Speakers with Olive Series Naim

[admin_exported]

My current system consists of the following:

NaiM CDX CD payer; Naim NAC82 Pre-Amp with HI-CAP; Naim NAP250 Power-Amp; Monitor Audio Studio 12 Speakers

and I wish to replace the speakers to improve the system. The room that the system is in is approx 3m square and the speakers will have to stand between and close to adjacent furniture, so they will have not to require much space around them. The speekers can be either close to or reasonably away from the rear wall.

I had heard that Wilson Benesche Arc speakers work well with my set-up and hence I was considering them , but I am also wondering whether Pro Ac DA28 speakers may be appropriate; I would appreciate your thoughts on the suitability of these and on what you might otherwise recommend; I am happy to buy new or used speakers. My preference would be on a combination that produced a well balanced sound that captured the beauty and balance of the music. I like a range of music types, including rock, pop & classical.

Regards

Peter Harris

 

[Frank Harvey]

Hi Peter

I haven't heard the Arcs, but when we had WB in store, their tonal balance didn't strike me as the sort that would marry well with the older Naim electronics. Judging by the Square range, it has a similar tonal balance to the Naim, so I think that might be a little too much of a good thing. The ProAcs will certainly warm things up a little, and you could also try the Spendor A6 or A9, the PMC OB1i, the Tannoy Definition DC8t, or Neat Momentum 4i. All of these have a slightly warmer sound, which balances out the lean sound of your Naim setup. Each of them have their own characteristics, so a demo would be advisable.

 

[jockey.wilson]

I used to have a Naim system that ran into my current Dynaudios...

The NAP 140 was just about man enough to cope with the current hungry Contours. Dynaudio works well with Naim I think since the Dynaudio house sound is full with a smooth treble, but very dynamic and rythmic.

I would certainly buy Dynaudio again should my 9 year old Contours ever give up the ghost, which is unlikely since they are built like a tank and can take a peak amp output of over 1000 watts.