View Full Version : Is Naim Audio bad for your health?
Should all Naim gear carry a health warning just like packets of cigarettes?
http://forums.naim-audio.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/58019385/m/9472900727/p/1
Apparently it was the 282 to 252 upgrade that finally did it. Somebody please help me, did I just dream all that? :rolleyes:
When you end up thinking that most people around you are someway nuts, then the nut is probably you.
That's the problem with most psychologists: ignoring evidence. :)
hifinutt
07-12-2009, 21:02
not sure about that but its very bad for your wallet
I'm finding it hard to resist the temptation to make any jokes at this persons expense. . .
Frankly, I don't blame his wife for walking out on him. lets hope this will be the wake up call he needs. Audio equipment is a means to an end, not the end itself.
And maybe once he he buys himself some cheep but respectable non-Naim equipment he'll finally find the Audio nirvana that he's been searching for all these years . . .
And then he can divert his OCD into something really worthwhile . . . buying records to play on his Tekky . . . .:eyebrows:
Seriously though, my housemate has OCD. It's not easy to live with. It would be a lot easier for me if her OCD was buying records instead of tents (weird huh?)
Should all Naim gear carry a health warning just like packets of cigarettes?
http://forums.naim-audio.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/58019385/m/9472900727/p/1
Apparently it was the 282 to 252 upgrade that finally did it. Somebody please help me, did I just dream all that? :rolleyes:
Actually I don't believe a word of it, it reads like an ultimate fanbois post.....sort of similiar to the propaganda badly wrote rubbish published back in thee day in The Flat Response and HiFi Review
Health warning?.....possibly for Linn gear as well :ner:
http://forums.naim-audio.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/58019385/m/9472900727/p/1
Apparently it was the 282 to 252 upgrade that finally did it. Somebody please help me, did I just dream all that?
Surely that thread is a wind-up? If not, then some folk really need their heads looked at! Dear oh dear... :rolleyes:
Marco.
Mick Parry
07-12-2009, 21:49
Chaps
I have two Naim systems and I work mainly from home and I have something playing nearly all of the time.
Having a Naim system means that I am hearing better music than what 99% of the population ever will do.
The music lifts my spirits and fills me with joy and to conclude, Naim is very good for my health.
Regards
Mick
Evening, Mick.
Having a Naim system means that I am hearing better music than what 99% of the population ever will do.
When you get a valve amp and a big pair of Tannoys, you can say hello to the other 1% ;)
Marco.
The Vinyl Adventure
07-12-2009, 22:02
Evening, Mick.
When you get a valve amp and a big pair of Tannoys, you can say hello to the other 1% ;)
Marco.
You two as as bad as each other ;)
i feel sorry for the guy, lack of self control is never fun, i have had my fair share of adictions but fortunatly have the abilty to know when to not buy omething.. however tempting it might be!
Mick Parry
07-12-2009, 22:02
Marco
I have been listening to my Naim all day and hence I am a happy person and I am full of joy and love. I am now too nice to squabble.
You on the other hand, have been listening to "legacy equipment" to quote you know who and as such you are less joyous than me and hence your little dig.
That is my proof that Naim makes you happier than anything else.
Regards
Mick .. who is happier than the happiest person in the world
The Vinyl Adventure
07-12-2009, 22:12
thats silly
Mick Parry
07-12-2009, 22:15
Hamish
You cannot bait me.
Regards
Mick
If you bait 'em, join 'em!
Marco
I have been listening to my Naim all day and hence I am a happy person and I am full of joy and love. I am now too nice to squabble.
You on the other hand, have been listening to "legacy equipment" to quote you know who and as such you are less joyous than me and hence your little dig.
That is my proof that Naim makes you happier than anything else.
Regards
Mick .. who is happier than the happiest person in the world
Aye, of course!
Out of interest then, who are the remaining 1% of the population hearing Sarah Brightman through their hi-fi systems better than you? :lol: ;)
Marco.
