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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
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,789 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
175 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. 

blackbag20
505 posts
 

Go back to the store and kick him in the nuts!

 

You got naimed!!

retiredaudioguy
28 posts
 

Wild amp thought.  Used CD Premier 11

https://www.ebay.com/itm/335765515669?itmmeta=01JJFEYBWRC4TW0DQGRE02C0TD

If you don't like it you can probably get most of your money back.

CJ amps of that era are just on the warm side of neutral to my ears.  

bassbuyer
279 posts
 

Sorry you were sold a system that you didn’t like (Hope you let the salesperson and/or dealer know).  If so surprised they didn’t try and make it right.  A reputable dealer wants a satisfied customer because it’s good for you and for their business since you’re likely to buy more gear in the future.  Glad to hear you’re going back to your old system.  Suggest waiting until you’ve listened to it and once again like the sound before making any additional changes.  Enjoy your music! 

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