Cyrus/Naim Speaker pairings

[Big Grumpy]

Hi

I want an all-in-one system to replace some ageing separates.

Research thus far has lead me to either the Cyrus Streamline 2 or the Naim Uniti Lite.

The problem is now getting the right speakers for either and I've got conflicting advice coming at me from all directions |(

My budget is £1000 or less - perhaps a smudge more if there's a deal to be had which would keep the total system price below £2500. I prefer floorstanders - some people at certain outlets have railed at this idea but I am not an audio expert and really don't want to get in to detail to the nth degree. I like floorstanders - end of.

I looked at the awards for Best Sub-£1000 floorstanders but speaking to one outlet they immediately rejected the paring of these with either system. I'm not sure if that's a Sales tactic, good advice or them getting a little too 'anal' about audiophile detail. Either way they put forward KEF Q500 or Monitor RX6 as alternatives "if you really must have floorstanders....".

Does anyone have any experience of pairing these systems with floorstanders at my budget or can offer some honest advice on which models to try and get a demo of?

Thanks

:wall:

 

[Al ears]

You dont mention the size of your listening room but if you want to buy new I would suggest you look at auditioning the Q Acoustics 2050i or preferrably the Epos Epic 5

 

[Big Grumpy]

Thanks for the reply.

The kit will reside in my living room which is a pretty standard 16ft square. Both speakers will need to be tucked out of the way a bit towards the wall but at an angle - not flush. Not ideal I know but it will need to fit in around me and not the other way around!

Cheers

 

[FennerMachine]

Speakers are a very personal thing.

If you want to demo kit with particular speakers then why not?

Just because someone else doesn't like the combination does not mean that you will not!

Find a retailer that will let you demo what you want to demo.

If you want floor standers get floor standers! Just get a home demo with the 2 or 3 that you narrow it down to as with them being placed near corners could generate lots of boomy bass.

 

[brandmartyr]

Hi,

Echo the advice to try to audition a shortlist. But I can heartily recommend Rega RS3 speakers based on my experience with a Naim Nait 5i amp.

The RS3's are diminutive in size but not lacking in weight or musicality and look fantastic in their piano gloss finishes (IMO).

Good luck.

m

 

[kev g]

When buying my Naim Unitilite I auditioned it with Kef Q500, KEF LS50, Monitor Audio BX5 & my favourite the Rega RS3.

I found the Rega`s to be dynamic, good tuneful bass - a great all-rounder.

http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/naim-unitilite-audition-0

I would also try & demo the RX6 & the award winning Tannoy Rev DC6T SE which I wasn`t able to get to listen to.

 

[Frank Harvey]

These two systems will have a decent amount of power behind them. I wouldn't pair them up with anything too demanding, so the easier the load, the more you'll get out of the systems.

The new Monitor Audio Silver range are sounding rather good so far (still running in), so you could have a look at the Silver 6 (replaces the RX6). The KEF Q500 or Q700 are easy loads, as are the Rega RS3, and the Tannoy DC6T and DC6Tse.

 

[Big Grumpy]

Many thanks everyone - I appreciate the advice.

The problem I have is that I can't seem to find the kit I would like to demo in one retailer - I guess it's much easier if you live in/near a big city. Within my catchment area there are only 3 outlets: Richer Sounds, Sevenoaks and an independent. Richer's don't keep the Cyrus as stock and would have to order one in to demo. They do however (allegedly) stock the Tannoy DC6T SE's. They don't stock Naim. The local independent does stock Naim and Cyrus it would seem but no Tannoys. Being an independent they are more specialist and expensive. Sevenoaks have the Cyrus but not the Naim. That has to be brought in from another store. They don't stock/like the Tannoys despite their website singing their praises. They also told me to avoid the Monitor RX6's as they are about to be replaced - seems they can afford to turn money away!

I'll sort something out in the end :boohoo:

Thanks again all.

 

[davedotco]

I have to say that I have some sympathy with the views of your 'independent' retailer. Inexpensive floorstanders may have improved in recent times but in my view (not a popular one on this forum) they are best avoided unless you are absolutely sure you have the space to position them correctly.

I understand what you said about wanting floorstanders and if that is irrevocable than I suggest you try your hardest to try them in your room.

If you can bring yourself to think about stand mounts, go back to your independant dealer and ask them to play you the systems they suggest and use that as a yardstick. Sometimes dealers can be a bit 'know it all' but give them a chance to prove what they say.

 

[manicm]

These two systems will have a decent amount of power behind them. I wouldn't pair them up with anything too demanding, so the easier the load, the more you'll get out of the systems. The new Monitor Audio Silver range are sounding rather good so far (still running in), so you could have a look at the Silver 6 (replaces the RX6). The KEF Q500 or Q700 are easy loads, as are the Rega RS3, and the Tannoy DC6T and DC6Tse.

I see MA have finally revealed the new Silver on their site, but phew are they expensive. What are your first impressions compared to the RX?

