One of my Quad 988s died 2weeks ago, so I have decided to go back to dynamic speakers. The Quads were wonderfully detailed and colorless but I got tired of one or the other shutting down when turned up too loud and I missed the "slam" of a dynamic speaker. I listened to the N802's and liked the sounds but my wife hates the "R2 D2" appearance. I am going to listen to the Avalon's next week but wonder if anyone has used them with Naim equipment. Descriptions of the sound in HiFi+ makes them sound appealing and a good match for my 552/500. I have tried to do a search of past forum topics, but failed to get any hits. Thanks for any suggestions.
Anthony

anthony, if you want dynamic speakers and are willing to spend Avalon-money, then check out Piega speakers. I have the C 8 ltds and they are outstanding. Also, very appealing in the aesthetics department, IMHO. Check out their website: www.piega.ch/
I use them in a very large room. They are pricy, but usually you can get them lower than list. They use a ribbon treble/midrange with 3 seven inch dynamic woofers. Tight bass, and the most musical and really magical treble and mid that I have heard. Also, a small footprint for a rather heavy speaker (88lbs). I am obviously and fan. I have been a Naim lover for over 15 years. I use my Piega`s with CDS2/01/52/135s. I can only imagine what they would sound like with 552/500. Check them out. david

Or try some Linn, Naim, Dali or NEAT loudspeakers.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
The Hi-Fi Doctor

Hi Anthony

In the manual for the 500 is says not to use it with electrostatic speakers unless you can float the earth. Don't know if this could be a contributing factor to your problem.
I use Maggie 20.1's on the end of my 500 and there's plenty of volume and slam. Maybe check out SL2's if going back to boxes appeals.

Cheers

Rick.

Anthony-

I have not heard any of the current Avalons with Naim electronics, but I have heard a medium priced Avalon model called the Arcus partnered with a Naim system from the middle tier of the Olive generation. This now discontinued Avalon speaker was replaced by the new Ascendant model that was highly rated in Hifi Plus. The writer of that review briefly mentioned a NAC 252/300 system gelling quite nicely with the Ascendents. At your level of equipment, I would guess you could aim higher in the Avalon line, up to and including their Eidelion Diamond. I don't know if any Naim dealers in the US also carry Avalon, making demonstrations difficult, but you might start by listening to an Avalon with a medium powered, high qualtiy amp on it. Their better speakers are often partnered with Spectral amps, and if you could hear the Avalons with one of Spectral's stereo amps, rather than their(Spectral's) mono DMA 360's, that might be a better equivalent for your 500. Spectral and Naim are obviously not alltogether equivalent, but both will offer great speed and a tighter, more controlled style of sound in the bass. You might find a high quality tube amp a closer fit to your 500 tonally, but they would not typically offer the great contol in the bass, and the dynamic freedom that your 500 has. In general though, at this level, you would be best served if you could audition the speakers you are considering on your electronics, possibly even in your room, although this is very hard for most dealers to accomodate.

The Avalons are lovely speakers, particularly if you can give them breathing room and have enough power for them. They seem to respond very well to large rooms, and especially rooms that the set up can be optimized for the speakers well off the rear wall, so if your Quads had adaquate breathing room, my hunch is you could choose most any dynamic design that you love and get great results.

If they work for you and your wife visually, you might also consider a Wilson speaker, they can work very well with a Naim system at your level.

Good luck,

Bruce

Hi Rick,
I did not know that! I first heard the Quads/500 at my Chicago Dealer's room. It sounded fantastic. They are using Sunfire True Subs as well. Mine were great for over a year, but I came home one night to find it dead and having a latex paint odor. I was told it needed a new power transformer by my West Coast dealer. He has agreed to trade them and cash for a Fraim.

Bruce,
Thanks for your suggestions. I will be listening to the Avalons in a week or so. I live in an area where the nearest dealer is 150 miles away so it will be a day trip. BTW, your point about dynamics is well taken. I purchased some cheap, emergency speakers, JBL E60, 3 way system with a modest 8" woofer, that sound surprising good at the end of my system. Obviously, poor detail but acceptable soundstage and range. It once again proves that source first is the way to go.

My room is actually small, 12' by 13' with a vaulted ceiling to 13'.

David,
I will check out the Piega's as well. They certainly have more WAF than the B&W's. BTW, she is happy to be rid of the Quads which she felt were not esthetically pleasing.

Anthony

Anthony-

Your room is small enough that I would be cautious with the bigger, full range dynamic speakers, Avalon included. In their line, you might try to audition the Opus Ceramique, which seems to be tuned for smaller rooms and a tighter, faster bass than the normal Opus.

If you wouldn't mind, I would be interested in your reactions to the Avalons.

Good listening!

Bruce

I will do that, Bruce. I too was thinking in terms of the smaller Ascendant or the Ceramique, especially after the review in the HiFi+.

Anthony

smiglass have you thought about Spendor speakers? I have a smallish room 11x16 and like the 2/3 series but they have a new series out, they do bass nicely. I know your dealer as I'm in Silver Lake in LA, he's a great guy and helped me get my first kit s/h. I was wondering about the Quads, but can't fit them in my room, let me know if you want to come over and hear my setup. PT me if you want to connect.

glenn

Life is analogue, enjoy it while you can.