I am currently using B&W Signature 805 with my nac282/nap200/Hicap/CD5x/Hydra4. I am considering upgrading to Quad ESL2805 but not sure if they can match well with naim electronics. Has anyone ever tried this combination?

You need a much better amp than the 200 for the quads, and for that matter your current speakers.

quote:

Originally posted by jake stead:
You need a much better amp... for your current speakers.

I don't think so- that's a lot of money in Naim amps for naught of they can't handle 8052

I have been using an olive 250 with 988s for 2 years quite happily.

quote:

Originally posted by jake stead:
You need a much better amp than the 200 for the quads, and for that matter your current speakers.

You've tried the B&W combination Jake?

I have, (200 driving 805 Sigs, 252 pre) and it worked superbly. The 200 is a fantastic amp and some prefer its 'voicing' to that of the 250. Ultimately I preferred the extra headroom and bass the 250 provides, but the 200 does sound good with the 805 Signatures.

A lot of people here think the 805S is 'better' than the 805 Sig. It's different, for sure, as good, probably. But the 805 Sig has a beautifully smooth treble rare in dynamic speakers.

I suspect the Quads, however, will need more power.

I use a 72/Hicap/250 (old olive) and purchased Quad 2805s about 6 months ago.

The combination is excellent. The speakers are very inefficient, but in my small room with CDs they play VERY loud at 10:00 position. I usually listen at about 9:00 depending on the recording.

With LPs i use a Rega Super Elys cartridge, and usually listen at between 10:00 and 11:00. If i want loud i go to 1:00 and it is VERY loud.

The combination is superb sound wise and there seems to be plenty of power. I haven't yet tripped the protection circuitry.

I heard the speakers with the new 200 amp in the store and it sounded very good as well.

Jason.

A friend of mine has the 2905's with a CDS3/552/500 and it's a devastating combination. I'm still a bit of a traditionalist - or perhaps a 'flat earther' with olive135's/Briks - but I think the above combination is the first time I've heard a system that totaly destroys my own - and by a bloody large margin!

Napoleon

The NAP 200 would be fine with the Quad 2805.

If you're a Quad lover, though, may I suggest that you consider the Quad ESL63qa made (by hand and to order) by Quadmusikwiedergabe in Germany, from whom I bought my stacked pairs of ESL57s. It's actually a better version of the ESL63 than the Quad original or what has been made of the 63 in the Chinese factory in the 2805.

Graham

seconded...

cheers
Stefan