Arcam= warm Naim = Prattling

[admin_exported]

When we describe a sound as warm or cold to what are we referring? Is it a listening experience or a consequence of different technology ? Is the original designer's signature in his sound or have science and technology all but removed this human element ?

I'm curious because Arcamites seem to use the word warm a lot and Naimites ( of which I have to confess I am one) prattle on

If you like the one sound can you ever like the other just as much or are you either Arcam or Naim for life and can never convert

 

[True Blue]

To prattle - 1. (intr) to talk in a foolish or childish way; babble2. (tr) to utter in a foolish or childish way Is this post supposed to be deliberately antagonistic? If so I hold no further part.Possibly a subtle rewording would be in order to facilitate civilised responses

 

[Anonymous]

No need to take it so seriously. It's a play on PRAT (Pace Rhythm and Timing) which is a quality associated with Naim

 

[True Blue]

Ahh, see the context it was meant now - apologies - too long a day too few beers.

 

[Anonymous]

True blue - not having a go I'M Naim myself ,just want to understand the warm thing

 

[Anonymous]

Back to the question though.

Having had Naim amps for the last 14-ish years, I've recently picked up a new set of amps which are likely to replace Naim in my setup. Definitely different, and switching between the two reveals the faster 'in your face' pace of the Naim amps as well as the qualities I prefer in the other.

I don't see it as a 'marmite' question, rather that with some music when you're in a certain mood, a particular type of sound might be preferable. If I had a dozen rooms, each with a different hifi, they'd have different sounds.

 

[True Blue]

Magnum, yes apologies as stated read in wrong context, have been up for 15hours so I suppose I better go to bed soon.

TBH when I was demoing kit, it was only the Naim that ignited something inside me made me feel the music and not care to analyze it.

Like the Golf Advert, where everything is related back to the golf ie the sound of the door closing being just like a golf, pretty much sums it up for me. I will always compare any other manufacturer to Naim's sound and in my ears nothing comes close so I can never see me changing.

 

[JoelSim]

I prefer the Arcam sound, yes they can be warm but in a very nice way. I've not heard the latest Naims but some earlier models I've heard haven't appealed, didn't find them involving, or enveloping enough.

Mind you if you look at my kit now it's like Arcam in the oven...

 

[Thaiman]

JoelSim:
I prefer the Arcam sound, yes they can be warm but in a very nice way. I've not heard the latest Naims but some earlier models I've heard haven't appealed, didn't find them involving, or enveloping enough.

Mind you if you look at my kit now it's like Arcam in the oven...

I wouldn't call Arcam warm, may be understate but also very hifi! It is one of those house sound that you either get it or put you to sleep. my was the latter, sadly! I didn't heard many newer models so take that into account though. Naim is even more marmite for those experience ears, Hifi newbies are normally taken to Naim a lot easier due to the directness of the sound plus fast timing. I do like the expensive end of Naim range but the problem is when it gets that expensive, the choices of excellent quality Hifi gears grow rappidly, many of them are a lot more of an all rounder than Naims.

 

[JoelSim]

My experience of Arcam is that they can really draw you in to the music so much that you just don't want to switch off.

 

[crusaderlord]

After an annoyingly bright set up I became an Arcam owner and i do love the way it presents the music. Warm is perhaps over generous - i like to call it slightly smooth (some posters call it laid back at times).

What it does well is give vocals and treble a sweet sound which doesnt venture into bright or sharp. Those who like their music more edgy may find better presentations elsewhere but i personally find it a good allrounder. I have yet to hear synths sound better with another system but then i havent yet ventured into the valve world.

As Joel says you can listen to Arcam for long sessions, and i often do think to myself - wow this sounds superb even on tracks i know really well.

Arcam may not be for everyone but it is a really strong competitor even if WHF dont always agree - other mags rate Arcam much more highly.

I would like to try the new Naim XS range to see what they are like and they do make great products such as the NaimUnity.