You have to understand that the guy's post has nothing to do with Naim. It could have been any hifi equipment, in fact. :)
Aye, of course!
Out of interest then, who are the remaining 1% of the population hearing Sarah Brightman through their hi-fi systems better than you? :lol: ;)
Marco.
Ashley James and JCBRum!
The Vinyl Adventure
07-12-2009, 22:50
i aint baiting, it just seems a bit of a strange thing to say to someone who has bought "legacy" equipment instead of a naim system... obviously, rightly or wrongly marco is going to concidor him self one of that other 1%.. and is obviously happy in his decision
Mick Parry
07-12-2009, 23:37
Hamish
I need to explain something to you.
Is you email address hamish@sensahumafailure.co.uk
Regards
Mick
The Vinyl Adventure
07-12-2009, 23:41
No you have read that wrong it's Hamish@findsastuckrecordfrustrating.com
The Vinyl Adventure
07-12-2009, 23:44
You could also write to nobody@wehavehearditallbefore.com
Hey ! That's my e-mail address !
Mick Parry
07-12-2009, 23:54
Hamish
You are becoming an irritating little man. EVERYTHING in hifi fora as been repeated 1000 times before, some people like Naim, some people like valves, some even like digital. We have heard it all before. Surprise surprise you will hear it a thousand times again.
However you utter stupidity has done it for me, I am going to depart from this forum. I do not socialise with sour people in the real world and I do not need to do it here. You will not have to put up with me playing the same old record again.
Chaps ... he is all yours and you are welcome to him.
Regards
Mick
The Vinyl Adventure
07-12-2009, 23:54
:lol:
Hi Mick,
Oooh, that's a bit harsh...
I think that you're misreading Hamish, erm, somewhat :doh:
That's the problem, old chap, when you just pop in now and then and don't get to know people (or their posting style) properly ;)
I'm sure you'll be back for a look in due course.
Marco.
Steve Toy
08-12-2009, 00:28
Mick,
Hamish recently had an epiphany moment. It was a two-stage event. First he discovered a valve power amp that controlled his speakers better than that Naim NAP 180 but it lost the pace of the Naim.
Then a few minutes later he heard a valve pre into said valve power amp that restored the pace/timing and added a few bells on to boot. Shit happens and there is no need to react adversely in order to to assert some kind of masonic loyalty to Salisbury.
Salisbury will continue to do fine as it should, but there is no need for you to feel compromised along the way.
I hope you are able to accept these wisdom pearls from a younger and lesser man like myself.
And Hamish who is a thoroughly decent young chap.
In any case, this forum has seen enough strops for one day. Two is a lot for us as we are still small and cosy. :)
I think (hope) that Mick's tongue has been firmly in his cheek all along, at least that's how I've always interpreted his posts? :confused: (otherwise I would have an entirely different view, and wouldn't have bitten my own tongue on several occasions!)
Steve Toy
08-12-2009, 00:43
Mick 'as this terrible 'abbit of sniffing out Naim threads and feels the need at every turn to Defend the Faith.
Mick, you need a 555, a 552 and some of those mains leads they do now, then you'll hit the Naim nirvana that I'd settle for.
The CDS3 is a Meridian - too sweet and smooth and not really naim imho.
The Vinyl Adventure
08-12-2009, 00:58
It seems that naim system only provides a thin surface of happiness...
Mick if you want to take what I say that badly it's your business, but I personally think it would be a shame if you or any other member didn't return, it's a comunity of people with lots of different veiws! Everyone takes the piss out of marco for his constant babbleing about his tannoys and 1210, you just gotta take it on the chin!
Anyway I'm making no more of a joke at your expence than you made at mine! It's only a forum convo, I shouldn't get your knickers in a twist and let what I say ruin what sounds like quite a good day listening to choons ... I'm only having a laugh!
