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The Naim 'sound'

i have an accuphase cdp which on the whole i like a lot but sometimes i wish it was more dynamic in its presentation of the music. overall though i feel it gives me plenty of detail and a real sound. i have also thought about a naim cdp but for every person who seems to love the Naim 'sound', there seems to be someone else who hates it with a passion and thinks the 'sound' Naim creates is false. the main criticism seems to be that yes, it does give you a very dynamic explosion of sound and is very fast but that it misses a lot of the musical and that the naim 'sound' is actually quite artificial. i would be interested to hear if people agree or disagree with this argument. i have not done a direct comparison yet between an accuphase cdp and the naim cdx2(which is the player i would be thinking about)but whilst i might sometimes crave a bit more dynamism from my accuphase, i would not want to sacrifice the accuphase genuine sound for something that may be slightly artificial
merseyboy
larryi
3,989 posts
 
Audiofan12,

I agree with your characterization of the various Naim players. The 'shouty' quality you mention for the CDX2 is what I have described as a rhythmically insistent and mechanical sound. I hear that too with the CDX2.

But, in a lot of systems, this is not so much a big issue and is more properly characterized as a tendency. Someone who finds other players a little too laid back and dull may like that little added zing.

I personally own, and like very much, the CDS3. I have also added the 555PS power supply. This makes a somewhat subtle improvement in the sound (better bass definition, better soundstage depth and better recovery of room cues).
reb1208
518 posts
 
My experience with Naim gear is not positive. I would desribe the sound as relentless and electronic.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
one has to consider the older naim players vs the newer players. the 2 box cd player, vintage 1994 is the best cd player i have ever heard. i would agree with reb1208 regarding players of the last 5 years.
talk2me's avatar
talk2me
325 posts
 
I just heard a "Naim" super system with all the top tier goodies with Wilson Benesch speakers and Nordorst Odins.I was speechless.Naim has the emotion/passion/heart and slam that is as close to the human expierence as possible.I have gone through German/Italian and American tube pre and amps.Nothing comes close IMHO.Don't beleive me.Just go out and listen.
chashmal
605 posts
 
I truly dislike Naim products, especially the amps. They are pleasant enough alright, which is the problem right there. They play it safe by trying to not color sound at all, but instead imbue the gear with 'dynamism' which is just a brightened flattness without real depth or emotionality, IMO.

Having said that, I think that their best gear are the CD players. The ones at the very top are wonderful but horribly overpriced (15-30 grand). I prefer about 20 other players at that price.

Then again, I am a tube guy, which is an opposing aesthetic altogether!
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