Hi there,

This is not purely Naim related, I'm afraid, but hopefully you guys can help me out here.
Also, english is not my first language, so I can only hope this won't sound too confusing to you.

My current system consists of a CD5X + flatcap 2, Crimson 610C preamp and a powerfull, fairly decent KMT PA power amplifier.
Speakers are tweaked Castle Tays, soon to be replaced by something better, but not too shabby for their price tag.
IC's are very neutral Luminous Audio Synchestras, speaker cables Audioquest Type 4 bi-wired.

My rack is a Lovan Classic I with 18mm MDF shelves, sitting on small brass spikes.

The listening room is 4x5 meters with high ceilings and a suspended wooden floor.

The addition of the Crimson pre, replacing a passive Creek OBH-12, tremendously enhanced my listening experience, adding a feel for rythm and musicality I had never heard before.

Sure enough, I asked my dealer to get me some (shiny new) Crimson 630 Monos for a home demo; after hooking them up, they didn't impress me at all, the sound was compressed and dull.
But after 2 days, boy did they open up, they grab each single instrument and voice and slap the music right into your face.
The NAP 150 , which I demoed as well, seems too laid back in comparison, with a lot less punch than the Crimsons or my KMT amp (being not exactly an audiophile product).

But , the Naim is more 'musical' than both, and - like the KMT - more capable of transporting the great benefits of the Crimson pre amp than the Crimson monos.

And therein lies my problem, I'm fascinated by the almost aggressive, 3-dimensional way the Crimson power amps present the music, but at the same time they loose a lot of detail and rhythm and neglect the finer aspects of music, everything subtle seems to get pushed back behind the soundstage.

So, I'm wondering if there is a power amplifier that can do both, create a powerful, fast, 'holographic' presentation of music and at the same time is subtle and has a natural flow and sense of rhythm.

Or maybe there is a flaw in my system, not allowing the Crimson monos to really shine ?
After all, Crimson claims to make honest, neutral products, which do not add any effects to the sound.

Again, I hope my english skills are good enough to describe me issues, and I'm looking forward to your advice.

All my best,
Horst

Click to enlarge :

Welcome.

I have the Crimson Pre and the mono's you dem'd. They really are superb. I have a Xerxes which sounds magical and a CD3.5. The 3.5 is a bit rough and ready but I'm getting a power suplly for it next week so hopefully that will sort that out.

Sort your speakers out and keep the Cromson's and you won't be disappointed.

not much point getting into Naim power amplification without first getting a Naim pre-amp. There is also some question of potential hazard as Naim power amps need some bandwith limitation dance-a-ma-jig which is done by Naim preamps.

with naims...its a marriage commitment thingy... dont take em home if yer not willing to live the rest of your life (till death do apart and all that) with them.

also , sortof reading between the lines of your post, I imagine that you might prefer the sound of the 'older' generation of naim amplification. my absolute all time favourite are the 72/hicap/250... ask your dealer if he has any

Thanks for the replies !

Captain , what speakers do you use in your system ?
If I stick with Crimson amps, I will get me the 640s, in a brief comparison with the 630 they had even more control and seperation.

NaimiaK , funny that you mention the 'old' Naim sound; I'm not familiar with older Naim equipment myself, but my dealer, who is a dedicated Naim lover, describes the Crimson pre amp's sound as very close to that.
I will ask him about the 250, sounds interesting, the 610C will stay for now, I love that little beauty.

As for power amps, does anybody have experience with Exposure, Densen, Tessendorf or Musical Fidelity ?

Horst

may I suggest that you combine your audition of power amps with your quest for new speakers? I know that some Naim + other make pairings are just more synergistic and succesful than other partnerships...

Also, after reading your earlier post Quote I'm fascinated by the almost aggressive, 3-dimensional way the Crimson power amps present the music, but at the same time they loose a lot of detail and rhythm and neglect the finer aspects of music,end quoteI'm fascinated by the almost aggressive, 3-dimensional way the Crimson power amps present the music, but at the same time they loose a lot of detail and rhythm and neglect the finer aspects of music, I would suggest some serious naim "sound" audition... by which I mean getting familiar with the Naim house sound. (my English too is not very good!)

Naim amplification have a distinctive sonic signature... if you love them, every thing else will sound like ...well just won't sound like a Naim.

Hello, NaimiaK, thank you for your thoughts ;

As much as I like my CD5X, my time is limited and I want to try as many highend products as possible, so auditioning a big variety of Naim components won't be possible right now.

Best
Horst

quote:

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Originally posted by Horst:
..... so auditioning a big variety of Naim components won't be possible right now.

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Hi Horst

sorry ! I didn't mean that you should try every single combination of Naim gear. But do try and hear a complete set... one example, a system that I have really enjoyed and cherish would be 72/Hicap/250 playing into Linn Sara or even Naim SBL speakers. These are very reasonably priced in the "pre-owned" market and it would take bags full of money to better it.

regards