Mick,
Hamish recently had an epiphany moment. It was a two-stage event. First he discovered a valve power amp that controlled his speakers better than that Naim NAP 180 but it lost the pace of the Naim.
Of course, if he had been listening to an OTL valve amp there would have been no loss of pace in the first place.....
I'll get me coat (note spacing)....
Mick apparently ALWAYS has his tongue firmly in his cheek (so I've been told by someone who knows him better than I).
I think it should be applauded that he has a stereo he enjoys listening to. It's all about music after all, isn't it????????
marco for his constant babbleing about his tannoys and 1210
Ye Gods man get a grip, you forgot to mention the R1 :spank:
Hehehe... The R1 transport has unfortunately been no more for sometime (due to popping its clogs), Kris. It's an X-777ES CDP and DAS-R1 DAC now :)
And don't forget about the Mark Grant cables! :eyebrows:
Marco.
StanleyB
08-12-2009, 08:24
I am not a Naim fan myself, but Naim owners are within the top 5 of buyers of my DAC range. I have often wondered why that is:scratch:.
Naim, its just like Marmite
LOL, Kris!
As for Naim gear, I ran a system comprising of CDS2/XPS (later upgraded to XPS2)/52/Supercap/135s for many years and loved every minute of it, so I won't slag the company or its equipment now simply because I've changed to valves. People who do that I'm afraid are just idiots.
I really can't stand people who use (and rave about) a particular manufacturer's equipment, change to something else, and then spend forever slagging off the kit they previously used (and supposedly enjoyed) for years. If it was great then, it's still great now - all you've done is moved to something else for whatever valid reason. It doesn't demean or devalue the merit of what you used before! I also have a good rapport with the guys at the helm of Naim.
As Steve (Toy) has said before (who's also someone from a 'Naim background'), the type of valve gear him and I use now exhibits all the renowned traits of a good Naim system (pace, rhythm and timing, speed, and 'bass drive'), but with all the things, for us, Naim gear does less well (tonal colour/richness, texture, image height and depth, etc), so we've now got the best of both worlds... It's essentially valves for discerning 'Naimees'! :)
This is probably a rather controversial statement, but a good Naim system actually has quite a lot in common with the type of valve equipment we use now, in terms of how effectively the musical message (and the emotive element therein) is conveyed, which is something I think good Naim systems do very well. They're definitely a little rough around the edges (one has to prioritise certain aspects of presentation and thus make compromises when voicing equipment - all manufacturers do), but a good Naim system, in my experience, can be very musically addictive.
Steve and I weren't going to just abandon, all of a sudden, the principles we've adopted and believed in for years! Quite simply, the valve equipment we use now gave us more of what we always loved about the musical presentation of a top-flight, (properly set-up) Naim system, so in that sense, we haven't abandoned our 'flat-earth' principles, far from it - and probably never will....
Therefore our move from Naim (and Densen/Spectral) to valves wasn't a wholesale change in terms of what we valued about how hi-fi systems should present music, but rather an extension and development of them to take us to the next level. A warm-sounding, 'rose-tinted' presentation, stereotypically (and wrongly in many cases) associated with valve equipment was most certainly NOT what we were looking for. This is probably one of the reasons why neither of us gets on terribly well with SET amps (although there are exceptions to the rule).
The above is essentially what Steve was getting at when he added his views in reference to 'Nailing our colours to the mast' recently in our forum ethos :cool:
Marco.
The Vinyl Adventure
08-12-2009, 09:49
Mick apparently ALWAYS has his tongue firmly in his cheek (so I've been told by someone who knows him better than I).
I think it should be applauded that he has a stereo he enjoys listening to. It's all about music after all, isn't it????????
Yep, and it was my assumtion that his comments were meant in jest! Hense my giving as good as I got! I loved my naim system, and have full intention of buying a smaller one as a second system! I'm suprised he lost his rag with me, especially as the only time I have actually said somthing to him with malicious intent in the past I openly apologised on the forum! I guess my sence of humor just isn't compatible with his? I'm sure he didn't lose any sleep over it , I am mearly an "iritating little man" after all!
