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Clearaudio concept + Naim nait XS + ProArc D18 ... good match???
- Thread starter marcus eng
- Start date
I doubt many people will of heard that match?
What is your budget?
What brands do your local delaers do, as you really need to listen to speakers at least!
Also you will need a phono stage as I do not believe the Nait XS has an onboard one!
What is your budget?
What brands do your local delaers do, as you really need to listen to speakers at least!
Also you will need a phono stage as I do not believe the Nait XS has an onboard one!
A wondeful example of doing your homework on the net and getting nowhere.
All highly regarded components but as a system, who knows, the chances of finding those components in a single UK dealer is pretty slim and if anyone has ever tried such a combination I would be very surprised.
Do you have a competent local dealer, I suspect not and if that is the case this is what I would do if I was buying in the UK and did not have anyone close by.
I would speak to two or three Clearaudio dealers and ask them for their recomendations within my budget, then depending on who was the most helpful and knowledgeable I would buy the complete system from them.
No substitute for listening yourself but I am aware that this can be very difficult at times, at least buying the system from a single source should give you a reasonably well matched system and will give you a single point of contact should things not go quite right.
All highly regarded components but as a system, who knows, the chances of finding those components in a single UK dealer is pretty slim and if anyone has ever tried such a combination I would be very surprised.
Do you have a competent local dealer, I suspect not and if that is the case this is what I would do if I was buying in the UK and did not have anyone close by.
I would speak to two or three Clearaudio dealers and ask them for their recomendations within my budget, then depending on who was the most helpful and knowledgeable I would buy the complete system from them.
No substitute for listening yourself but I am aware that this can be very difficult at times, at least buying the system from a single source should give you a reasonably well matched system and will give you a single point of contact should things not go quite right.
Frank Harvey
Well-known member
- Jun 27, 2008
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ProAc have always worked well with more modern Naim amplifiers, so you'll not have any issues there. They're fairly easy to drive and don't represent an awkward load, but they do like control, which the XS will provide. Bear in mind that there is an XS2 due later this month.
I can't comment on the Clearaudio as it has been a while since I've heard one, but it looks to be around the Michell Gyro SE price point, so should be good enough for the system. I would suggest trying a few decks with suitable arms/cartridges to see what you like the sound of.
As mentioned, you'll need a phono stage with the XS/XS2.
I can't comment on the Clearaudio as it has been a while since I've heard one, but it looks to be around the Michell Gyro SE price point, so should be good enough for the system. I would suggest trying a few decks with suitable arms/cartridges to see what you like the sound of.
As mentioned, you'll need a phono stage with the XS/XS2.
David@FrankHarvey said:
Things have changed!
Back when I was a dealer I found the Naim/ProAc combinations to be unlistenable, but I accept that was some time ago and things do change, occasionally for the better.
The Clearaudio is a decent player but not much more. It's big advantage is that it is effectively 'plug and play' and a decent step up from the better budget players, very handy if there is no competent dealer to hand.
Frank Harvey
Well-known member
- Jun 27, 2008
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Hi Marcus,
The Clearaudio Concept MC is superb - almost as good as anything, and equally the ProAc D18 is an engaging, warm and detailed speaker. Just don't expect huge amounts of bass, in which case the NEW ProAc D30R will satisfy and deliver lots more besides. However, I'd replace the Naim with an Exposure 3010S2 Integrated Amplifier, which I personally feel is a brilliant match depending on your final budget?
Peter
The Clearaudio Concept MC is superb - almost as good as anything, and equally the ProAc D18 is an engaging, warm and detailed speaker. Just don't expect huge amounts of bass, in which case the NEW ProAc D30R will satisfy and deliver lots more besides. However, I'd replace the Naim with an Exposure 3010S2 Integrated Amplifier, which I personally feel is a brilliant match depending on your final budget?
Peter
Igloo,
I love a good turntable but they seem to have become rather expensive in recent times, I thought the Concept decent for the money, better than recent Regas for example but still a little below the standard required to really make playing vinyl really worth while.
It was the cost that lead me to give up vinyl in the end, mainly because it is a format that is almost open ended in its posibilities, spend more money and you just keep on digging more and more out of the groove.
