I recently organised a demonstration for some customers ((One a classical musician (Bass) the other a couple with a keen interest in music and none what so ever in “Hi-Fi”)) they had major budgets and as a couple of contributors to this forum have asked me to make a post as to the results.

The demo begun at the budget level (£12 k- £13k) the selected equipment was CDX/XPS, NAC-82/twin HiCaps, NAP-250 & SPL’s. All were completely knocked out by the sound and would have been happy to go home with this set-up.

The next upgrade was to change the CDX for the CDSII, the 82 for the 52 and the twin HiCaps for a Supercap. NAP-250 and SPL’s were retained. The sound was improved in every respect. It was generally thought that what had just been perfect and just been improved upon.

We now changed the NAP-250 to a NAP-500 and the effect upon the SBL’s was nothing short of breathtaking. The normally articulate mid & top of the SBL being given a more delicate and deft touch and a good deal more weight to the bottom end.

Now that the NAP-500 was in place the next step was to upgrade the loudspeakers to the NBL’s. This was another dramatic upgrade and a good octave; possible more of bass was evident. By now the customers could not believe that what had begun as an unbelievable good system (the one we started with) could go on being so improved upon.

The next upgrade was to add a second Supercap to power the active crossover and two further NAP-500’s. Yep, I really do mean active NBL’s with three NAP-500’s. The sound was quite astonishing no matter the music that was thrown at it, which I might add included some transfers off 78’s!

The final upgrade was to change the NBL’s to the DBL’s and nothing quite prepares you for the sound that comes out of these loudspeakers actively driven by three NAP-500’s. Jaws were dropping all around the room. The general consensus was that this was a live performance upon which the equipment never intruded.

From my own point of view I have never heard the DBL’s sound so well and might ask the collective readers if anyone would like to buy my Infinity IRS’s which have now just gotta go!

So then what is better than a NAP-500…..three of em!

Doc,

You convinced me to sell my appartment and but a Naim with 3 Nap500 (if I get eanough money out of the sale)....

Arie