Just for a bit of fun, typed this into Google search to see what it says:
“Gadgetman” is a user name that appears frequently on the official Naim Audio community forum, rather than a widely-known professional reviewer with an external, independent platform for publishing formal reviews of Naim products.
Based on his activity on the forum, “Gadgetman” is an owner of Naim equipment who actively participates in technical discussions and offers advice to other users. His posts suggest:
He is knowledgeable about the technical aspects of Naim gear, such as power supplies, grounding, and power consumption.
He has experience with various Naim units, including a 102/180 system and XPS power supplies.
He appears to have a positive general opinion of the brand’s build quality and performance, as he owns multiple Naim components and discusses them in a user-to-user support context. He expresses satisfaction with using Naim kit and is interested in its longevity and proper usage.
He has commented on specific aspects like a “History of Naim” video, noting an “AI” sounding narrator as an “anathema for Naim audio”, suggesting a passion for the brand’s heritage.
In summary, “Gadgetman” is a involved Naim enthusiast who values the brand’s engineering and sound quality, rather than a neutral third-party “gadget” reviewer.
Now I’ve run this a couple of times, and get different answers each time. I’d say it’s mostly true, although I’ve never had a NAP180
P.S. I dont really expect replies to this, but thought other might like to try it for fun.
“Jamiewednesday" is an active user on the Naim Audio community forum who appears to have a positive relationship with Naim and its products. The user participates in various discussions related to hi-fi equipment, music, photography, and general current events on the official forum.
Specific points that indicate their general view include:
Active Participation: Their regular contributions across many years (dating back to at least 2006) on the official Naim forum suggest a sustained interest and engagement with the brand’s community.
Product Satisfaction: In a discussion about Naim Powerlines (a Naim product accessory), another user referenced a visit to Jamiewednesday’s home, stating the product “transforms systems at any level and is a bargain at £400 for the magnitude of improvement it brings,” implying Jamiewednesday is a satisfied customer who uses and enjoys Naim equipment.
Community Engagement: Their posts cover a range of general interest topics (e.g., photography, news, music) within the Naim forum’s “Lounge” section, indicating they feel comfortable and value the community built around the brand.
Based on their extensive and long-standing participation as a member of the Naim community and a user of its products, Jamiewednesday appears to have a favorable view of Naim.
“HungryHalibut” (real name Nigel) is a long-standing, well-regarded, and very active member of the official Naim Audio community forum, known for his
extensive personal experience as a Naim owner and a generally positive, though pragmatic, view of the brand and its products.
His opinions on Naim can be summarized as:
Strong overall satisfaction: He has used Naim equipment for decades and has built high-quality systems around their gear. He once stated, “I have not had sound this good for years, and quite frankly I never expected to be able to have something this capable again” regarding his system, which included Naim components.
**Emphasis on system synergy and setup:**He frequently provides technical advice on setup, such as the importance of proper stacking for pre-amps and the benefits of a dedicated power spur, and believes these details significantly improve the Naim experience.
Value in classic/older gear: He has a high opinion of classic Naim products, such as the Nait 2 and the Nait 5i, considering them “seriously good stuff” and excellent value. He’s a proponent of the Naim “source first” philosophy.
Pragmatic about upgrades: While acknowledging that add-ons like power supplies can offer significant improvements, he also notes they are optional and that a system can still sound great without them. He found the Naim Powerline produced little to no discernible difference in his system.
Critical of Naim’s communication/decisions: In recent years, he has been a vocal participant in threads discussing issues, particularly concerning new software updates, and has at times expressed frustration with Naim’s lack of communication or inadequate support for technical problems.
In short, HungryHalibut is a committed Naim enthusiast who values the brand’s core sound and engineering but is also willing to offer direct, constructive criticism when he feels necessary.
"…is a highly valued and regular contributor known for his balanced perspectives on various topics, including hi-fi equipment and networking insights. His contributions span technical advice in the “Hi-Fi Corner” and diverse discussions in the “Lounge,” often characterized by a pragmatic, witty, or humorous approach.”
Here are the key takeaways from Bruss’s contributions:
Brand Loyalty and Appreciation: Bruss expresses a form of brand loyalty, stating they stick with Naim because “If it aint broke, don’t fix it.” They have owned various Naim components over the years.
A “Naim Journey”: They describe their history with Naim as a “Naim journey,” starting with the Nait 2 (which they still own) and moving through components like the 112/150 and 202/200 combinations to more current equipment.
Sound Quality: Bruss values the Naim sound but notes that later/higher-end kit tends to have better control, especially with “less easy speakers,” compared to older equipment like the CB (Chrome Bumper) 250 amp. They state their Nait 2 has the “worst SQ I have owned,” but they keep it for nostalgia.
Specific Products:
They question the improvement of the 202/200 combination over the 112/150, suggesting either could have been dropped.
They prefer the classic 250-2 amplifier over the older CB 250 when driving their D9.2 speakers.
They express a liking for “shoebox sized boxes” like the classic Nait models.
Community Engagement: Bruss frequently participates in technical discussions on the forum, demonstrating a deep understanding and engagement with Naim’s products and setup recommendations (e.g., power supply placement, room acoustics).
In summary, Bruss is an experienced and generally satisfied Naim enthusiast who is actively involved in the community, providing critical, comparative, and technical feedback on Naim’s various product lines.
“Mike_S” is a user on the Naim Audio community forum with an extensive history of using Naim equipment
. His opinion on Naim gear is generally positive, but, like many dedicated users, he has also expressed concerns and criticisms, particularly regarding recent firmware updates and certain design choices.
Key aspects of Mike_S’s opinion:
Overall Positivity and Loyalty: Mike_S has been a long-time user of Naim systems, moving from a seven-box 500/300 set to the new classic series. He has expressed immense joy with his systems, finding that Naim gear unlocks a great connection to the music. He even noted in one post, “I can’t bring myself to sell my Naim system”.
Criticism of Recent Updates/Firmware Issues: He has been a vocal participant in threads discussing issues with recent Naim updates. He has reported experiencing “digital artifacts” after a new update and observed the sound of his NDX2 becoming “a lot brighter”. He also expressed frustration with the communication from Naim regarding these firmware issues.
Views on Accessories (Fraim): He has commented on the Naim Fraim equipment rack, suggesting that while it may make sense for some, it might not work in all rooms, especially when balancing sound quality with family aesthetics. He questioned why Naim makes equipment “hyper-sensitive to environmental differences”.
Design and Value: He has commented on Naim’s business model and pricing, noting that while Naim kits provided “immense joy” for years, prices have since “gone through the roof”. He generally feels Naim takes its time with new features and usually “nails it” when it does.
In summary, Mike_S is a satisfied long-term Naim customer who appreciates the unique “Pace, Rhythm, and Timing” (PRAT) and musical engagement of their products. However, he is a discerning user who is willing to critically point out flaws or issues when they arise, especially concerning software reliability and value propositions.