Question speakers change for naim xs

[Michele]

Hi everyone, I need your advice on replacing my dynaudio focus 140. unfortunately I had to move house and therefore listening setting. my system consists of naim xs2+ teddycap dac gustard x20 and dynaudio focus 140 speakers on stands. the speakers are placed 40 cm from the wall but without the bass being too boomy. because of the dynaudios that don't interface well with the environment and also because I would like to change them to have a more monitor-like sound. I would have thought of taking the ATC smc11 or the kef ls50. opinions about it? Thank you

 

[nopiano]

The LS50 Meta and the ATC SCM11 are both fine examples of the art of small-ish speaker design.

The KEF is made overseas with modern technologies and a clever concentric driver. They need a fair bit of space to sound their best.

The ATC is more traditional, with superb drivers made in Gloucestershire and assembled there. They work better if space is tight.

They aren’t similar, but I’d hesitate to describe them when there are literally dozens of reviews a google away. Do try to hear them for yourself.

Pic of my pre-Meta LS50 black edition in front of my SCM40 from roughly three years ago.

https://imgur.com/FM36pKP

View: https://i.imgur.com/FM36pKP.jpg

 

[WayneKerr]

If space is limited then I agree with nopiano, sealed-box design is the way to go. I made the move a few years ago and couldn't be happier.

 

[plastic penguin]

Hi everyone, I need your advice on replacing my dynaudio focus 140. unfortunately I had to move house and therefore listening setting. my system consists of naim xs2+ teddycap dac gustard x20 and dynaudio focus 140 speakers on stands. the speakers are placed 40 cm from the wall but without the bass being too boomy. because of the dynaudios that don't interface well with the environment and also because I would like to change them to have a more monitor-like sound. I would have thought of taking the ATC smc11 or the kef ls50. opinions about it? Thank you

I would suggest, if budget allows, a s/hand pair of Harbeth P3 speakers. Should sound the dogs with Naim XS, and they are sealed cabinet.

 

[davidf]

I’d throw the Amphion Argon 3S into the mix - another that is based on studio monitors.

 

[AndrewF]

Focal and Naim play well together. I have some Aria 906 K2’s and they sound fantastic in a small space, running off my Naim amp.

 

[Michele]

I described these two speakers because I had the kef ls50s which I still have fond memories of. I really enjoyed them. I compared them to the harbeth p3 but to my ears, I preferred the kef. I don't know why I found it more dynamic [/CITATION] I've never heard of the ATC

 

[12th Monkey]

I've translated those for you, but could you keep your posts in English? It's the forum's default language, and posting in others will severely limit the responses that you get. Thanks.

 

[nopiano]

I described these two speakers because I had the kef ls50s which I still have fond memories of. I really enjoyed them. I compared them to the harbeth p3 but to my ears, I preferred the kef. I don't know why I found it more dynamic [/CITATION] I've never heard of the ATC

Then try to hear the newer Meta version, or get an old model LS50 at half price. They sound more dynamic than the tiny Harbeth because they are. Miniature speakers are great for imaging and ‘vanishing’ but are severely compromised in output and bass.

ATC are cleaner and dryer sounding than KEF yet sound great with a good source. The KEF are maybe an easier listen as long as you can place them effectively.

 

[Michele]

the kef ls50s inspire me more than the metas i hear in the shop. I was interested in the smc11 ATCs because as you say they are more natural musically but as they are described on the net they are better suited to my electronics

 

[Al ears]

the kef ls50s inspire me more than the metas i hear in the shop. I was interested in the smc11 ATCs because as you say they are more natural musically but as they are described on the net they are better suited to my electronics

I would ignore what the net says until you can audition some yourself.
Neat speakers also seem to pair well with Naim amplifiers

 

[plastic penguin]

the kef ls50s inspire me more than the metas i hear in the shop. I was interested in the smc11 ATCs because as you say they are more natural musically but as they are described on the net they are better suited to my electronics

Neat and PMCs pair well with Naim.

Just out of interest, what amp did you have with the LS50?

 

[Michele]

always the naim nait xs. YouTube also has videos of me naim xs kef ls50 Gustard x20

 

[plastic penguin]

always the naim nait xs. YouTube also has videos of me naim xs kef ls50 Gustard x20

Fair enough. Having heard various Naims over the years and I've home demoed the original LS50s with a Leema, it wouldn't be a automatic choice Naim/LS50.

KEF R3 sounds like a better choice to my ears.

 

[rainsoothe]

I'd ad Neat Petite Classic 2, Andrew Everard raves about them and they might be exactly what you're looking for.

 

[skinnypuppy71]

I used to have pmc twenty 21 with the original xs and they went very well together, I now have the new Neat petite classics and I think they're next level and , I'm pretty sure would work really well with the xs2, Naim and neat have gained a reputation for working well together.