 

[altruistic.lemon]

Naim and Neat are a good combination. There are a couple of stores that sell B stock Neats for good prices, as in close to, or under, the £1000 mark.

 

[Big Grumpy]

Thanks for the input. I think part of my reluctance to consider stand mounters is simply personal taste and part is ignorance. I have a very basic and rough idea where I am with floorstanders but have no clue with stand mount speakers, stands et al. Perhaps I need to listen to some because I listen to rock/post-grunge mainly and I can't see how I would get the same depth/space/thump from stand mounts?

Advice welcomed

 

[davedotco]

Thanks for the input. I think part of my reluctance to consider stand mounters is simply personal taste and part is ignorance. I have a very basic and rough idea where I am with floorstanders but have no clue with stand mount speakers, stands et al. Perhaps I need to listen to some because I listen to rock/post-grunge mainly and I can't see how I would get the same depth/space/thump from stand mounts?

Advice welcomed

As posted above.

Go to your independent retailer and get them to play you the combination that they think is good. If they are any good at all they will have a few speakers that work well with with the Naim or Cyrus units.

Just out of interest, have you considered a Sonos front end, might leave tou some more funds for speakers......?

Edited for spelling

 

[Big Grumpy]

Sorry - I'm not familiar with Sonos - can you expand a little please? Thanks

 

[Big Grumpy]

Like you say - pricey!

 

[davedotco]

Sorry - I'm not familiar with Sonos - can you expand a little please? Thanks

Sonos is a full network player/streaming device with a generally excellent control system via tablet or smartphone.

The best option for a serious system is the Connect but this requires outboard amplification (and maybe a dac) so is not a one box solution.

It is however, not expensive at just £279 and can be tucked away out of sight, it has all the networking capabilities of the Naim or Cyrus, with better onboard support for Spotify and similar services. Furthermore it can provide the basis for a full multi room system or something as simple as an all in one 'Play' system in the kitchen or bedroom and is generally considered to have the best control interface in the business.

More here...... http://www.sonos.com/

 

[altruistic.lemon]

Sonos requires an amplifier, which makes it less than perfect for the OP's system as you say, therefore why recommend it? You really are a loose canon sometimes, ddc, mate.

Personally I'd go the Naim/Neat route, they're an excellent combination and you don't have to stuff about with extra boxes.

 

[stevebrock]

Rega RS3 are paired frequently with Naim amplification and a Unitilite would have no problem driving the RS3. In my experience they are easy to place with there front ports, I also have the side firing drivers faced inwards, as above they really are musical with lovely mid range and treble and certainly not lacking in tight bass. Yes I probably need 'better' speakers with my amp apparently but IMHO they really match my amp and I am more than happy with them. With regards to demos your best option is to find your nearest dealer that stocks Rega & Naim, personally I would go for the Naim and demo lots of speakers.

As AL mentions, the Naim/Neat combo is lovely this is why you should try demo the speakers at home, I could never get Neats to work at home but I think they are lovely speakers, however the Rega did the job at home.

 

[busb]

I think Dave's hit the nail bang on - avoid cheap floorstanders! Above a certain but ill-defined price, you will find standmounts that will wipe the floor with towers. Neither are inherently better unless you have the money, room & desire for full-range speakers then it's floorstanders more often than not. Stand mounts can be more complicated in that they will work better with certain stands, they sound different with blobs of blutak than with pads or studs & you have to factor in the price of the stands sooner or later.

Whatever you narrow down your shortlist to, I'd suggest buying from somewhere that will allow a home trial - don't worry about exotic speaker cable, getting the speakers & your listening position right (neither too close to walls if possible) is half the equation to success. It's the speakers that influence the sound in a room more than anything else so spending time getting them right is time well-spent.

I'm personally wary of recommending particular brands for the reasons you've stated - getting to listen to them!

 

[SpursGator]

Well, first of all, there is nothing wrong with a good floorstander. Generally they will take up the same amount of space as a smaller speaker plus a stand, and deliver better bass. It is true that cheaper floorstanders can often sound boomy, since it takes a better bass driver to deal with the extra air in the box, and it's awfully hard to build a floorstander under a grand with a decent bass driver. Look at the cost of the really good floorstanders from ProAc or PMC and you'll see.

But in your exact situation, I can understand why the 'experts' are pushing you towards stand mounted speakers - and it isn't because of 'extra detail' (an oft-cited, but only sort-of-true, advantage of standmounts). Here are my reasons why you might be on the wrong track looking at standmounts:

1. Your budget. A grand or so can get you into a higher range on small speakers, but not bigger ones. For example, you could afford ProAc Studio series standmounts but not floorstanders. You could buy PMC DB1s but not any of their larger ones. Taking smaller speakers gets you better speakers - not because standmounts are better but because of where your budget falls.

