More comfortable sound

[hybridauth_Twitter_34354971]

I currently own a Naim Nait 5si and B&W 685s2 speakers.
I've enjoyed this setup for a while (my first hifi, all components first hand), but lately started noticing the somewhat harsh highs this setup produces, which make listening to music a tiring experience. One or two songs and you want to turn the thing off to feel some relief.

I tried the Tellurium Q Blue and Black cables, which certainly contributed to a better sound in terms of detail and punch, but couldn't bring the top end down to a comfortable level.

As this is a show stopper for me, I wanted to get some suggestions for amp + speakers which can produce a warmer and comfortable sound for prolonged listening session, and will let me concentrate on the music rather than on the equipment. My budget is around that of my current setup.

To kick this off, these are the amps I was considering:
- Rega Elex-R
- Marantz PM7004

Thanks for any input.

 

[Reijer]

Hi there.

Have you auditioned the 685 with some Rotel or NAD amp? Maybe it fits your needs. I use a TEAC amp which sounded the best to my ears IMO. Never heard the 685 with the Nait, for the record.....

 

[CnoEvil]

Also check out Croft Integrated, Musical Fidelity M3 si and Sugden Mystro.

For speakers: Sonus Faber Toy, Q Acoustics Concept 20 or Kef R100s.

BTW. Welcome to the forum.

 

[plastic penguin]

Welcome to the forum.

Naim are a funny old breed. With the right speakers they sound terrific, but with the wrong ones can sound ropey.

If you like the overall presentation but find it fatiguing, look at PMC and Neat speakers to kick-off. Also, perhaps Naim XS amp with the above speakers, plus Totem Rainmakers. The XS amp gives you more subtlety.

Rather than wholesale changes look at speaker options first.

Above all else audition is a must.

 

[Laurens_B]

If you like the B&W sound, check out the CM1s, in my opinion they sound a tad more sophisticated, though much more laid back and very easy to listen to, compared to the 685

 

[Macspur]

PP makes a good point, you don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water!

From reading the Naim forum, quite a few people find good results with Harbeth... it might be worth, if you haven't already, having a read yourself.

Mac

www.macsmusic.blogbubble.net

 

[BenLaw]

The problem is definitely the speakers, with their smile response curve.

 

[CarlDW]

I would suggest something from Neat - they work well with Naim kit.

 

[Thompsonuxb]

Do your speakers have the grills on?

Or you can try putting a thin cloth over the speakers - something like a silk hanky - try it after you stop laughing at the idea....lol

 

[iceman16]

Naim and B&W are not quite a good match imo and experience. I would also add Spendors to other suggestions

 

[Native_bon]

I would suggest something from Neat - they work well with Naim kit.

Agree

 

[steve_1979]

.

 

[ChrisIRL]

Had the 5si paired with Kef LS50s. Initially loved the set up but over time found the same harshness you do. I got a Rega Brio r and it kept a similar exciting and unusual sound as the Naim but without the harshness. The Brio-r would probably be a good match with the 685 S2. The Elex-r might be overkill.

 

[jonathanRD]

I recently popped into my local dealer to get their suggestions for my next upgrade - looking for an amp & speaker combination for about £1.6 to £2K. Initial suggestions (albiet I wanted floorstanders) included Naim 5si and Rega Elex-R amps, with the Rega RS3's and B&W 684's to demo with. Commenting on Naim, they said you will either love them or hate them, and with the Elex-r they commented that I might find the Brio-r good enough.

Previously I've had the RS3's on home demo and found them very 'musical' in comparison to some Tannoy DC6T's. The Tannoy's made me want to party, the RS3's simply put my feet up and listen to more music.

So on the basis that I already have an older Rega Brio and Apollo, I recently took a chance on a heavily discounted pair of RS5's. Just had them on earlier and I can honestly say that I could listen to them all night (well unitil I nod off). Again, when I collected them from a different dealer to the one mentioned above, they too commented not to dismiss the Rega Brio-r (discussing the Elex-r).

If you can get a listen to an all Rega setup - it just might suit you. Ideally get them on home demo over a weekend so that you get an extended/relaxing listen.

 

[hybridauth_Twitter_34354971]

Thanks for the great replies everyone.
Sadly, none of the mentioned speakers (Neat, PMC, Rega, Spendor) are availbale for auditioning where I live.
I did however find out today that connecting the Nait to the Xonar STX soundcard with a cheap interconnect does warm the sound a bit, as oppossed to using the DAC-V1 via USB and a more expensive interconnect.

Anyway, this weekend I'll have a chance to audition the B&W CM5 and Mordaunt Short Mezzo 2, will see how that goes.