What would you upgrade first?

[Osinjak]

Looking to upgrade my system principally because it sounds a bit unrefined and I think the speakers are to blame. It's pretty basic with a Nait 5i, ND5 XS and Monitor Audio RS6. It's an old system and I'm thinking of a Supernait 2, NDX and PMC Twenty5.23 speakers. I know the answer is to go to a store and listen to it and last time I went two years ago I just couldn't decide but I also want to buy used and don't particularly want to waste someone's afternoon by demoing knowing full well I'm not going to buy brand new. My gut feeling is speakers because although the system is basic and old, the sound is still pretty good, for my ears anyway.

Thoughts?

[gizlaroc]

For me it would be getting rid of the Nait 5i.

It is a very forward sounding amp, really does push the mid range and I find it far too sharp and fatiguing.

Why do you want more Naim gear?

[Osinjak]

I know Naim splits opinion but I quite like it, I also have two Mu-sos and Qb. The Mu-so 2nd Gen is quite extraordinary and in many ways I prefer listening to that rather than system, stereo separation aside.

[gizlaroc]

Osinjak said:

I know Naim splits opinion but I quite like it, I also have two Mu-sos and Qb. The Mu-so 2nd Gen is quite extraordinary and in many ways I prefer listening to that rather than system, stereo separation aside.

Do you?

Osinjak said:

Looking to upgrade my system principally because it sounds a bit unrefined

Thoughts?

This is exactly the Naim house sound.
It is exciting and lively, but is that what you really want from your hifi?
From what you have said I would think not.

The last range have addressed this somewhat, but I think they had to with most new speakers having 'super' tweeters.


I have some BR2 speakers, they are detailed, open, but can sound wonderful with the right amp and source, they are the model range down from yours.
No way I could listen to them with Naim gear though.

The Muso is a very different beast sound signature wise, it is smoother, and pushed the bass a bit, due to its size, and is all the better for it. It warms things up a bit.


If I were you I would look for a cheap used Rel sub first, that will add some depth and some warmth and take away that pushed mid range a bit, that may be enough, and even so, it will add to your system regardless of what direction you go in.

[Osinjak]

Cheers, I'll think on. I know it's all hugely subjective but always useful to hear other opinions.

[gizlaroc]

Osinjak said:

Cheers, I'll think on. I know it's all hugely subjective but always useful to hear other opinions.

I would definitely try and borrow a different amp to see what you think.

It might be an idea to try and pick up an Arcam, some of their amps work really well with your speakers.

A38, FMJ22 that sort of thing.

Musical Fidelity E100 would be good with them too.

Marantz PM7003.

Yamaha AS801.

Bel Canto S300i.

These are all very different to the sound you have at the moment.

[legzr1]

I added a gen 1 NDX with a teddy XPS to my system recently and if you’re a pipe and slippers, sit back and relax type listener then I expect the novelty would wear off quite quickly.

Pairing an NDX with an SN2 probably doubles the chances of that happening.

Don’t get me wrong here - I’m loving what the Naim has added to my system. Boring it ain’t!! But this is with a relatively smooth sounding ‘valve’ pre which could well be taming the Naim excesses.
Even on the used market, your list of possible items adds up to quite a healthy budget (2K for the SN2, another 2K for the NDX with decent PSU and then the cost of the PMCs). That opens up some serious kit well above midrange gear.

[Tony1963]

OP,

Is your room ideal for your system? How big is it? Which way are the speakers firing? What are the boxes sat on? What are the mains leads plugged into? Is there a reasonable space between the boxes? Which speaker cable?

I've an olive Naim system, 102 and NAPSC with homemade HiCap into 180 and PMC Twenty.23 speakers. Boxes on Fraim with pre sat at the top. Fed with Tidal masters or my Naim CDX it sounds far from unrefined. How old is your Nait? Does it need a service? Naim boxes can sound very strained if they're overdue a service.

If all the above is well in your system, I don't know lol. I'm no expert on your speakers, but if they suit your room well, I'd maybe look at a used pre and power. If they make no difference, sell them on and have a rethink.

[stevoknevo]

Osinjak said:

Looking to upgrade my system principally because it sounds a bit unrefined and I think the speakers are to blame. It's pretty basic with a Nait 5i, ND5 XS and Monitor Audio RS6. It's an old system and I'm thinking of a Supernait 2, NDX and PMC Twenty5.23 speakers. I know the answer is to go to a store and listen to it and last time I went two years ago I just couldn't decide but I also want to buy used and don't particularly want to waste someone's afternoon by demoing knowing full well I'm not going to buy brand new. My gut feeling is speakers because although the system is basic and old, the sound is still pretty good, for my ears anyway.

Thoughts?

There's a pair of diamond black PMC Twenty5.23 speakers on AVF but they're in Slovenia - they claim receipt will be in your name and full 20 year warranty.
https://www.avforums.com/threads/pmc-twenty5-23-di...

[mgv8]

I would start with the speakers and go from there. You can then pick the right amp for both power and sound to drive them. If you have a good shop borrowing kit can not be beating.

[Osinjak]

Thanks everyone, turns out I have to move unexpectedly so priorities and all that! Oh well..