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Considering a move to Exposure or Naim

Hi all,

I currently run a Rega Saturn and YBA YA201 integrated amp. I find this combination to be a little too un-involving. Almost like the music is too smooth, too weighed down. Some songs sound great, but I listen to a lot of rock and it just isn't rocking enough.

So I'm considering a move to an Exposure 2010s amp and CDP, or a Naim Nait 5i amp and CD5i CDP. If anyone has any insight into these it would be much appreciated.

The Rega Saturn is a great player and I'd be a bit disappointed to give it up, but I believe some of the edge I'm missing is due to the Saturn. I am pretty interested in using only one brand as well, as I perceive that would yield more synergy than I am getting currently. I'm not all that excited about getting a Mira3 to pair with the Saturn, although it is an option and something I can listen to. My dealer carries Naim, Exposure, Rega, and Cambridge Audio.

I guess it all depends on my listening to the gear and deciding which combination I like best, but I hope to hear some feedback from you all.

Cheers
fusion10
fusion10 OP
50 posts
 
Well the Tannoy is a $300 speaker, while the Saturn costs 10x as much. The YBA about 5x more. So it should be outclassed on that basis alone. They are a great speaker though, the best entry level speaker that I know of (not that I've listened to tons of them).

I haven't listened to the MA with the Saturn and YBA all that much. The YBA/Saturn just don't sound all that hot with both the Tannoy and the Wharfedale, prompting me to consider this change. But I am hoping to listen to the MA with YBA/Rega just to see what impact the MA has on the sound.

However, I'm pretty certain I'll change at least the amp. From all I have read online the YBA isn't exactly the most rocking or PRaT-y amp out there. Powerful, refined, smooth, and detailed; great for certain types of music but not rock.
geph0007's avatar
geph0007
184 posts
 
I have not heard the Naim but have had exposure (ha ha) to the Exposure and now have a 2010s. I listened to( in my own home) or owned Musical Fidelity A300, Plinius 8200,8200mkII, Bel Canto, Vincent 236MKII, Creek Destiny Creek 5350SE and Cambridge Audio 840 V1, Anthem 225 not to mention several NAD and Rotel items. While I could live with several of these the Exposure sounds like real music to my ears and has a very strong and rich bottom end. I listen at absurd levels sometimes to rock and blues (cannot hear myself talk) and the Exposure handles it fine. it sounded more powerful with more slam then one 3x its output. I bet the Naim is like that to.I would like to hear the Version 2 of the CA 840 keith
tbromgard
814 posts
 
Although great results can be had by carefully matching components, IMO one can reduce the chances that components will not match well by using components from the same manufacturer. For example, I owned all McCormack electronics and was very pleased with the result. Everything was "voiced" by McCormack at approx the same time, using the same equipment. I have heard a all Naim system and it sounded very good. So IMO, using components from the same manufacturer can hieghten system synergy.
fusion10 OP
50 posts
 
Geph0007, from what I've read online it seems that a lot of Naim users also enjoy Exposure. It would seem that the two are quite similar then, and both have a reputation for great rhythm and timing.

Tbromgard, I haven't had much luck mixing different names. I tend to agree that the safe bet is to use the same brand and that's the direction I am leaning. Though I would imagine the brands I am looking at (Creek, Rega, Exposure) would all get along pretty well, since they all seem to be after a similar kind of sound.
emil
205 posts
 
Fusion

Either go all Naim or all Exposure. Its that simple.
Some of the most fondest memories is when i had an all Naim kit driving a pair of NEAT loudspeakers. Did none of the audiophile things but boy was it fun with all types of music but especially rock.
I would go with a used Nait5i and CD5 with flatcap. Your Monitor Audio speakers would do fine. Get some NACA5 speaker wire (cheap) and be done
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