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Audio Note M6 - dark and thick sound ?

Hello All,
I recently bought an Audio Note M6 preamp and have paired it with a Nait 5i (set on unity gain). I hear a rather dark, thick and heavy presentation. The M6 is a very high gain preamp (18db) and when paired with 5i, the sound is too loud even at 7 o clock position on the volume control of M6. The sound at present is too full and overwhelming.

I dont know what exactly is the problem. I do not hear the dark thick sound when I listen to Audio Note gears at their showroom and of course Naim never has that darkness too. Is it a result of electronic mismatch that I am hearing this ? The input impedance of the Naim is supposed to be low, could that be the reason ? I am getting a bit impatient on this :-(
pani
jond's avatar
jond
5,780 posts
 
Pani I used to have a Graaf GM50 and it needed to be serviced a lot. The tech told me that Graaf amps run extremely hot and so parts wear out pretty quickly. It sounded good and looked great but I ditched it because it was less than reliable. Can't really comment on your AN/Naim issue sorry. Good luck. I will agree though that all tubes, not just AN love silver cables.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I posted in your other thread yesterday and I just came across this one. I can add a couple of things. Aside from using 2 preamps, which can't be a good thing, Naim is one of those brands that insist you use one of their preamps with their amps. Spectral is well known for this as well. I think its absolutely necessary you try your preamp with something else, just because of that. You will be able to gain some info on how your preamp really sounds. Using it with the Naim is no way to judge it.

I know a dealer, Wellington Audio in FL, that specializes in UK gear. He has both Naim and AN, and most, if not all of their complete product lines on display. Those are his 2 main brands. Depending on where you are, I don't know if he can sell to you, but he may be able to help. Last time I was there, I saw your Nait and the M6 in the same room.
pani OP
1,219 posts
 
Thanks again guys, I have been confirmed by the NAim forum guys that this is not going to work. So I am rather happy that it is not my M6 that is too dark or slow.

BTW, has anyone heard the Pass Labs SIT2 ?
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