View Full Version : What system for my Spanish Shack.
Mick Parry
17-10-2009, 08:51
Chaps
I am soon about to retire (again) and it looks like being May of next year when my current contract runs out.
I have already bought a place in Spain, which I have now furnished and it only needs a hifi system to finalise it.
I do not have the room for large speakers etc and I must admit that the AVI concept is appealing as I could use a lap top to store the music, thus making everything reasonably compact.
I have a few options.
1. Go for the high tech AVI system which has WAF, is compact and convenient and the music can be stored in a laptop. I have to be honest and admit that I have never heard an AVI, so I do not know what the sound is like.
2. Go for a normal mini system which is small and compact. I already have one out there ( a cheap little Sony which only cost 200 euros) and it sounds ropey. This has to go, it is too ropey for comfort. If you buy cheap you always buy twice and this is proof.
3. A conventional hifi system based on Naim - ie integrated amp, a CD player + tuner and a pair of SBL's or similar. This will sound good but I have to watch the space.
4. Anything else that anyone else can suggest.
The shack is typical Spanish construction, concrete floors, walls and even ceilings and the floors are tiled, so it may be a bit boomy. I am flexible on budget.
I am not in a rush as I am not going out there until next May so I can take my time working out my options but any suggestions will be appreciated.
Regards
Mick
I'd go for option 3, because, addressing the options in the order listed:
In my experience, and contrary to Ashley's propaganda, laptops are more likely to go wrong than conventional replay devices. I've had three laptops go tits-up, yet in almost 20 years have never had a CD player fail. Plus, I'm the original Luddite, and in my experience computer-based audio can be right pain in the arse to set up. There's a thread on ZG that might help illustrate my point:
http://www.zerogain.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22934
The second option would probably leave you unsatisfied, as your experience with the Sony mini system suggests. Plus it's difficult to audition such systems ahead of purchase.
You know and like the Naim sound.
As far as the fourth option is concerned, how long is a piece of string? You could ask a UK dealer to suggest possibilities, but be aware of service issues; returning stuff to the UK for repair could be costly and inconvenient. Alternatively wait till you get out there and find a good dealer in Spain.
As a Naim fan, have you checked out the Uniti? It looks interesting to me, on paper, and very good value? I have not seen, heard or researched it extensively, but I would have thought it a very viable option?
http://www.naimuniti.com/
http://deaudiowinkel.nl/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/naimuniti.jpg
Don't know the product, but that's a shockingly bad advert!
We've been round and round on this many times Mick and only YOU can really decide which way to go with this..
The AVI's have an optional sub, which may or may not be necessary in the Spanish situation. Adding one would give you the extra octave or so which would, by and large, get over the "cheap, squitty computer speaker" tag which Ashley haters (rather than AVI haters IMO) have given them.
The ADM9.1's have an analogue input too, so you could, if you chose, use a vintage Naim preamp like a 62 with Hicap (or even SNAPS as it's a secondary system) to drive them this way. Just a thought, and Naim preamps are quite happy driving several metres of good interconnect to remote amps I've found, as long as the wire is good (FlasbackSales would happily make up a 4 pin DIN to phonos lead for you for not much money).
As for a baby Naim system, the Uniti seems almost to have been made for the likes of you Mick. Couple that with N-Sats (with sub?) and you'll have a £3K or so system I can guarantee you'll like. You could still transfer your favourite CD's to your laptop and, with a Caiman DAC or similar (or a really good soundcard, if one can be got that's suitable), you could still use the Uniti on an aux input (I hope I'm not dropping myself in it again, as I've yet to see a Uniti in the flesh).
Seriously Mick, have lunch and a listen on Ashley & Martin (you'll love Mart, as he's nothing like Ash ;)). They're not far from you and won't fill you with bull on your visit, merely demonstrate what Ash's on about. You could also get a dem of the naim setup either at the factory (I'm sure they'd welcome you) or at Salisbury HiFi or your local Audio T, who also sell Naim IIRC.
A final wacky idea and following your lines... take the SBL's to Spain with a good, restored 250/32.5/Hicap amp system with CDX or similar, move the 'Briks/NAP300 etc. into the dining room and splash out on some Tannoy 15" prestige models with EAR ('cos they're well made and reliable) or Naim amps (this is Mick I'm addressing, so I can't "just" suggest a "Copper" style amp from Anthony) for the main room.
Hope my weekend ramblings make some sort of sense Mick. I'm not taking the pee or trying to be patronising, just suggesting some easy alternatives for you to consider. The choice has to be yours though and I DO accept that the likes of Marco couldn't live with ADM9.1's as a MAIN system, as they're too limiting for him in terms of size and "tweakability/bodge-ability" :)
Good luck!
