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Moving up the stream

You have very specific taste and don't want to settle for something that doesn't sound like music to you...regardless of whether it's solid state, tubes, British or Dutch (or whatever). Makes sense to me. More folks need to tune in to what sounds musical to them and not buy based on reviews and forums. Get out and listen and better yet take pieces home when you can.
 
I venture to say that this is where extended listening at your own room becomes critical, because even if you didn't like the Naim at first you may come to like it later after extended listening sessions. Believe it or not, I didn't like Brahms too much at first! There are things like an acquired taste.
 
davidro said:
I venture to say that this is where extended listening at your own room becomes critical, because even if you didn't like the Naim at first you may come to like it later after extended listening sessions. Believe it or not, I didn't like Brahms too much at first! There are things like an acquired taste.
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Already ahead of you. I should've mentioned that all of these auditions were done either at home or with my speakers with the same cabling at the dealers whose rooms resemble mine. I can't get any closer than this. It's awesome.
 
That's awesome. I guess that's the benefit of letting the dealers know that you actually purchase the stuff.
 
Have you considered any Pass labs or First watt ss amps?

Very good stuff, IMO.

I have also heard the unison s6 very recently, Extremely good amplifier, now to find a used one for a decent price,:scratch2:.
 
The French connection

...is the Jadis Orchestra Reference.
Have a listen if possible. Here are some reviews:


The effort you put in taking your speakers with you in each audition is admirable. Can't you borrow amplifiers for home listening from your dealers?
This is common in the UK. Not the case in the US?

In any case, solid-state wise, I really liked the Kandy myself, but your speakers can accomodate better. If you go to listen to the Kandy maybe you can listen to its bigger brother, the Caspian M2.

If I had the budget, I would go for a 2nd-hand MF AMS35i.
A budget alternative in Class A is the Cayin 265Ai.

Oh, and in an off-topic note which I am sure you will sympathize with: I am auditioning the Proac D Twos tomorrow :banana:
 
sheanachai said:
...is the Jadis Orchestra Reference.
Have a listen if possible. Here are some reviews:


The effort you put in taking your speakers with you in each audition is admirable. Can't you borrow amplifiers for home listening from your dealers?
This is common in the UK. Not the case in the US?

In any case, solid-state wise, I really liked the Kandy myself, but your speakers can accomodate better. If you go to listen to the Kandy maybe you can listen to its bigger brother, the Caspian M2.

If I had the budget, I would go for a 2nd-hand MF AMS35i.
A budget alternative in Class A is the Cayin 265Ai.

Oh, and in an off-topic note which I am sure you will sympathize with: I am auditioning the Proac D Twos tomorrow :banana:
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All of the amps mentioned are way over my budget. Also, I should've been clearer in saying that they were either auditioned with my speakers at the dealers or my home. So yes, home demos are possible, but rare in the States which makes my arrangements even more appreciable.
 
Neo Faccia

I'm still recovering from the Naim trauma. I should've talked with my therapist and consulted with my lawyer. Instead, I went for more listening.

Simaudio Neo 250i - First thing you notice is the stunningly black background. "From the galaxy far, far, away" kind of blackness makes for dry sound. I don't mean the cotton-mouth kind of dry, but no-acoustic-space kind of dry. Maybe all other amps just add or enhance what is not there. This is not a bright-sounding amplifier, but its lack of coloration almost shocks you if you are used to additives. Separation between instruments is remarkable and its honest approach keeps you engaged whether you like it or not. This is in stark contrast to Naim Nait 5i-2 with its hideous lies and embellishments. I appreciate honesty, thank you.

Bass seemed a bit detached from the rest of the spectrum. It kind of blends into wonderfully space-zero background. Midrange is very laid back which robs of immediacy and presence. Pin-point imaging here literally means pin-point, which means tremendous focus, but also the instruments seem much smaller than in real life. 50 watts was plenty.
 
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Rogue Audio

new world:
I've been on a somewhat parallel odyssey, arrived at a different place - Nola Boxers - but thought I'd suggest a listen to the Rogue Audio Sphinx. It's a hybrid and, for the Boxers, a rather magical combination. Might be good with your speakers.
Enjoy,
Mike
 
mnilan said:
new world:
I've been on a somewhat parallel odyssey, arrived at a different place - Nola Boxers - but thought I'd suggest a listen to the Rogue Audio Sphinx. It's a hybrid and, for the Boxers, a rather magical combination. Might be good with your speakers.
Enjoy,
Mike
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No way to audition it, but I'm definitely considering it. It has the right price. :yes:
 
Same boat

newworld said:
No way to audition it, but I'm definitely considering it. It has the right price. :yes:
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newworld:
Yes, I was having the same problem listening to speakers and integrated amps. Then my wife got a gig in NYC and I tagged along and was able to go into Stereo Exchange to listen to the Sphinx. It is always difficult because the dealers often (usually 8^) don't have your speakers so I had to listen to different integrated amps with the same speakers and hope for enough insight to make a good decision. Talking to dealers and online comments pushed me to decide on the Sphinx. Worked for me, the Boxer and Sphinx is a very good combination. Good luck!
Mike
 
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