I'm currently considering either buying i) new speakers or ii) a new turntable. My current system is 112x/150x/FC2x/CD5x with a Linn Axix/Rega Bias 2 cartridge, and the speakers are curently B & W 603 s3.

What are forum members thoughts . . . source or speakers first? Which will reap the most benefits ? My budget is c£2,000 so can reach a Majik LP12 or speakerwise something like the B & W 805s plus stands or possibly Wilson Benesch square twos.

Re speakers, I know that the 150x may be a little under powered for some speakers, but how do I tell which ones ? Someone mentioned looking for an 'ohms' (?) reading, but which is better . . . higher or lower ?

Any suggestions ?

Hi Nigel,

before we start making recomendations, may I ask what you are currently unhappy with from your system?

Regarding ohms, this is the impedence of the speaker, ie the amount of power needed to get the best out of your speakers. The higher the impedence generally the easier they are for the power amp.

With a Naim 150 its generally best to stick with high impedence speakers,

Regards

PB

Hi PB

Not really unhappy, but think that these 2 parts are limiting my system abit, and have the chance to spend a bit of cash with my wifes approval, of course.

Well B & W's will hold your system back IMO

Seriously, if it were my system I would sell the linn for what ever you could, buy the best second hand linn lp12 you can afford and then perhaps sell the B & W's for something more suitable.

I certainly wouldn't go near 805's or WB's, look for a second hand pair of Naims or Neats

I'd try some nsats and nsub, which work brilliantly with your system. And then, as PB suggests, look for a used LP12, assuming of course that you listen to records enough to justify it.

Nigel

In 1991, Stereophile published a review of the Axis along with (IIRC) 3 other record players from vendors who also did higher end 'tables - Well Tempered, maybe Roksan, and ?.

I went to a Linn dealer in Chicago ready to by the Axis. Just for fun, I also listened to an LP12/Akito/Valhalla. There was simply no comparison.

YMMV, but I don't think it will. Listen first if you can. If you can't, improve your 'table.

Regards.

Phil

quote:

Well B & W's will hold your system back IMO

I agree - try some Allaes.

Alternatively, try the LP12 Majik

Either way you can't lose as both will improve your system.

It's the law of increasing returns

My thoughts - you need a good dealer and that's what I'd go shopping for first. Establish with the dealer the system and sound you want to end up with and then plot a course to get there - it will be cheaper in the long run.

If possible, choose your cartridge and new speakers in conjunction with one another - synergy of these two is important in a vinyl replay system.

I don't know your speakers, so can't advise there.
I would say that simply looking at Ohms is pretty much irrelevant - Hi-Fi speakers are all in the same ball-park on that measurement. The Watts rating of the speakers is an indicator of whether they can handle the output of your amp, and that's about it.

An LP12 will absolutely slaughter an Axis - no question whatsoever.
If you are mainly playing LP, then that's the one to go for.

I guess you are powering your CD5x off the FC - two options there are a separate Hi-Cap, or to upgrade the player itself to a CDX2 (or better).
You might also consider a Hi-Line to connect the CD to the pre-amp. It's an apparently ridiculous amount to pay for a piece of wire and a couple of plugs, but when you hear it, it suddenly makes sense.

The other things that you are going to be asked about are: your racking (I've never tried a Fraim, so I can't advise), and your mains (an all-Naim system will benefit from a "hydra" mains cable, which is a cheap upgrade).

Ohms is the rating to look at.
B&W are hard work to drive, Watts dont come into it.
Munch

quote:

Originally posted by munch:
Ohms is the rating to look at.
B&W are hard work to drive, Watts dont come into it.
Munch

So, what is an Ohm?

Ok, thanks for all of the recommendations.

Have a Grahams hydra on order, partly for the suggested improvements in sound and partly to tidy up the cabling.

Re a rack - have an atacama equinox (like Munchs). A fraim is simply too far off at the moment.

Speakers will audition a few before deciding first. Might try to hear some Neat (Momentum 3 ?)as well as the one's listed above, but I think that I'm edging towards a Majik LP12 at the moment. There's a dealer nearby who've offered a home demo, which I think that I'll take them up on.

Thanks again.

Nigel,
Get down to B&Q and get some foam pipe lagging tubes .
It makes a very big diff when cable dressing.
Munch

Noticed that on your'system pix'. Will give it a go.

Cheers Munch,

Nigel,

B&W are brilliant speakers and I don't know why everyone is having a go at them!!!

I currently own the B&W805s and think they are gorgeous albeit presently holding my PRESENT system back because their monetary value doesnt compare... but I'd love to own speakers further up the 800 range!

Why does everyone dislike B&W speakers??!!

Incidentally, I have a NAP300 and I'm wondering whether it would manage with the B&W802S apeakers. Id be really grateful if some wise words could be given to me!!

Many thanks,

Jon

Went to my local B&W retailer the other day, and whilst I didn't manage to hear the 805s, they have agreed to get a demo pair in so I can hear that at home.

Certainly came with a strong recommendation, so looking forward to hearing them in the flesh.

Nigel,

I'm assuming your local dealer is Lintone Audio. If you would like to hear some 804'S in situ, you are welcome to pop round. Details in profile.

Regards

Nic

Nicnaim,

Ive just looked at your profile - what power amp are you driving your B&W804s with?

Regards,

Jon

PS Incidentally, Nigel, I reckon you'll be really pleased when you audition the 805s, but I personally found that they needed a bit more amp welly to start singing properly. Gorgeous nonetheless and I feel allegiance to the 800 range!

quote:

Originally posted by Consciousmess:
Incidentally, I have a NAP300 and I'm wondering whether it would manage with the B&W802S apeakers. Id be really grateful if some wise words could be given to me!!

Many thanks,

Jon

Jon,

I have a close friend who uses B&W Nautilus 802s with a NAP300, very very nice sound. I'd say the 300 drives them fine.

B&W 603s are a very average speaker.

Like a Toyota mid price saloon, there's nothing really wrong with them, they're just so very boring.

More inspiring choices would be a pair of:

Sonus Faber Domus stand mounters
Neat Momentum 3i
B&W 805s (if you like what B&W does)

Have a listen and do the demo - find something that makes music sound like music.