As for a baby Naim system, the Uniti seems almost to have been made for the likes of you Mick. Couple that with N-Sats (with sub?) and you'll have a £3K or so system I can guarantee you'll like. You could still transfer your favourite CD's to your laptop and, with a Caiman DAC or similar (or a really good soundcard, if one can be got that's suitable), you could still use the Uniti on an aux input (I hope I'm not dropping myself in it again, as I've yet to see a Uniti in the flesh).
The Uniti has a built in DAC with 5 digital inputs, wi-fi adapter, and usb port on the front - so multitude of options available. Not that A StanDac should be excluded as a possible upgrade, of course.
Whereabouts in Spain are you gonna be ? If, by any chance you´re coming out here to the Canaries, bring it all with you. On mainland Spain things are better but even so, even bad dealers are a bit thin on the ground. In my experience most seem to be speakers first, the bigger and more expensive the better (Wilsons at your local Corte Ingles department store,(or Avid, Martens and Boulder audio anyone ?) and bugger the source. Of course, there are some honourable exceptions - e.g. Adam at Eden Audio in Fuengirola. Check out his web page and forum to get an idea.
An even stronger case for the Uniti in this application - if it has analogue or even digital pre outs, then ADM9's could still be considered with it...
Hypnotoad
17-10-2009, 13:30
Mick do you speak Spanish?
Well as it happens Naim had the Uniti driving Allaes at the Manchester show today. The sound more than filled a medium sized room and yes Mick it is still definitely a Naim amp, that is to say a bloody good one so no worries on that score. As for speakers just take your pick the Uniti seems happy driving pretty much any mainstream models. Go for it, Uniti+speakers of choice+sangria=happy Mr. Parry:smoking:
An even stronger case for the Uniti in this application - if it has analogue or even digital pre outs, then ADM9's could still be considered with it...
Analogue Pre-Out (Din, of course!) - 2 sub outs (RCA). No digital output.
Mick Parry
17-10-2009, 17:14
Hi Chaps
Can anyone explain in baby language just what the uniti is and what it does.
Many thanks
Mick
Think of it as an all-in one - Integrated Amp with built in CD Player and FM/DAB Tuner, with 5 Analogue inputs. Then, it also attaches to your home network (wirelessly, if you have wi-fi) to pick up streamed audio - either ripped/downloaded tracks from a computer, or internet radio. Finally, it also includes a built in DAC, so you can connect other devices digitally (DVD players, Sky box, games consoles etc.)
Everything you need for a digital system except speakers - and plenty of expansion if you want to add further sources at a later date.
Does that help?
Think of it as an all-in one - Integrated Amp with built in CD Player and FM/DAB Tuner, with 5 Analogue inputs. Then, it also attaches to your home network (wirelessly, if you have wi-fi) to pick up streamed audio - either ripped/downloaded tracks from a computer, or internet radio. Finally, it also includes a built in DAC, so you can connect other devices digitally (DVD players, Sky box, games consoles etc.)
Everything you need for a digital system except speakers - and plenty of expansion if you want to add further sources at a later date.
Does that help?
Mick, it's all of that with a Nait bolted on for good measure. It almost seems like Naim heard you were about to bunk off to Spain so gave the matter some urgent attention and came up with the perfect solution, just for you. The least you can do in return is book a demo, believe me you will be more than favourably impressed:).
Rare Bird
17-10-2009, 20:13
It's actually a cheap stereo wil an not so cheap price tag.. Seriously.
Mick Parry
18-10-2009, 09:09
Andre
Naim really put the effort into their products and I have yet to hear anything from their range that sounds cheap. My 32.5 must be hitting 25 yrs and it still sounds good. If it come from Naim, you can be certain, if nothing else, it sounds good. REM confirmed that it sounded good at a hifi show, so the proof of the pudding is there.
The only bad Naim I have heard are things that have been hacked about by bodgers.
Chaps
I must admit the Uniti could well be the answer and I shall certainly look into it, so thanks for the advice. Many thanks to Alex for his initial suggestion.
Regards
Mick
Mick Parry
18-10-2009, 09:19
Whereabouts in Spain are you gonna be ? If, by any chance you´re coming out here to the Canaries, bring it all with you. On mainland Spain things are better but even so, even bad dealers are a bit thin on the ground. In my experience most seem to be speakers first, the bigger and more expensive the better (Wilsons at your local Corte Ingles department store,(or Avid, Martens and Boulder audio anyone ?) and bugger the source. Of course, there are some honourable exceptions - e.g. Adam at Eden Audio in Fuengirola. Check out his web page and forum to get an idea.