The Vinyl Adventure
08-12-2009, 09:53
I'm not sorry for upsetting Mick, that's his own ott business! but I apologise to the rest of you for making someone decide this place isn't for them, that wouldn't be my intention in any circumstance!!
Yes, Naim knocking is just a bit of fun, but having suffered through the 80's having it shoved down your throat every time you opened a magazine, and the total snobishness of the dealers every time I went to audition any of it . . well, sorry, but all I can say is thank God I never got sucked in.
I'm not sorry for upsetting Mick, that's his own ott business! but I apologise to the rest of you for making someone decide this place isn't for them, that wouldn't be my intention in any circumstance!!
No need to apologize for other people's decisions, Hamish.
Forget it, mate: I guess it has nothing to do with you. ;)
The Vinyl Adventure
08-12-2009, 10:08
So in conclusion, naim is bad for your health... After all look what happened in this tread!
The Vinyl Adventure
08-12-2009, 10:11
No need to apologize for other people's decisions, Hamish.
Forget it, mate: I guess it has nothing to do with you. ;)
:)
So in conclusion, naim is bad for your health... After all look what happened in this tread!
Me, what I see (not knowing anything about the guy and not giving a dime about Naim) is that a guy comes, claims he's the happiest (:eek:) chap, that he's full of love, then goes away slamming the door for some (old) reason.
Looks like the game of the "seven abnormal details", to me ! :lol:
But, of course, I'm too-simple-minded : everybody can see... :mental:
The Vinyl Adventure
08-12-2009, 10:28
Like I said before, it apears it provides happiness - but it's a shallow layer of happiness that barely masks something more sinister below?? I wonder if he is questioning his faith and devotion? I suspect not...
Hi Kris,
Yes, Naim knocking is just a bit of fun, but having suffered through the 80's having it shoved down your throat every time you opened a magazine, and the total snobishness of the dealers every time I went to audition any of it . . well, sorry, but all I can say is thank God I never got sucked in.
I agree wholeheartedly and sympathise with that view. I've experienced the same thing myself. However one has to be careful not to allow a negative experience like that to taint our views of the equipment itself. It's, after all in that respect, 'innocent'.
One should always judge hi-fi equipment on its looks and/or performance, and not allow politics to enter the equation; certainly if one considers oneself fair (and also open) minded.
If you hate how Naim gear sounds, that's fine, but it's stupid to 'hate' the company or the equipment it makes because of the behaviour or attitude in the past of some idiotic dealers (or 'fanbois'), not that I'm accusing you of doing this - I am merely making a point in general :)
The merits or otherwise of the equipment itself should always be divorced from such things.
Marco.
P.S Mick is like Marmite - you either love or loath him! He ain't gonna change.
Spectral Morn
08-12-2009, 11:04
Yep, and it was my assumtion that his comments were meant in jest! Hense my giving as good as I got! I loved my naim system, and have full intention of buying a smaller one as a second system! I'm suprised he lost his rag with me, especially as the only time I have actually said somthing to him with malicious intent in the past I openly apologised on the forum! I guess my sence of humor just isn't compatible with his? I'm sure he didn't lose any sleep over it , I am mearly an "iritating little man" after all!
Absolutely NOT Hamish...charming and unique...a one off...:)
Regards D S D L
MP is old enough and ugly enough to look after himself, he gets far more of a slagging on other forums, indeed he seems to go out of his way to encourage it so I guess he secretly gets a buzz from all the arguments he starts. Mr. Opinionated of Swindon will be back as soon as he finds another stick to stir the sh1t with;).
