Learning curve

[mjw]

I've been a happy Naim user for three decades but my musical tastes have veered so far towards solo piano and Blue Note jazz that I'm wondering if I should try a different approach to hifi.
I've joined this and a couple of other forums to get an idea of what might float my boat in bringing about a more 3-d impression of music.
Thanks for reading
Mick

[Ali Tait]

For that type of music, single ended valves (with the right speakers) is hard to beat IMHO.

[struth]

welcome to AoS Michael. sure you will get plenty help in your quest.

[Frankyc2003]

For that type of music, single ended valves (with the right speakers) is hard to beat IMHO.

+1

Welcome Mick,

Ali is absolutely right, and I would add that it will sound even better with a vinyl front end…
I envy your journey of discovery!
:cool:

[andrasszamek]

Welcome on board.
+1, you should try a nice SET with some efficient speakers

[Wakefield Turntables]

Some nicely fettled tannoy monitor golds with a decent external cross over and a nice pair of set monoblocks will work very well for jazz. You may also want to try a Ortofon spu with a decent arm.

[walpurgis]

Hello from me too Mick. Welcome to AOS.

So you want a new approach to your Hi-Fi? I see the lads have been harping on about Single Ended Triodes. Well, that is one way to go, but there are so many options. I currently use Class A solid state as well as valves. I'd say bide your time, listen to opinions and try to hear as many types of equipment as you can.


Enjoy the forum,
Geoff.

[Eagle owl]

Hello and welcome Mick.

Geoff. :wave:

[mjw]

...namely the 3-way ARTs and my CDS3/XPS source. I also have an LP12/Aro/Troika but haven't bought a new record for 20 years (but had bought hundreds in the preceding 30 years).
I've recently had a home demo of a Vitus RI-100 and that brought some of what I'm trying to achieve. I'm not really au fait with valves although did recently hear a well-off guy's man cave system which was Audio Research Ref3 pre and 210 mono blocks into speakers that cost more than my car. Great sound but the size (and price) of such units negates their consideration.
Someone on another forum recommended I try Accuphase so a trip to Cheshire planned.
I was also warned that Sudden Masterclass don't really come 'on song' until around 90 mins has elapsed. I've often finished listening by then.
That's where I am so far. No rush, the Naim is really good stuff but just looking to do a bit better.
Thanks for reading
Mick

[Barry]

Welcome to AoS Michael.

A change of direction? Well I love jazz, solo piano jazz (Theloneous Monk, Keith Jarrett etc.) as well a classical piano (Beethoven, Rachmaninov etc.). In fact I have a very broad taste in music, all of which is relayed to my satisfaction via a pair of Quad 57 electrostatic speakers powered by 25 watt class A monoblock amplifiers.

Horn speakers (for example Lowther), powered by SET amplifiers are very good for piano - but in my experience have limitations which I don't like, although the same could be equally said by others about Quad 57s.

The best advice I can give you is to suggest you visit as many audio dealers in your area armed with a few LPs of the music you like, and listen to some systems different to your own Naim based system. Take your time - don't let yourself get bamboozled by what the dealers say; make up your own mind. It often helps to have a partner to listen with you.

Good luck - let us know how you get on.

Regards
Barry

[Anthony K]

Rather than changing your set up why not tweak what you have?
Interconnects , speaker cable , mains cable and fuse changes can make a huge difference

[daytona600]

blue note jazz sound Fab on a good pair of Stats with SS or Valve amps

[andrasszamek]

Indeed it seems like you are looking to play with different options. Grand fun! Do take the time to try out different schools in this case. Class A amp (valve and ss) reach their optimal operational temp in an hour or so, this is something you need to take into account. So either turn them on before listening or choose something else :). I have auditioned a great amp in my home from stein music, the stateline amp 2. 20 watts, very smooth and sweet sound. Could be just the thing for you. Its not class A so you can just leave it on all the time.

[mjw]

I didn't hear anything that came close to the Vitus for improvements over what I had (and I mean 'had', because I've sold them now to pay for the Vitus). I listened to a Devialet having read about it displacing sliced bread in the popularity stakes. It's very good and looks stunning and a compelling choice if you want a minimum box-count but it sounded too much like the Naim olive stack to justify its consideration.
I also sold my LP12 which was too decadent a thing to retain playing an average of one LP per month. My source of choice will remain the Naim CDS3 player but, when funds allow, I intend to look for something around £1-1.5k at used prices to spin the occasional Hendrix LP. I've been told that the Well Tempered Amadeus is key at this price-point but I'll admit it's difficult for me to get beyond the fishing line and squash balls for feet FFS. It needs to be plonk and play, a package complete with arm. I can just about mount a cartridge but I'm not a faffer or a tweaker so once placed it just needs to work.
Mods., is that enquiry OK here or should it be in a different 'room' on the site?