2. Your room. Floorstanders - especially cheaper ones - need more space or they sound boomy. You have a smallish room and you don't have much positional flexibility. A floorstander close to the wall is not ideal. Read the reviews on WHF - nearly always, they will tell you that floorstanders need some space to perform their best. You may not have the ability to position them where they belong, and so you won't get the benefit of the bigger boxes. (For this reason, if you do buy floorstanders, you MUST get an in-home demo - they will not sound like they do at the shop in your room)

3. Speaker design. Floorstanders can give better bass, and thus throw up a big soundstage - but they get their better bass due to the additional space inside the box. They only way for a speaker designer to make use of the extra air, though, is to build a ported (bass-reflex) box. This is why they need space - the port output is reinforcing the low end by blowing air out at a specific tuning. If you put it close to a wall, the room modes will make the bass sound like a single, thumping note. You get more, but crappier, bass. Standmounts may have the same problem - but some standmounts are sealed boxes (or transmission line like the PMCs) and even ported standmounts give you the option of stuffing the ports to control the bass. You can't stuff a floorstander because there is too much air (a sealed box will always be smaller in volume than an ideal ported box for the same driver). You simply have more options with a standmount.

Since you need to put these close to a wall, a sealed speaker might be a better option. There will be less bass but it will be better behaved - and your smallish room will give you some room gain.

My advice is to try some standmounts before you make a final decision, and make sure you try some non-ported options. I would absolutely audition the be ATC SCM11s, which are slightly over budget but you said you'd be willing. WHF loved them and they are very well-behaved sealed boxes. I love the PMC DB1s which are tiny but have surprising (and accurate) bass.

You just get more for your money, more flexibility, more options to control the bass, and a better match for your room with smaller speakers.

Best of luck! Take your time, and don't forget to look at used speakers if you want to go higher end. Doesn't have to be eBay, plenty of dealers have used kit they will stand behind. If you went with the Naim and could find some used (and front-ported) ProAc D twos, you would be a very happy man - and your system would be light years better than if you bought cheap floorstanders.

 

[Timbot]

I guess it's much easier if you live in/near a big city. Within my catchment area there are only 3 outlets

Not sure if this is a constructive comment (it's intended to be! though!) but if I was going to spend two and a half grand then I'd be prepared to drive a fair bit to ensure I got what I really wanted. It's a lot of money to spend if nowhere has or is willing to get what you want to try! It's a lot of money to part with!

 

[MUSICRAFT]

My advice is to try some standmounts before you make a final decision, and make sure you try some non-ported options. I would absolutely audition the be ATC SCM11s, which are slightly over budget but you said you'd be willing. WHF loved them and they are very well-behaved sealed boxes.

Hi SpursGator

Naim's UnitiLite player pairs well with ATC's curved SCM11 monitors

To Big Grumpy - the new Focal JM Lab Aria 906 also work well with the Naim UnitiLite. I understand that Naim amplification was also used to develop the Aria range of speakers.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[CnoEvil]

I think you have received some very sound advice, but if you are waiting for everyone to agree.....well, you are going to be here for quite a while.

If you want to try a Standmount at £1k that has plenty of scale, look at the Kef R300.

I'm someone who likes the scale and impact of a Floorstander, but under £1500, I'd be looking at Standmounts.

Remember, when it comes to personal preference.....always go with your own, and don't assume some expert on a forum knows better....but in order to do that, you need to take the suggestions you get on here, and GO LISTEN!

 

[SpursGator]

Naim's UnitiLite player pairs well with ATC's curved SCM11 monitors

Hi Rick,

Ha! It's true. I know you love ATC speakers but even totally objectively, the room this guy is describing really is an almost ideal scenario for the SCM11s. I have not heard the new ones but obviously they just won the WHF Award and almost every review I've seen says they are a step up from the old ones. And the old ones were really, really good.

I wish they were under a grand for this guy's sake - the old ones were and I suspect the margin on these new ones is pretty high. But it's difficult to evalute because they make their own drivers - it's probably MORE expensive to carry their R&D budget than to write a big check to Seas or Volt or someone every year. So who knows. But he will need stands and this is going to bump it up further.

And he could even say, screw it, if I'm up to £1500 then I could get my hands on some real floorstanders. But obviously in that room it would be a mistake (imagine what, say, Studio 140s would sound like in there...ouch...although if all you listen to is Public Enemy and you don't have a family or neighbours it could suit).

Naim Uniti + ATC SCM11s + decent stands in a 17x17' room. It would be an absolutely killer system and you'd have to spend big money to do better. And it would be so nice and curvy.

Best,

Kevin

 

[Al ears]

Thanks for the input. I think part of my reluctance to consider stand mounters is simply personal taste and part is ignorance. I have a very basic and rough idea where I am with floorstanders but have no clue with stand mount speakers, stands et al. Perhaps I need to listen to some because I listen to rock/post-grunge mainly and I can't see how I would get the same depth/space/thump from stand mounts?

Advice welcomed

Don't forget that with standmounts you obviously have to factor in the cost of a decent pair of stands .This money is better spent on a more expensive floorstander in my view.