Atom HE/NAP 250/Focal Aria 926: what's next?

Hi All,

I am a happy user of Atom HE with a NAP 250 (old, 2004 probably); Naim DIN/RCA cable in between. Cardas Crosslink 3m to Focal Aria 926. Meze 109Pro as headphones (brilliant with Atom HE). I stream from Qobuz.

First of all, I want to thank all of you who helped me out with the previous amp issue I was facing (Cyrus Stereo 200, the sound was dull/muffled, inaccurate), and suggested to get a pre-loved NAP250, on this topic: Atom Uniti Headphones Edition
It was clearly the most efficient way to improve massively the system (approx. 800 CHF/USD/EUR only) and reach a sound that I like a LOT more (more bass and clarity, more of everything actually).

I am extremely happy with the HE+Meze 109Pro and quite happy with the Focal926. I know and feel however that the speakers system could sound better (or more to my taste) and may be upgraded a little, towards a warmer sound (I listen to jazz only). Of course, I wouldn’t mind to improve also the clarity and transparence of the sound a bit (maybe the room is not ideal; approx 18m2 and does not so great accoustically/modern building in concrete, but with carpet and furniture everywhere).

Since most of you here have such experience with the Naim system, in your opinion, what would be the most efficient upgrades (and in what order), in particular concerning the following options that I have gathered reading the numerous threads about the Atom HE on this community (including the 2000+ topic) :

  1. Servicing the old NAP 250 (more than 10 years since the previous service, if any)? What would it add sound-wise?

  2. Adding a better power cable (I have standard computer-looking power cables; e.g. Naim Powerline, Vovox?)? To the HE or to the NAP, or preferably to both?

  3. (More costly option) upgrading the speakers or the system? After a few months of intense listening, I came to the conclusion that I may well not be a fan of the Focal sound (too harsh in the trebbles, not warm enough?).
    My feeling is that the HE/250 is a great combo and it would be wiser to upgrade the speakers (higher-end and warmer sounding). Would it make sense to upgrade to a higher model (in the 4k-7k USD/EUR/CHF range), for instance with Spendor, ProAc, ScanSonic, Apertura? Or is it an overkill with the HE/NAP250(old) because these speakers would require a better pre-amp and streamer anyway (i.e. search for a balanced solution; if it would be unbalanced, maybe some sort of “little end-game for the HE” would be active ATC SCM 40a active, that have a lot of praise on this forum with the HE?)

I am sure some of you have very wise advice to provide and I look forward to reading your comments =)

Please note that I have read (I think) all of the HE topics about speakers, that mostly concern bookshelves or budget speaker solutions, whereas I am looking for the “maxed-out” HE possible speakers.

James

Service the 250 first if it is due. Unless you do that you aren’t seeing the full potential of your current system, and would be building changes on shaky foundations.

I have had various 250s serviced over time. Hard to define the improvement, just all round better. Not very descriptive I am afraid! One unit that was overdue actually went quite quickly and obviously ‘off’.

As for your suggestion of active ATC SCM40s, since you have a 250 why not use it and stay passive in their range? Easy to demo.

Bruce

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I also have an Atom HE and NAP 250DR and had my 39yr old old KEF 104.2 speakers - which needed to be replaced.
I went to a reasonably local dealer (The Audiobarn) and auditioned -

  1. Wilson Benesch Precision P2.0 Floorstanding Loudspeaker
  2. Audiovector R 3 Arreté
  3. Focal Kanta 2
  4. Kudos Titan 606

I wasn’t keen on either the Audiovector - great looking speaker, but I found the sound rather boring - or the Focal Kanta - I also found the Focal sound quite harsh especially at the top end.
Audiobarn agreed to a home-demo of the WB P2.0 and Titan 606.
I had the P2.0 for about a month and the Titans for about 6 weeks.

I enjoyed the P 2.0 very much (a very lively speaker and an amazing soundstage) but as soon as they swapped them for the Titans I immediately knew they were the right ones for me.
They just seemed a perfect match.
Initially I had the standard Naim speaker cable, but Audiobarn suggested I try Chord Epic XL cables and they lent me a pair.
Initially I didn’t like the sound - the top end seemed to be louder and harsher and not as well balanced as with the Naim cable.
Room acoustics were not great with all vinyl flooring and 25ft of patio doors adjacent to one of the speakers, so I bought a cheap big fluffy rug that covers all the floor between my system and my listening position. I was very surprised at how much difference that made, and all of sudden the sound became more coherent and very nicely balanced, so I kept the Chord cables.
I am so happy with the sound now.

From the start I wanted speakers that would do a very good job, but also be suitable for a better front-end as I plan to upgrade the Atom HE/250DR in the not too distant future.

Best of luck with your search!

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First things first - 250, then anything else.

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  • 250 first

I would get better speakers if you can. I have Focal Aria 936 speakers and they are good on 2nd leg of my main system. But are more for rock and dance. Get the 250 serviced or trade it in and buy a newer model.

Speaker choice first. Get the speakers you like the sound of and everything else will follow.

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Email Naim and ask when the 250 was last serviced. They will have records if they did it. Just give the serial number. A powerful Naim amp opens up a wide choice of speakers. I have one system with Atom HE into NAP 135s with B&W 800 Signature 20 year old speakers, which sounds fabulous.
Linn Isobariks might be good in your system. Great with an older 250. I had that set up for years.

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You may wish to consider Naim NAC A5 speaker cable with the early Naim 250 and > 3.5m per side. Early Naim 250’s really need high inductance/low capacitance speaker cables to work at their best and/or be operationally stable. I’m not sure what spec your Cardas cables are but you may wish to speak to a local Naim dealer whilst they arrange for a Naim RMA to service your amp.

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Change those speakers to more suitable ones
Martin

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Thank you all for your time and your suggestions. Service of the NAP ordered. Power cables will wait that I find the perfect speakers (either keeping the focal or findings others. Demoing has started
) - dealers advice.
The adventure continues :slight_smile:

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For warm speakers in a 18 m2 room, I suggest Sonus Faber Sonetto III, or second hand SF Olympica II.

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Another vote here for Sonus Faber speakers, a brand traditionally associated with jazz and classical music. Warm sound, very different to Focal’s.

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Will add a vote for Boenicke speakers with that setup. Running Atom HE / NAP 250 DR / Boenicke W5 SE+ and it is a stunning combination.

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Great input thanks! I ve tried ProAcc Response D20 (love at first sight?), Spendor D7.2, Duevel omnidirectional (galaxy?). I need to find a Sonus Faber dealer to try this as well


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