One unfortunate aspect, it seems, of owning Naim gear here in the States, is the lack of a tight knit community of users that live within a relatively close proximity to each other.

There seems to exist exactly that over in the UK, which makes perfect sense given that is where they are manufactured. Even more importantly, the entire UK is a bit smaller in land area, than the state I live in (Oregon).

In any event, I am curious if there are any Naim users in the Pacific NW, ideally within 150 miles of Portland, that would be interested as well.

The reason for my inquiry is to attempt to hear some different Naim kits/speakers, especially older ones which are not available for dealer demos.

Many posts in this forum contain something to the effect of, "if you want to hear a Hi-capped 72, swing by for a listen." I would cherish this opportunity.

This is something I am extremely interested in. In my specific case, I would love the opportunity to bring my 102/180/NACA/Ariva to another location to compare/contrast to other systems. Rather than relying solely on the comments of others. Although these suggestions are extremely valuable, they cannot take precendence over what our own ears tell us.

Specifically i would love to hear what a Hicap or NAPSC does for my 102.

Or how an 82 or 72 compares to my 102. It would help a lot when considering the upgrade path.

Perhaps others would like to hear the Ariva with their kit, or maybe would like to hear the 102 in place of their 92, etc......


Is anyone out there?

Previously I have heard a 72/HC/250 with speakers I dont recall. And a Supernait through some extremely pricey Proacs.

Both set-ups were more than enough to make me want to try out Naim for myself.

Thanks for your time.

I am in Vancouver, BC, Canada, a little more than 150 miles............LOL! In any case you are welcome to drop by if you are in town. I can likely arrange a few other auditions if you wish. Cheers, John

Did you see the thread where Connon at Tune HiFi in Seattle is holding an event:

Come hear the Superline on the evenings of May 23rd and 24th from 5 to 9 p.m. The system will be comprised of a fully Naimed LP12/ Superline/ Supercap/ 4-5 HiLine/ 252/ 300/ SL2/ n-Sub and there will be three cartridges to play: Dynavector's Te Kaitora Rua and XV-1s, and the Transfiguration Orpheus.

Bring a vinyl or two to play, refreshments and snacks will be served. Call with inquiries at 206 283 8863 or email at info@tunehifi.com

NB: All CD players, iPods and cellphones will be banned from the room in an attempt to recreate 1983. Pagers acceptable

pcstockton,

I think Seattle is about, what?, 180 miles from PDX, but if you are up here you can come hear my system. It is not an old olive kit, but as far as I know I'm the only one around here with the Kudos C20s.

Connon at Tune Hifi has some older olive bits, I believe. He leant me his old Nait3 for awhile. There is a reasonably large Naim community up here.
daniel

quote:

Originally posted by jadip:
Did you see the thread where Connon at Tune HiFi in Seattle is holding an event:

Come hear the Superline on the evenings of May 23rd and 24th from 5 to 9 p.m. The system will be comprised of a fully Naimed LP12/ Superline/ Supercap/ 4-5 HiLine/ 252/ 300/ SL2/ n-Sub and there will be three cartridges to play: Dynavector's Te Kaitora Rua and XV-1s, and the Transfiguration Orpheus.

Bring a vinyl or two to play, refreshments and snacks will be served. Call with inquiries at 206 283 8863 or email at info@tunehifi.com

NB: All CD players, iPods and cellphones will be banned from the room in an attempt to recreate 1983. Pagers acceptable

I happened to have heard today that Connon has a DV XV-1 for that demo, as well as a Transfiguration Orpheus and TKrua

Yo, pcstockton, Daniel's suggestion about Tune Hi-Fi is a good one, you also might contact Hawthorne Stereo in Seattle, but leave your wallet at home. They're an awfully nice bunch of folks,they have a nice selection of new and "previously owned" gear, and really know how to make you want to spend about twice as much as you planned to.

Daniel, how's the fishing for you this spring? For me, the fishing's been great, but the catchings been lousy, I'm headed up to the Okanagan next week.

Tom

quote:

Originally posted by TFE:
Yo, pcstockton, Daniel's suggestion about Tune Hi-Fi is a good one, you also might contact Hawthorne Stereo in Seattle, but leave your wallet at home. They're an awfully nice bunch of folks,they have a nice selection of new and "previously owned" gear, and really know how to make you want to spend about twice as much as you planned to.

