ok. i will look for one here in the states.
really? okay. will look into finding one i can demo.
Pass Labs INT60 is worth a look. It’s basically an XA30.8 amp with a solid preamp in front of it.
However, my first SN3 had a slight imbalance between channels. It was immediately present and my dealer worked with Naim NA to get a replacement unit. Less than a month later, I got it and that was early 2021. Been great ever since.
I know the quoted specs for capacitance from the speaker cable maker, but have you tested them with a multi meter? I don’t want to bang on about @Innocent_Bystander & @Svetty ‘s point….but the sheer statistical likelihood of you receiving two different SN3’s that both shared the EXACT same latent-fault is very very low.
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Obviously I was referring to UK availability and price. In the US, I don’t know what that’s like.
Certainly not a marginal improvement in my opinion.
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understood.
I can only agree with @NigelB @elverdiblanco and @MrFixit . NPX300 is not a marginal improvement at all with the 222/250. Of course only you @Markblosil can decide whether it’s worth it or not. The bare 222/250 works pretty well with the Kantas and I understand why it could be enough for some people, I think it also depends on the kind of music you listen to.
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pretty eclectic taste in music. i picked the kanta’s because of how well drums sound. i demoed them with simon phillips protocol, and the drums sounded amazing.
while i am still rock oriented, with the 222, i am discovering a lot of sonically brilliant music, from billie eilish’s “everything i wanted”, to “Stardust” by Anna von Hausswolff. fantastic recordings.
but you, and the others that have weighed in, have me now wanting to give the 300 a listen.
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That’s one of the reasons why I chose the Kantas too. Check out:
Detour - La Securite
Cavern - Liquid Liquid
Is It Always Binary - Soulwax.
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Consider Moonriver 404 Reference. Soon there will be a sibling of it, 606.
When I was going to upgrade from 5si to sn3, I somehow found 404 Reference in my setup.
Despite the fact it has a bit modest power rating, however, it is quite capable amplifier.
Its sibling, 606, will have twice bigger power rating.
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@JamesBKK will do!
It’s just as surprising the amount of people that go up and down the Naim ladder (usually old classic) and are never happy, but still act as if no other brand exists.
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I’ve done some multimeter tests on the speaker cables and the speakers. Here are the results:
1. Resistance testing the speaker cables. Multimeter set to 200 ohms, one probe touching red banana other probe touching other end red banana. Result: 0.4 ohms. Same test for black and also for other cable, red and black. Same result: 0.4 ohms.
2. Test for short between connectors on cables. Multimeter set to 200 ohms. One probe on red, one on black. Result: OL.
3. As per 2 but wiggling cable to test for intermittent shorts. Result: same as 2.
4. Test for DC resistance at speaker terminals checking for partially shorted voice coil and correct continuity. Multimeter set to 200 ohms. Probes touching positive and negative binding posts. Result: 5.5 ohms for each speaker.
5. Check for speaker cabinet short to ground. Multimeter set to 200 ohms. Positive probe to cabinet metal, negative to cabinet. Result : OL.
6. No visible damage to woofer cones. No rattling or grinding or scraping sound when gently pushing each woofer.
Conclusion is that the speakers and cables are fine. Thanks to the above folk who asked, it’s a relief to get this ruled out.
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Personally I think the 222/250 paired with the Kantas is excellent and very engaging with rock and pop music, so I’m not surprised about your choice. The kick and the powerful response of the Kantas with such a system is fantastic.
“Unluckily” I mostly listen to jazz and jazz fusion, therefore the Kantas presentation isn’t for me, I find the Sopra more balanced for this kind of music. Also the 222/250 would need the NPX300 to gain the clarity and soundstage I look for. So yes, you need to give a try and come to your own conclusion.
Interesting that you mentioned Simon Phillips, I have his Protocol V album. Despite loving the music, I don’t really enjoy the recording quality for some reasons. I much prefer his Telarc recordings from Hiromi’s trio project, such a different presentation in the mid range.
When I demoed the Kantas for the first time, the dealer played Francine Thirteen - Queen Mary with an astonishing bass line and Robert Plant - Sixs Sevens. You should try Queen Mary if you’ve never had the chance, what a punch and presence.
@Blacknote I too love jazz fusion. Dave Weckl and Steve Smith are good friends of mine and love their playing.
Check out Protocol III–the tune Narmada–Simon Phillips kit is always tuned so beautifully.
Regarding the NPX 300, the 300 says it has Discrete Regulators for cleaner power to the 222, so do i need an external power conditioner for the components–like Transparent Audio? I guess i could get a power conditioner for the 250.
Appreciate the feedback!
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You absolutely don’t need a power conditioner, unless you have really bad mains. One of the best things you can do is install a dedicated mains supply, with its own consumer unit.
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Okay–i will see if that is feasible. But if not?
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Pass labs or looking for a Bryston.
But personally I think you will regret moving away. Put the money into a better set of speakers.
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The Heed Lagrange sounds completely different than the SN3.
I had both home for comparison, before I bought SN3
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How lucky of you to have those two friends, they are both fantastic drum players even though I prefer Weckl, I’ve been to one of his concerts with Patitucci and Calderazzo, great experience.
Thanks for the suggestion about Protocol III, I’ll look for it!
I agree with @HungryHalibut , no reason to install a power conditioner in my opinion. Dedicated mains is quite an upgrade, I was shocked the first time I tried it, what an improvement. If you can’t install it, you might want to look for a grounding device like the Nordost QKore but it’s not that cheap.