Hi
I am considering downsizing because we now live in a smaller house. I am considering the Atom or the C102. I am ware there is no display etc but I could manage with that. Is the Atom worth twice as much as the C102 in sounds and details etc. Would love any advice.
Regards
Reports on the C102 suggest it’s typical of modern, high-end Class D. That is to say, it doesn’t sound ‘glassy’ or ‘shrill’ like Class D of old, but it emphasises power and analysis over warmth. The Atom is likely more involving and forgiving, but less insightful and with a lot less power. If you have hard-to-drive ATCs or listen to EDM at volume, the C102 may be a better bet. But if your tastes are more mellow or you have neighbours, you might be better off with the Atom. Of course, value is personal and there’s a price difference. I’m sure both are good.
See here from the software director at Naim
In my opinion they both sound very good, but are very different at the same time. Surely the C102 conveys the typical Naim sound which is great IMO.
A key question: what speakers are you going to use? If speakers are power hungry, the C102 might be the better choice, otherwise I sense the Atom would probably have more finesse to the whole presentation. I’ve tested the Atom with Magnepan LRS+ and the C102 with Totem Sky Towers. I think you’d better test both in order to decide what suits you best.
Oh dear, I was under the impression that the CI-102 was streamer and pre-amplifier only. But it can be used as a stand-alone product. Wow.
One other difference, the Atom is Roon ready, the C102 isn’t
Hi
I have some Pmc FB1 floor standing speakers
The FB1 was a fine speaker back in the day, but is quite big and needs a bit of driving, with a high quality front end. I certainly wouldn’t match it with the Atom, and the CI may be a bit too budget for a good match. Maybe it’s time to let them go and to get some modern speakers. I have the small PMC twenty5.21i actives, coupled with an Atom HE. It’s a fantastic small system of really high quality. The Atom has a lovely volume control and you can turn it on and choose saved radio stations by pressing a couple of buttons. It’s going to be much nicer to live with than the CI 102, which is really designed to be hidden away.
Great advice. My system really took off when I changed speakers. My dealer would not let me upgrade electronics until I first upgraded speakers.
I know it’s easy to spend other people’s money, but if you’re intent on keeping your PMCs, I agree with HH that you need a more gutsy front end. When, many years ago, I auditioned FB1s, they didn’t quite do it for me and I’m fairly sure it was in part because the electronics I was using weren’t quite up to bringing them to life. If you want a one-box Naim, perhaps a used or refurbed Nova might be worth considering, though I’ve not heard one with FB1s.
Roger
Nova PE if the OP’s speakers are power hungry?
I agree 100% with response. I have 2 c102’s and love them (they run outdoor speakers) but if money or power is not the issue the Atom wins every time
I’ve not yet heard one in person but am considering one to replace a uniti qute 2. The lack of a display doesn’t concern me but an concerned I would miss a remote control or physical buttons / volume… as having to use a tablet / phone for pausing or advancing an album seems like faff. I have looked for / considered building an IR-to-DLNA bridge and assume I can’t buy + pair the new RF (zigbee?) Naim remote controls.
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