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System advice

I’m still a newbie to audio world, but a couple years ago I got Monitor Audio Platinum PL II speakers with XLO Signature cables (good old stuff), Arcam Alpha 9 amp & preamp and Naim CD5 XS with FlatCap XS. Sound was great for me - juicy, involving, deep. But then I was talked into having the whole stack from Naim. I replaced Arcam amp/preamp with Naim NAC XS 152 & Naim NAP 155 XS. I was told it will be an upgrade from Arcam and that having full stack from Naim will provide great synergy.

The problem is.. I almost stopped listening to the music right after this change. There’s something unpleasant in the sound. There’s a lot of details, good resolution but... I don’t feel amused anymore.

Recently I understood that there is no synergy between speakers/cables and amp/preamp. It’s like some sweetness, warm is missing in this sound..

But now I have no idea in what direction I should go. Any advice for a noobie?

 

gabriel123
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,320 posts
 

Well the problem was introduced with addition of Naim components. Don’t change speakers or cables. I would recommend focusing on the amplifier first. Amp is absolutely critical. Figure out the budget and start researching. For time being put your Arcam stuff back in and list your Naim stack on the used market.
That’s what I would do. 

soix
9,710 posts
 

Should I buy Lampi and then try to match up a amp to it or the other way around?

Since you liked the sound before with the CD5/Arcam combo I’d try to get that sound back in place first and then try a DAC, which could well provide significant improvements.  Which DAC will depend on what specific improvements you’re looking for at that point, but I’d get the base system squared away first before throwing another variable into the mix. 

kennyc
1,596 posts
 

The Lampi Baltic 4 is a sonic bargain, musical and detailed.  You’ll likely find it very engaging.

asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,732 posts
 

Well, at least you made said salesman's day with the Naim stack purchase. 👍🤷‍♂️
The only 'stack' I've ever owned was the Kenwood 'L-07' series with the mono amps; since it's been a 'this or that with what' episode that I finally fought into submission.  More or less, anyway...;)

What 'tweaked you off' about the old setup?  Resolution, voice clarities, instruments 'off' a tad, and all the other terminology your read here?
"Hard to Rx a patient when asked about the pain, it's described as ''...everything...kinda...' "

roadcykler
162 posts
 

If you believe the music has suffered after buying all the Naim stuff (which is very good equipment) you can either get all new electronics or different speakers (which will make the biggest difference in what you hear). Going the speaker route would almost certainly be less costly. If at all possible, try to find a dealer that allows you to try the speakers in your place or that has similar equipment in the store to hear various speakers. 

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