Steve Toy
08-12-2009, 11:25
Hamish are you excited cos I'm sure Santa is on his way :eyebrows:
The Vinyl Adventure
08-12-2009, 11:42
Absolutely NOT Hamish...charming and unique...a one off...:)
Regards D S D L
cheers Neil
what a nice thing to say!!
The Vinyl Adventure
08-12-2009, 11:43
Hamish are you excited cos I'm sure Santa is on his way :eyebrows:
Indeedy sat in the living room twiddleing my thumbs in antisipation!
I'd agree with Neil, you're not an "irritating little man" at all - from the pictures I've seen you look quite tall? ;)
Rare Bird
08-12-2009, 11:46
Anyway I'm making no more of a joke at your expence than you made at mine! It's only a forum convo, I shouldn't get your knickers in a twist and let what I say ruin what sounds like quite a good day listening to choons ... I'm only having a laugh!
You know what Naim owners are like.
Indeedy sat in the living room twiddleing my thumbs in antisipation!
Enjoy it, matey, as I'm sure you will ;)
I echo what Neil says - you're a very valued member of our community, so don't ever forget it! :)
Marco.
Hamish are you excited cos I'm sure Santa is on his way :eyebrows:
He'll have an empty sack any minute! :eyebrows:
(sorry, had to beat Marco to it) ;)
The Vinyl Adventure
08-12-2009, 11:50
I'd agree with Neil, you're not an "irritating little man" at all - from the pictures I've seen you look quite tall? ;)
Well, I am only 5'9" you have prob seen me next to my 5'2" lady! :)
The Vinyl Adventure
08-12-2009, 12:03
Cheers for the nice comments guys, I'm quite happy though, I really don't care what Mick thinks of me! I'm well aware of my faults as a person but I'm fairly sure iritating isn't one of them! I'm also quite comfortable in my member ship o this forum, i'm fairly certain I share veiws and ideals with most of the regulars! So happy days basically!
He'll have an empty sack any minute! :eyebrows:
(sorry, had to beat Marco to it) ;)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, 'hummina hummina'... http://www.smileys4me.com/getsmiley.php?show=3895
Shpank that monkee, babby!!
Marco.
I was talking about Santa delivering the goods, you perv! :)
I was going to post a detailed reply along the lines of the various generations of naim all sounding different when new (and certainly so now they often have several decades under their belts...) but the laptop overheated and promptly shut down. I can't be a*sed to type it all again..
Basically, in my experience, SOME Naims give you a headache and some gloriously DON'T!!! Judging by the change in distortion patterns of the current stuff, I'd agree with HiFi Dave in saying the current range is actually toned down a little over previous CB and Olive ware, whilst keeping the "kick" that Naimies love so much.
Put it this way, If I was offered a bolt-up 250 or 120 with 12s at a favourable price and I had the funds spare, I'd grab 'em and treasure them for the classics they are.........
DanJennings
08-12-2009, 12:29
I'd agree with Neil, you're not an "irritating little man" at all - from the pictures I've seen you look quite tall? ;)
Nah, he's a right shortarse! But he makes up for it in toe girth....
Hi Dave,
Basically, in my experience, SOME Naims give you a headache and some gloriously DON'T!!! Judging by the change in distortion patterns of the current stuff, I'd agree with HiFi Dave in saying the current range is actually toned down a little over previous CB and Olive ware, whilst keeping the "kick" that Naimies love so much.
I basically agree, although apart from the CDS555/552/500 (which is ludicrously expensive) I don't care much for the current range of kit. The new stuff certainly has, as you say, been "toned down", but in my view much of the uniqueness of how Naim gear reproduced music has been toned down with it.
For me, the sound of their kit now is much more mainstream and 'safe', which is good for Naim from a business point of view (I understand and appreciate why they did it), as it means that their equipment appeals to a much wider audience, but to the 'old diehards' like me, in doing so, the gear lost much of its 'soul' in the process and its niche appeal that attracted me to it in the first place. It's why I 'left the fold' and started experimenting with other kit until I discovered the joys of valves.