I think 'vinyl junkie' is a good term, the 'habit' certainly cost some money back then.
I love a good turntable but they seem to have become rather expensive in recent times, I thought the Concept decent for the money, better than recent Regas for example but still a little below the standard required to really make playing vinyl really worth while.
It was the cost that lead me to give up vinyl in the end, mainly because it is a format that is almost open ended in its posibilities, spend more money and you just keep on digging more and more out of the groove.
I think 'vinyl junkie' is a good term, the 'habit' certainly cost some money back then.
Frank Harvey
Well-known member
- Jun 27, 2008
- 567
- 1
- 18,890
davedotco said:
Yes, quite a different sound in the olive days, and far harder to find a speaker that suited them as well. You were pretty much stuck with Naim, Epos, Mordaunt Short, and Rega.
Hi Dave,
Was the Concept using their MC cartridge and can you remember the phono stage used?
Peter
Was the Concept using their MC cartridge and can you remember the phono stage used?
Peter
hi stevebrock,
my budget is about 6k
the brands that my local dealer have is Dynaudio, Jeff Rowland, PrimaLuna, Audio Pro, Primare, Usher, Naim and Clearaudio
as u say ... Nait XS need a phono stage, what brand is the best match?
marcus
my budget is about 6k
the brands that my local dealer have is Dynaudio, Jeff Rowland, PrimaLuna, Audio Pro, Primare, Usher, Naim and Clearaudio
as u say ... Nait XS need a phono stage, what brand is the best match?
marcus
I really don't like the Clearaudio Concept. Too dead and boring sounding to me. It's the sort of record player that will appeal to left-brain listeners. People who like to listen for detail, so they can analyse the music. If you like to have the left and right side of your brain stimulated I'd recommend that you go for something else, such as a good idler or direct drive turntable.
Lindsayt, the Clearaudio is a fine turntable and a bargain at the price. It isn't coloured, merely accurate. I helped with some comparisons and it smoked both a direct drive and an idler drive.
If I were ever to go back into vinyl it's the brand I'd choose.
If I were ever to go back into vinyl it's the brand I'd choose.
The Concept I tried was the mm version, it was good but not outstanding, I am fairly sure that the life and presence that a good mc would bring would help but it was not available to try.
I only got to play for a while but there were identifiable turntable issues that I thought limited its overall performance somewhat, hard to describe but it sounded like a very, very good budget turntable rather than an entry level hi-end player, if I can use that term.
I only got to play for a while but there were identifiable turntable issues that I thought limited its overall performance somewhat, hard to describe but it sounded like a very, very good budget turntable rather than an entry level hi-end player, if I can use that term.
i do try Consept with MC version + Jeff Rowland Criterion PerAmp + Jeff Rowland 312 power Amp + Dynaudio C2 at my local dealer... sound great... dun have the chance to try out Naim XS with ProAc D18
Wow, that is some serious kit.
Love Jeff Roland electronics, seriously nice gear but sooo expensive.
What does your dealer have that is affordable? Maybe something to go with a small pair of Dynaudios?
Love Jeff Roland electronics, seriously nice gear but sooo expensive.
What does your dealer have that is affordable? Maybe something to go with a small pair of Dynaudios?
Hi Dave,
Experiences can vary enormously depending on system setup, no less with digital converters from our experience. So yes, the MC makes a very worthwhile difference IMO. But, by adding a Tom Evans phono-stage like the Groove etc., the final sound compares to other reference sources regardless of price. If I was to be critical, I'd say it's a turntable that needs good vinyl pressings, and any damage to the groove walls are very audible and disconcerting compared to decks like Linn etc.
Peter
Experiences can vary enormously depending on system setup, no less with digital converters from our experience. So yes, the MC makes a very worthwhile difference IMO. But, by adding a Tom Evans phono-stage like the Groove etc., the final sound compares to other reference sources regardless of price. If I was to be critical, I'd say it's a turntable that needs good vinyl pressings, and any damage to the groove walls are very audible and disconcerting compared to decks like Linn etc.
Peter
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