Chris
My shack is in a little village not far from Mojocar in the province of Almeria.
The problem with Spain is that 99% of the stuff sold is cheap tat and that applies across the board. The average income in spain is way below that in the UK and hence they tend to be unable to afford the quality that is normal here. A great number of ex pats actually buy stuff in the UK and then deliver it to their places in Spain. Hifi can be purchased in the UK and taken over either by courier or in a car. I will be buying a LHD car next year and will drive it to Spain because cars in Spain cost more.
I don't think most Brits realise how well off they are compared to other countries.
Regards
Mick
Think of it as an all-in one - Integrated Amp with built in CD Player and FM/DAB Tuner, with 5 Analogue inputs. Then, it also attaches to your home network (wirelessly, if you have wi-fi) to pick up streamed audio - either ripped/downloaded tracks from a computer, or internet radio. Finally, it also includes a built in DAC, so you can connect other devices digitally (DVD players, Sky box, games consoles etc.)
Everything you need for a digital system except speakers - and plenty of expansion if you want to add further sources at a later date.
Does that help?
Alex, Methinks you've been "indoctrinated" by Signals' just down the road...
Andre - Don't bother to criticise Naim in front of Mick as we've all seen the fallout before on other sites and it ain't a pleasant thing to see ;)
I just wish for two things regarding Mick - the first is to at least visit AVI and hear the ADM9.1's for himself (I'm sure they're not at all bad, all things [size] being considered). The second is to hear some decent Tannoys to replace those tired old 'briks with. Passive 'briks are horrendously uneven in performance and so easily outclassed by their active option I'm surprised they carried on so... Thinking "active" gives me an idea for a new thread...
Rare Bird
18-10-2009, 10:57
Dave:
I'm not intrested in arguing about one the most overrated british audio company of all time, i certainly won't react to it.
Mick Parry
18-10-2009, 21:26
Chaps
I am begining to think my best option is to buy a Naim Uniti and ship my SBLs from my dining room system over to Spain. I presume that the Uniti is capable of driving SBLs.
I could then move my Briks to the dining room and get some big 15"ers such as a Tannoys or DBLs for my main system.
If anyone has a better idea, I am all ears.
I have to say the advice on this forum is excellent.
Regards and impressed
Mick
hifi_dave
18-10-2009, 21:47
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Uniti if I were in the market for a simple, high quality, flexible, all in one system - it is truly excellent. The amplifier section is a Nait 5i and will, therefore, work a treat with SBL,s if that is your wish.
I was wondering what you thought of the Uniti hifi_dave - I noticed on the Uniti site that you don't come up as a dealer for it?
I'm pleased to hear from people on here that it sounds as good as the specs/component parts look - my interest in the Uniti and hence my research (and indoctrination, Dave DSJR!) is because with little fingers getting very interested in my system, I'm considering simplifying the living room hifi and getting it out of the reach of little hands... or maybe buy a cupboard! (Or a sideboard, of course! ;) ) I also think it is a very innovative design, and whatever any one thinks of Naim I personally think they should be applauded for developing it.
Alex, there's always the Rega Elicit - a stunning amp by all accounts...
Mick, to get anything like a High Fidelity sound out of a pair of DBL's is going to cost you very, very dearly, otherwise you're going to have a pair of wardrobe sized "juke-boxes" in your living room, that come nowhere near the similarly priced (or even cheaper) big PMC or ATC actives in performance (NBL's were much better, but still not good enough for the money IMHO). For a heck of a lot less, you could have some good old Tannoys, old or new, and if you buy right, they won't lose much value over the next few years.
hifi_dave
19-10-2009, 09:11
Alex, I didn't realise there was a specific Uniti site. I'll chase them up about it. I guess I'm not on it because I waited a while to see what it was like and if there was any interest in it before wading in.
It's a good bit of kit, after all it's the basic Naim units all in one box with a few extras thrown in. If you want a one-stop solution, this is one of the best.
Thanks Daves! Food for thought.
For a heck of a lot less, you could have some good old Tannoys, old or new, and if you buy right, they won't lose much value over the next few years.
What about the active Reveal 5a or 6a ? Have you listened to them ? Sorry to hijack the thread, but I have similar needs for a secondary room... ;)
I think I asked this on another thread... The little DC's aren't in the same league as the biggies I understand.
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