Incidentally, I'm not just talking here about sound, but also looks. I much preferred the 'industrial'/quirky look of the 'olive' and 'bolt-up' ranges, the rubber around the control knobs (the shoe box-sized kit, Hi-caps aside), and in particular, the Naim logo used on the 'olive' range compared to that abomination (in comparison) that they use now.
Sure, the old 'olive' range could sometimes sound as rough as a dog (surprisingly less so though with careful set-up), but I loved it's 'Rottweiler' way with music, and how it boogied like a bastard when the music was in its favour. I enjoyed some truly grin-inducing times with my Naim system.
However, I get all of that now with my valve gear - and then some, so there are no regrets whatsoever!! :eyebrows:
Put it this way, If I was offered a bolt-up 250 or 120 with 12s at a favourable price and I had the funds spare, I'd grab 'em and treasure them for the classics they are.........
Agreed. My comments on the performance of Naim gear are almost exclusively in reference to the 'bolt-up' or 'olive' series of equipment :)
Marco.
One should always judge hi-fi equipment on its looks and/or performance, and not allow politics to enter the equation; certainly if one considers oneself fair (and also open) minded.
I totally completely agree Marco. It's a pity the dealer I went to didn't, otherwise I might have bought a Linn/Naim system myself. As it was he basically refused to let me compare a Linn/Naim against anything else as it would be a "waste of his time". Oh, he also tried to educate me about how to listen to music . . . Frankly he was the perfect example of everything that was wrong with the Linn/Naim religion.
I was young, I had money (an inheritance), and I knew bullshite when I saw it. I went out and bought something else and spent the money I saved on a Canon SLR.
A late reply to an ageing thread, but I've noticed it's the owners of CB and Olive Naims that seem to be the most vociferous and occasionally unpleasant on forums - a reflection on some dealer's attitudes back then perhaps?
I suspect that owners of very early or current product are delighted with their purchases and leave the rest well alone........and so they should do too!
Perhaps because they don't know any better, Dave?
I always find it interesting (and many ways amusing) observing the reaction of a 'Naim newbie' when he or she is exposed to the sound of a properly set-up classic Naim system from the famous/infamous (delete as applicable) Salisbury company's bygone era........ ;)
Marco.
Good or bad????? :lol:
Gotta dash - speak laters..........
Earlier on in this thread I made a joke as if I was a traditional Naim owner buying a pair of Mark Grant Cables. Unfortunately some people didn't get the joke, even though I felt it was pretty obvious it was a joke (only one pin on each end, the other four missing - [Naim always used to come with 5 pin Din plugs])
Obviously my joke was too obtuse for some people. I apologise for any bad feeling I have caused. I have never heard Mark Grant cables, I have no opinion of them other than what members here have already posted, which is that they are very good value for money and sound great.
I have learnt my lesson. In future I won't be making any jokes, nor participating in contentious threads.
The Vinyl Adventure
10-12-2009, 19:03
I got it kris...
I remember the thread and remember to have noticed the missing pins... :lol:
I rather like my Naim CD555/PS555 and my wife had no problem with me buying it. But I'd imagine she'd have been pissed if I tried to sneak it by.
Hi Kris,
Thanks for that. I'm sure that Mark will appreciate the apology. I got your joke too, hence why I said nothing at the time, but obviously Mark didn't, which is kind of crucial!
What you have to remember is that, other than replying to PMs for cable orders, Mark rarely participates in day-to-day forum shenaningans, and so would easily misinterpret your little joke because it's unlikely he'll have read what preceeded it :)
That's why it's sometimes helpful to use smileys... A ';)' after making a joke helps successfully convey the right message. It's one to remember in future :cool:
Marco.
