or mail directly to Naim.
Graham Slee is also very good. Both - Graham and Naim - gives you chance to upgrade system. Graham with its PSU1 and Naim with its Flat-Cap and Hi-Cap. Naim Headline with Hi-Cap, it is true hi-end.

 

[Dork Knight]

I've pulled the following info from this link:
http://www.stoneaudio.co.uk/stoneaud...E&product=1336

Quote:

Due to overwhelming demand, the Headline can now be ordered with a pair of RCA plugs in place of the 5 pin DIN. This is especially welcome to Nait 5i owners and owners of non-Naim preamps. Same price applies for both DIN and RCA types.

This would seem to confirm all is OK - I will ring StoneAudio later this week or next week just to confirm all is OK.

I take it that all I will need it the future is a CD player - Lets say the Naim CD5i and then no other kit will be needed to get everything working?

So it would be:

Naim CD5i -> Naim Headline -> Headphones

If this is true, I think I will aim towards all Naim kit, then build from there - Possibly by running through the following purchases over the space of a year or so:

Naim Headline/i-Suppy -> Naim CD5i -> Naim High-Cap

If you could confirm that would be OK, I will go for it

May aswell go for it and not start with the real low end stuff - I can see this forum making me spend a fortune over the coming months and years.

Thank you very much for your help - It is very appreciated.

 

[Piotr Ryka]

Dork Knight

This way: Naim Headline/i-Suppy -> Naim CD5i -> Naim High-Cap - is really good and proper. Naim CD5i is superb CD and with AKG 701 or Audio Technica headphones all it will be work fantastic. Good RCA IC and power cabel for CD and yours system is comlete.

 

[Dork Knight]

Thank You for your help with all this.

I have noticed that people recommend purchasing a decent power cable for the kit as it can make a big difference.

 

[Piotr Ryka]

Interconnect has a biger influence than power cabel, but both are important. One day in future you ought to buy something like Shunyata or PS Audio.
I wish you nice listening.
(Forgive me my poor english once more.)

 

[Dork Knight]

Your English and help has been great - I wish I could speak another (or many) languages.

 

[Frihed89]

I own the Rega. It's OK, but lacks dynamics. I rated it a toss-up with the Pro-ject.

Be sure you get a good taste of the Nait "soud" before you buy. It's a very special brand of musicality, esp the CDP, not boring and analytical. Some love it; some do not.