Daniel, how's the fishing for you this spring? For me, the fishing's been great, but the catchings been lousy, I'm headed up to the Okanagan next week.

Tom

Hi Tom,
I did well on the Sauk this year, 2 fish for 3 days out. One was about 15-16 lbs. I have a picture if you like. Quite a hot fish. Beyond that, with a 4 month old daughter, I've been doing a lot more parenting than fishing.

But the parenting's been great!

Connon and a few friend's frequently come by for listening sessions, you're more than welcome to come by, but I'll need some contact info. BTW, I just took possession of a Superline

Good luck in the Okanogan, what rivers?
daniel

quote:

Originally posted by dsteady:
BTW, I just took possession of a Superline

daniel

They finally must be flowing out of the NANA river - mine is arriving today.

Gregg

Steady,

Congrats on the new addition to the family and thank you so much for the offer.

I am about 7 hours from Seattle but i do head up there for golf (Chambers Bay!!!! so nice) and Mariner's games often.

I used Portland as a reference in the case that someone didn’t know where Bend is. I moved to Bend about 18 months ago, after living in PDX for 10 years. I miss it dearly.

Ironically, the only Naim dealer in the state is there. And I discovered Naim after leaving and moving over here.

On the flip side, if I had been mentored there, perhaps I wouldn't have my Arivas, which I am truly loving (as much as possible.... I only have one, while one is in Niles getting a fix). The store owner does not think very highly about Naim speakers and I don't believe she stocks any. And the few times we spoke I was told to avoid them.


I am going up to Seattle at the end of June, not sure of the exact date yet.

Perhaps I could bring a couple of CDs for a little listening, and a few pieces of "gift" vinyl for your hospitality.

What is your general musical flavor preference?

Also, I would LOVE to bring my Beresford DAC and laptop with Foobar playing FLACs. Just to see what I am missing in not having a suitable source. Also you might be interested to see on the very “budget” end, what HD based music does for you. That is, if you would be willing to allow such a lowly piece to front your kit.


And yes I absolutely did see the posting for the Seattle. Unfortunately I am not an analog guy, and I believe that is the agenda. So I will skip that date. Hence me “gifting” my vinyl collection. I have already had 24/96 transfers done of all of my vinyl…. And they sound fantastic.


Jadip,
I truly wish I could come see your kit. It could be a Bose Lifestyle with outdoor “fake rock” speakers for all I care. BC is so goddamn beautiful. I have only flown over it, and stopped there for a few hours on a layover. Well twice actually.

quote:

I am about 7 hours from Seattle

pcstockton,

I am in Paris and I got at least 3 friends in Seattle whom I met on the forum and whom I visit every year spending good time with them! We even spent 3-4 days together at the Port Townsend jazz festival, sharing the same B&B
I also got friends in Vancouver, Montreal...
People from US/Canada comes to Paris as well,
...it's a small world

Regards,
Edouard

pcstockton,

Vancouver is just a two hour drive north of Seattle.....................

I often go to Seattle so anything is possible.

Cheers

John

Edouard,

Port Townsend is lovely, maybe we have even stayed at the same place. I will keep my eyes peeled for any such gatherings, be they not exclusive.

Jadip,
If I was retired, i would be, on a whim, driving right now to come see you!!! Unfortunately I have to work as to afford my future 500 series. Or maybe buy a house or something I want to hear stories of people (single most likely) who "rent" yet have 500 series kit.

But yes, anything is possible. Perhaps a NW Naim symposium should be arranged.

Hi Tom,
I did well on the Sauk this year, 2 fish for 3 days out. One was about 15-16 lbs. I have a picture if you like. Quite a hot fish. Beyond that, with a 4 month old daughter, I've been doing a lot more parenting than fishing.

But the parenting's been great!

Connon and a few friend's frequently come by for listening sessions, you're more than welcome to come by, but I'll need some contact info. BTW, I just took possession of a Superline

Good luck in the Okanogan, what rivers?
daniel[/QUOTE]

Daniel, I'm going to Chopaka Lake, just out of Loomis. WSDFW rehabbed it last year and got rid of the bass. Connon is a great guy, my office used to be just down the street from Tune. I would like to stop by for a listen, but I'm afraid I might "covet thy neighbors stereo".

Tom

tenglish@plymouthhousing.org