P.S I'm sure that this little mishap won't stop you in future making jokes or praticipating in 'contentious' threads ;)
Beechwoods
10-12-2009, 19:31
P.S I'm sure that this little mishap won't stop you in future making jokes or praticipating in 'contentious' threads ;)
Same here! I got it, but then, I have the same problem with Quad cables :lol::rolleyes:
hifi_dave
10-12-2009, 19:43
I also got it but I'm only posting so that I can use another smiley.:wetkipper:
The Grand Wazoo
10-12-2009, 21:33
I got it too - thought it was great!
I try to get by without using Smileys & look at the bun fights I've been in!
Hi Chris,
I try to get by without using Smileys...
Why exactly? I have to admit that I've never understood this. Appropriate use of smileys, in my opinion, aids effective communication on a number of levels, and they're fun!
I've always felt that people who don't like using smileys on forums were po-faced and boring (effectively grumpy old men), but knowing you quite well, you certainly don't come into that category, so what gives, muchacho? :)
Marco.
The Grand Wazoo
10-12-2009, 21:55
I guess it's just that I love the English language & try to express myself in the best way I can using that - and sometimes a gentle bending of it's rules gets your point across & can raise a smile.
I've always had a great respect for the written word & like to think I can say everything that needs to be said including subtle nuances just like a winking smiley with the use of appropriate emphasis & choice of words.
Or maybe it's just because I'm often a tongue-tied gibbering nonsense-monger when I try to express myself verbally!
I guess it's just that I love the English language & try to express myself in the best way I can using that - and sometimes a gentle bending of it's rules gets your point across & can raise a smile.
I've always had a great respect for the written word & like to think I can say everything that needs to be said including subtle nuances just like a winking smiley with the use of appropriate emphasis & choice of words.
I share your sentiments, and have similar skills... BUT - smileys are fun to use, regardless, especially 'naughty' ones!
http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/8663/1495.gif (http://img109.imageshack.us/i/1495.gif/)
I will admit though that I haven't really grown up (in many ways)! ;)
Marco.
The Vinyl Adventure
10-12-2009, 22:17
I use smileys just to avoid risk of offence! My English and grammer isn't great, as you all know, so my confidence to not potray offence when it isn't intended is quite low. I'd love to be able to not use them, but in a forum environment I think it, for me at least, is wise! And to be fair, for those who are good at english, it provides a type of universaly recognisable form of short hand. To summerise, think smiles are good, even if it is just to aid lazyness! :)
Haselsh1
10-12-2009, 22:21
Naim equipment is listened to by people with a serious inferiority complex. That's why they own it. It gives them an overblown sense of superiority to overcome their own inferiority. I gave up on Naim in 1978 when I realised I was no longer inferior.
The Grand Wazoo
10-12-2009, 22:27
I don't have a problem with them or their use, it's just that I prefer not to use them myself.
Primalsea
10-12-2009, 22:32
I was told of once by another forum member (not AOS) for not using a smiley. Apparently even though I worded the genuinely jovial quip properly he took offence even though it wasn't aimed at him. Someone else explained it was a joke so he told me off for not putting a smiley in!
Luckily someone else kindly butted in explaining that it was quite clear from the language used it was a joke and he should have a bit of a reality check.
I'm over it now though!
Please look at my new thread called "Venting at complete arse holes who have pissed you right off on forums"!
I'm so over it I wont be posting on it myself.
Mr retentively angry, UK aged 34 & 1/4.
The Vinyl Adventure
10-12-2009, 22:42
Naim equipment is listened to by people with a serious inferiority complex. That's why they own it. It gives them an overblown sense of superiority to overcome their own inferiority. I gave up on Naim in 1978 when I realised I was no longer inferior.
Ime it's it's about wanting what is widly concidored the best, an therfore the best ... That's why I bought it! I still think it's good, it's just really bad value for money!
Haselsh1
10-12-2009, 22:43
Naim equipment is listened to by people with a serious inferiority complex. That's why they own it. It gives them an overblown sense of superiority to overcome their own inferiority. I gave up on Naim in 1978 when I realised I was no longer inferior.
