Went down the Naim route myself a few years ago and am very happy although still open to alternatives in the future. I found that non-Naim speakers was a severe compromise which, I guess, makes sense in terms of design synergy. A good thing about Naim, apart from the sound and quality, is the (usually) helpful support and advice networks that have built up around Naim gear. It's also become slightly less of a niche market since Avondale started making (reputedly) magnificent and affordable alternatives to some Naim upgrades - haven't yet tried them myself. If you decide you like the sound then nothing else will do. Only downside I can think of is the cost - you can buy a lot of CDs for the price of the most basic Naim system. Oh, and you also need a thick skin. There are a few individuals out there who seem pathologically opposed to the whole Naim philosophy - and it's just hi-fi, for Christ's sake.