Naim amplifiers

[Lawrence001]

Later when I bought a used Linn/Naim phono-stage from another Linn/Naim stockist, I was asked if the Asak "worked at all in an SME arm"?

Did they mean did it sound good, or were they not even sure it could reproduce sound on a non Linn arm??

[majex45]

In my youth I hankered after a Naim system. Then a couple of years ago I managed to buy an old (rather than classic) Naim system.
I have a CD5i, NAC 112, NAP 150 and a Flatcap 2 into Spendor BC1 speakers. I am using the Naim interconnects but home-made speaker cables.
I rather like the sound, it is punchy and immediate (good for 70s rock especially) but requires you to listen rather than having it as background (the byword of NAIM is PRAT which means; Pace, Rhythm and Timing. However it does not knock spots of my other system (Audiolab) and they have different characteristics, they are in different rooms so where I listen determines which system I use.
If you can, listen before you buy especially as even a second hand system will be expensive. Note that older NAIM CD players are no longer repairable by NAIM (or anyone else, possibly).
I have no plans to replace any of the components at this stage and am happy with the sound.
Three negatives with my system: 1) The power on delay is in the order of minutes rather than seconds. 2) The CD player display is very basic. 3) It uses DIN connectors so hooking up a more modern CD or tuner is not so easy.
As an aside: I went to the NAIM factory many years ago to try to sell them some components. Julian showed me round and was really nice to a young rep trying to sell him something. He took me into the demo room and we were listening to some female vocals when I noticed that I was listening to the music rather than trying to sell my components. Hmmmm, perhaps there is something in this after all. I still have the visitor badge somewhere!

[Alex_UK]

Great story, Peter! But DID you sell him something!?