Hi guys,

Today I went to the Naim Summer Sounds event at a Naim dealer in my area.

These shows were/are held at several Naim dealers, and this was the closest to where I live, so I couldn't pass this opportunity to experience some new products, likethe HDX and the Superline phonostage.

When I arrived at the store (Musifoon in Emmen, Holland) Ed Verkerk and 2 other guys from Dutch Naim distributor Latham and shop owner Wim were ready for action.
So, up whe went to the first floor, to a medium-sized listening room where all them goodies were presented!

The speakers used throughout the show were some lovely (modified) B&W N804's.


I've heard the HDX hooked up to the SuperNait and later on, through a 252/SC/300 combo.
The SuperNait/HDX was a wonderful combo! The HDX on 252/SC/300 + N804's was truly amazing!
Very open/transparent, voices sounded natural, and although the bass (and volume) was sometimes a bit too much for my liking, it was clear that the 300 had enough grip to keep 'em tightly under control!

Still,.... time went by very fast (always a good sign) and that lovely LP12 stood there, left of me, and I couldn't keep my eyes of it. I almost had to go (rented a car and had to bring it back on time) but asked if I could listen to the LP12 on the new SuperLine first.

I was very curious what all that LP12 fuss is about.
So, at my request Dutch LP12 guru Ed Verkerk put on a record, gently took the Aro arm and guided it to the last track of the LP. (cartridge was a Dynavector but don't recall which one)

Within seconds I hardly couldn't hide an ear-to-ear smile!

Music was flowing with such ease, so natural that I didn't think of the wellknown HiFi-terms.
I could listen to this for hours! Unfortunately I only had time left to listen for about 10 minutes, but it was enough for me to be floored by its performance. The only word I could bring out, after 1 track was 'Wow!'.

So thanx, to Ed Verkerk and the 2 other people from Latham and to shop owner Wim.
I had a very nice afternoon.

Here's a picture of the LP12. (and part of Ed Verkerk's Lunch )



regards,
Alco

quote:

Originally posted by Alco:

I was very curious what all that LP12 fuss is about.
So, at my request Dutch LP12 guru Ed Verkerk put on a record, gently took the Aro arm and guided it to the last track of the LP. (cartridge was a Dynavector but don't recall which one)

Within seconds I hardly couldn't hide an ear-to-ear smile!

Music was flowing with such ease, so natural that I didn't think of the wellknown HiFi-terms.
I could listen to this for hours! Unfortunately I only had time left to listen for about 10 minutes, but it was enough for me to be floored by its performance. The only word I could bring out, after 1 track was 'Wow!'.

regards,
Alco

Nice write up Alco the XX2 is a great cartridge. Maybe you can try and hear an XV1-s Aro with the heavy counterweight next time courtesy of Latham? I think that really would make your Jaw hit the floor!

Kind regards,

Peter

No Fraim and the LP12 on a shelf next to a black box with a drink, and four B&W's in the room.
No Nac5 and no air round the boxes lots of room below.What was the cable dressing round the back like?
Great write up Alco and pics.
But Naim over there should do better IMO.
Munch

Munch.

Naim used to use the Ash Designs racks before the Fraim was launched - Damn good racks. They were made just up the road from me in Kibworth Leicestershire. Sadly they ceased production following financial difficulties a couple of years ago. A great pitty.

Multi speaker dems are quite commonplace in some countries. The thing I found disturbing was the glass of coke next to the LP12 Mind you, they like the stuff over there!

KR

Peter

quote:

No Fraim and the LP12 on a shelf next to a black box with a drink, and four B&W's in the room.
No Nac5 and no air round the boxes lots of room below

I must say I was kinda expecting these comments.
And...I can imagine your thoughts Munch, as I noticed these assumingly far from ideal placement issues too.

Still, I can only report from what I heard and most of it sounded rather impressive.
From what I heard with the LP12 I can hardly imagine things can even get better.

Speaker cable was from AudioQuest.

quote:

What was the cable dressing round the back like?

To be honest I haven't paid much attention to that.

quote:

Great write up Alco and pics.

Thanx!

Excellent stuff Alco, looks like you had a great day out.

Great post Alco

I wonder what it would have sounded like with some good speakers (Allaes) instead of the B&Ws?

It is no surprise to hear you liked the LP12 - it really is a very fine record player.

ATB Rotf

quote:

Great post Alco

I wonder what it would have sounded like with some good speakers (Allaes) instead of the B&Ws?

Thanks ROTF.
Hmm, hard to say. I also like the Allae's very much. I must say it was the first time I was impressed with a Nautilus speaker. Not at first but during the show I heard what they can do.
(don't know what they would sound like when placed closer to a back wall though, as this free placement would be rather unpractical in most livingroom's)

quote:

It is no surprise to hear you liked the LP12 - it really is a very fine record player.

Yeah,...during that short LP12 demo I had this "That's what I want!" kinda feeling.