;)
I rather like my Naim CD555/PS555 and my wife had no problem with me buying it. But I'd imagine she'd have been pissed if I tried to sneak it by.
You'll be sick as a dog when you get to hear the new top Rega CD player....apparently.... :eek:
Naim equipment is listened to by people with a serious inferiority complex. That's why they own it. It gives them an overblown sense of superiority to overcome their own inferiority. I gave up on Naim in 1978 when I realised I was no longer inferior.
I cannot let this pass - sorry!!!
Back in the "bolt-up" days, Naim DID set the pace for all the others to follow, at least in the UK. Back then, we had huge US amps one step removed from PA models (yes, even late seventies Crown...), a tiny handful of decent Jap top models and shedloads of total CR@P!!!!!!!
I'd heard an early (1975 vintage) 12/160 combo and the "kick" this amp gave was perfect for laid back Spendors and Rogers. A then new staff member (John Oliver of Listening Rooms fame) bought in his 120 with 12 pre and we compared the 120 with the Lux M4000 w@nkfest. The Naim "creamed" it totally (sorry ;)) and was so much clearer and easier to listen to on all counts.
In 1977 we took on Linn and Naim, Jimmy gave me the LP12 setup course as taught to him by Julian Vereker and the rest is history. Nytech and Sugden soon followed and all was dandy until the hard-hitting CB range came out and Ab Sounds brought in their early wares and people wanted them.....
Naim has ALWAYS been too expensive in material terms. It's just that cheaper and better performing products now exist from the likes of Rega, LFD and Croft to name but three. The top Cambridge amps are supposedly really good too, but their lack of "character" doesn't appeal to some.. On the pro side, I've read some favourable comments of MC2's amps, which look to be beautifully finished and made, powerful and decent sounding too...
You'll be sick as a dog when you get to hear the new top Rega CD player....apparently.... :eek:
Dave, have you listened to a Northstar Design Sapphire or a CDTransportMKII+Extremo ? If not, try to get one to listen, I'm sure you'll like. ;)
Mike Reed
12-12-2009, 20:13
I cannot let this pass - sorry!!!
I'd heard an early (1975 vintage) 12/160 combo and the "kick" this amp gave was perfect for laid back Spendors and Rogers. A then new staff member (John Oliver of Listening Rooms fame) bought in his 120 with 12 pre and we compared the 120 with the Lux M4000 w@nkfest. The Naim "creamed" it totally (sorry ;)) and was so much clearer and easier to listen to on all counts.
.
Interesting. My intro. to Naim was a secondhand 42/110 in about '83 as I wanted something to drive my 15 ohm LS3 5As. I'd never heard of Naim.
Whereas they did well with these speakers in the study, they made my Leak 2075 'Dalek-like' monstrosities in my listening room sound bloody awful. They had sounded okay with my RCA valved monos (not unlike Quads).
I concluded that they WERE awful, changed to Isobariks and started the Naim upgrade thing with 32.5 and 250.
With my fairly recent return to valved power it appears the generational pendulum may be swinging back. Couldn't imagine the top Naim pre. being ousted, though; the pendulum stops there!
Leak 2075's weren't the best speakers ever made I agree, but the 42/110 could bark like a yappy terrier when compared to the Nait 1 and 2 and 135's, let alone the bolt-up stuff I loved so much back then.
A bolt-up 250 sounded very close to the EAR509's when driven by a 12 and Snaps I found. The CB250 sounded totally different IMO - much harder hitting and "percussive," although the trade-off was a total lack of "soul" until the 135's appeared, and even these needed a few months "running-in" before the rough edges rubbed off I found...
'Briks? ACTIVE ONLY in my opinion and even then, the Naim crossover doesn't balance the rising response properly, nor does it roll off the B139 bass unit smartly enough as Meridian found...
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