Naim DAC + what integrated amp to power my old B&W 603 S2s?

[admin_exported]

Hi All,

My old Marantz PM6010 OSE KI amp has a buzzing/hum coming from the left channel only, regardless of what is connected (or where it is situated) - maybe a topic for another thread : "Where can you get these discontinued amps fixed reliably?"

So, I'm looking to upgrade my amp, and add the best DAC I can get - I want to get my entire CD collection into a PC library and share it across my network to an HTPC or something with an optical out...

Having looked at all the reviews I could find on the latest DACs, I've ruled out the Cyrus DAC X+, as it doesn't seem to reproduce bass frequencies well - and settled on the new Naim DAC (which does, according to reviews).

For the integrated amp, I ideally want to spend <£2000, so was looking at the Cyrus 8XP - but was worried that it wouldn't be deep enough and give me the powerful bass I need to drive my old B&W 603S2s. Is there a better match to the Naim DAC that can give me the bass I need (but still tightly controlled - I don't want it flabby)? I want the system to be able to handle jazz, classical, drum & bass, and some rock.

All help/advice gratefully received.

4rkon

 

[d_a_n1979]

The Cyrus 8XP is a superb amp and it'd drive the 603 S2's well as they are easy to drive but yes, I agree that it wont have the bass weight that you'd want for your D&B music etc...

IMO something along the likes of the Rotel RA1520 or the Roksan Kandy K2 would be brilliant but so would the NAD C355BEE or even the Arcam FMJ A28 integrated amps.

I think for a bit more £££ than the abovemmentioned the NAD C165 pre and NAD C275 power amp would be a supberb combo and the NAD/B&W synergy would be excellent

 

[MUSICRAFT]

arkon:
Hi All,

My old Marantz PM6010 OSE KI amp has a buzzing/hum coming from the left channel only, regardless of what is connected (or where it is situated) - maybe a topic for another thread : "Where can you get these discontinued amps fixed reliably?"

So, I'm looking to upgrade my amp, and add the best DAC I can get - I want to get my entire CD collection into a PC library and share it across my network to an HTPC or something with an optical out...

Having looked at all the reviews I could find on the latest DACs, I've ruled out the Cyrus DAC X+, as it doesn't seem to reproduce bass frequencies well - and settled on the new Naim DAC (which does, according to reviews).

For the integrated amp, I ideally want to spend <£2000, so was looking at the Cyrus 8XP - but was worried that it wouldn't be deep enough and give me the powerful bass I need to drive my old B&W 603S2s. Is there a better match to the Naim DAC that can give me the bass I need (but still tightly controlled - I don't want it flabby)? I want the system to be able to handle jazz, classical, drum & bass, and some rock.

All help/advice gratefully received.

4rkon

Hi arkon

NAD C165BEE/C275BEE (as Dan has also suggested) and Naim's NAC152XS/NAP155XS are worth considering.

If you are prepared to stretch your budget than i can also highly recommend ATC's SIA2-150 MK2. The SIA2-150 MK2 with its (amongst other qualities) high current and damping factor will easily cover all your requirements and still have plenty left to spare.

Again depending on budget and for truly deep, tight, defined and powerful bass then another DAC to also consider is the QBD76 by Chord Electronics. The QBD76 with it bespoke technology offers bass (amongst its other qualities) which is simply stunning.

The SIA2-150 MK2/QBD76 is a superb combination and one which will have your 603 S2's begging for mercy!

Thanks

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks to you both. I will consider the options you mention...

Just looking at the C165BEE/C275BEE combo, they didn't get rave reviews from WhatHiFi or elsewhere... The ATC box is interesting, but only comes in silver (not black)?

Still not sure... Looking at the Naim NAC252/Supercap/NAP250 combo, but ouch, the price (~£10k)... guess you get what you pay for...

Thanks again - will keep looking (and saving!)

 

[Anonymous]

Sticking with Naim, for <£2k you could get:

- XS

- 152xs/155xs

- ex-dem 122x/150x

- s/h 200/202

Some of those options would leave money over for a flatcap or similar. That's without considering the older Naim stuff (olive/cb)

Rob

 

[MUSICRAFT]

arkon:
Thanks to you both. I will consider the options you mention...

Just looking at the C165BEE/C275BEE combo, they didn't get rave reviews from WhatHiFi or elsewhere... The ATC box is interesting, but only comes in silver (not black)?

Still not sure... Looking at the Naim NAC252/Supercap/NAP250 combo, but ouch, the price (~£10k)... guess you get what you pay for...

Thanks again - will keep looking (and saving!)

Hi arkon

Your welcome.

Yes, the SIA2-150MK2 is only available in silver. The QBD76 is available in satin silver, satin black, brilliant silver and jet black.

The Naim amps you have mentioned are also very good (i also support Naim btw) but than again at these prices they should be.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[d_a_n1979]

arkon:
Thanks to you both. I will consider the options you mention...

Just looking at the C165BEE/C275BEE combo, they didn't get rave reviews from WhatHiFi or elsewhere... The ATC box is interesting, but only comes in silver (not black)?

Still not sure... Looking at the Naim NAC252/Supercap/NAP250 combo, but ouch, the price (~£10k)... guess you get what you pay for...

Thanks again - will keep looking (and saving!)

Ignore their reviews; that's a minority

You NEED to demo any gear yourself and make your OWN mind up!

It is a superb combo and would do very well with your B&W speakers as would a majority of NAD, Arcam and Rotel amps (whether pre/power or integrated)

 

[Anonymous]

Why not a Supernait? It has a DAC, albeit possibly not the class of the Naim standalone DAC, but as an amplifier alone it is outstanding - out of my league, but I'd love one.

 

[Anonymous]

@dan

Absolutely! I like to narrow my options first though by seeing what's rated highest... I wouldn't shell out ££££s without demo'ing it! Although, will have to figure out how to trial kit to drive my speakers without lugging them to a shop somewhere... hmm.

Anyway, I agree I'll give NAD a go - you've convinced me to trial them (especially to see how they support the lower frequencies... will then work for the d'n'b and jazz I like).

Cheers all; especially Rick for the detail. Great and quick forum responses.

 

[d_a_n1979]

arkon:
@dan

Absolutely! I like to narrow my options first though by seeing what's rated highest... I wouldn't shell out ££££s without demo'ing it! Although, will have to figure out how to trial kit to drive my speakers without lugging them to a shop somewhere... hmm.

Anyway, I agree I'll give NAD a go - you've convinced me to trial them (especially to see how they support the lower frequencies... will then work for the d'n'b and jazz I like).

Cheers all; especially Rick for the detail. Great and quick forum responses.

The NAD gear will lap up the lower frquencies with aplomb and spit them back out at you with avengance

I listen to a biut of D'n'B (Roni Size/Adam Freeland and lately Pendulum) but that's about it; my NAD amp loves this music as well as the electronica I listen to and the bass levels certainly rock my house a bit but without sounding rubbish or bloated!