Yes, I couldn’t live with the Quad/BBC sound. It’s a ‘nice’ sound, but that’s about it!
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All points seconded…
One of my last systems was CB 62/90/Kan IIs. It was greatly enjoyable, fast, accurate enough, fun, musical in a very energetic way. Why I don’t have it anymore is another story. I now have Quad 33/303 and once the itch has been eased (I’d always fancied them) I can feel some lack of excitement.
I’ve recently heard a Nait 5si and, again, was amazed at the quality of this amp.
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For someone who’s been a longtime Klipsch owner / listener I think you definitely need to listen to whatever speakers you’re considering. Going from H3s to the L52s is a major step down - you might think you’re listening to a boombox or portable radio. And a move to some Neat Petites is going to be a major shock to your ears.
Don’t get me wrong, a SN3 with those Neats is a fantastic setup - I’l love that myself. But it’s going to be really different to what you have today. But those L52s are a nonstarter. L82 Classics at a minimum or the L100s (although doesn’t help your size problem.)
Maybe 4305P actives to reduce the box count?
Good luck - def try before you buy.
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Just a thought - swap in a Rega Brio and see how that sounds. You’ll lose some detail, but could be the boogie factor you’re looking for. That might give you some insight as to how far you can go with those Klipsch.
As an FYI - I have had mine on the end of my UQs (both 1&2) and they’re brilliant. They don’t need much more than that. They’re currently on a 60’s era Pioneer SX-1000TW; which is where they really belong.
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This 
I use n-SATs with my SN3 and they are simply stunning. I bet the Neat Petite will be amazing.
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Get 2 pairs of ESLs and stack them - apparently much better and aids peak handling, and add a decent sub…
Methinks you need to identify sources of each of these possibilities and go on a road trip to hear. I have hankerings towards Tannoy Westminster Royals (but wouldn’t suit my room), and Fergusson-Hill FH001 though not sure their bass solution would sound right, also I’d love to hear ATC SCM150A… But I doubt I will ever get to auditioning any of them - if I did it would purely be out of interest as I have driving me to even dream of change. That said, if a pair of PMC MB2 XBD add-on boxes appeared at a knockdown price I’d probably add them on!
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Never heard stacked ESL’s but I’ve head a normal pair of ESL 57’s with Naim amplification. In some ways they made every other speaker I’ve ever heard sound broken. The lack of any box colouration (since there is no box) is truly startling. But they appeal to my head, not my heart. They lack body, substance and solidity to the sound, and dynamics and rhythm are muted to my ears. They sound not unlike BBC LS3/5a’s in that respect. Just not my cup of tea.
From what I’ve read, stacked ESLs with subs vastly improve these. I can’t see how they can alter rhythm, other than that the limiting of bass, especially upper bass, and perhaps peak power, may well reduce the emphasis/prominence of the instruments often marking time.
How about a 52 and a pair of 135’s coupled to the classic Isobariks? That was the best sounding system I had before moving on to 500 kit. If the Briks are a bit too much then there’s always the Sara’s.
If I had to go backwards this is the direction I’d go in.
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I don’t want to buy used. But if I could buy that kit new then I wouldn’t hesitate. My Klipsch speakers have much in common with the Linn/Naim speakers of old in that they are true to the spirit of the music. They are speakers for music lovers, not hi-fi enthusiasts. Unfortunately not suited to Naim amps though.
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Don’t want to go there.
Not buying used does rather limit things, as well as preventing you from getting a bargain. I’ve sold loads of stuff over the years, on eBay and Pink Fish and everything was immaculate. But of course not everyone’s definition of immaculate is the same as mine. One way round this is to buy from a dealer and get their support and a guarantee. Tom Tom Audio specialise in used Naim and are really nice to deal with, as are Signals and Cymbiosis. There are others but these are the dealers I’ve bought used stuff from.
I’d look through system pics and get an idea of the sort of thing you’d be happy looking at in your room. Would you be happy with small and simple or do you feel a system must be large and complex to be proper hifi. I still think my idea of a Supernait 3 and small speakers is a really good one. Overcome your antipathy to used and a whole world opens up, including the 53/135s/Saras mentioned above.
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I know what you mean but new old stock could be an option
Cymbiosis has an ex dem brand new Supernait 3 and a couple of previously enjoyed on his website offers page. 
Warranty too. 
It’s a real powerhouse and see no need for anything bigger.
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How about a Lavardin integrated amp. Heard them once when I was in Paris and they were very impressive. They might be a better match for your speakers as well? Might be worth a look?
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Hi 70’sPete
I absolutely understand your love of your Klipsch speakers as I’ve owned Klipsch Heresy’s twice in the past and also heard a few other Klipsch… the best speakers I’ve ever heard were the La Scalas
However, in my opinion, all the heritage range of Klipsch only shine with very good valve amps and preferably SET amps… I was lucky enough to have a good SET amp when I owned mine
However do I own Klipsch now? no I don’t and have left that episode way behind me for many reasons which I won’t go into
Like you I was looking to get back to Naim which I owned in the past and now own quite a simple system which includes an XS3 at it’s heart…I leave the amp switched on 24/7 something that I couldn’t do with any of my valve amps
A move to Naim amps, as you know, will definitely not suit your Klipsch
Horses for courses but, in my opinion and experience, Naim just doesn’t suit Klipsch speakers…especially the Heritage range
A move back to Naim was a revelation for me and hopefully will be the same for you too…
The only thing of caution I’d advise is choose your speakers very carefully when replacing your Klipsch.. I went with ATC’s as they are the only speakers that came close to the very expressive nature of Heritage Klipsch
Oh and for what it’s worth I’ve also owned LS 3/5a’s in the past…wonderful speakers but do lack something which I could never quite put my finger on which is why I don’t own them now 
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I just don’t like buying used or ex dem kit. Yes it limits my choices, but so be it. I’ve only ever bought two pieces of used kit, many, many years ago. First was SNAPS power supply for my 42-5/110 way back in the 80’s, and simply because I couldn’t afford a new HiCap at that point. Second was a 140 power amp back around 2000 I think. That was when we had our big Naim set up and bought a projector. We had a DVD5 and AV2 and the 140 was to power rear speakers.
If I could have a one-box system with just CD/amp then I would probably go for it. Zero chance of that I’m afraid. But our current set up is only 3 boxes and one of them (Qutest DAC) is tiny.
This would be the obvious choice if it were available brand new. As @HungryHalibut says with small speakers. I fancy Neat Petite Classics.
Currently I’m leaning towards the following. Keep our Moon CD Ttransport and Qutest DAC and get a Nait XS3 and Neat Petite Classics. I’m just concerned about it being a big step down from what we have now. In particular I think I would find it very hard to adjust to something more normal after the Klipsch. I’m not against small speakers at all, Kans are my favourite all-time speakers. Without doubt though the large Klipsch are very special in what they do, and having lived with them the prospect of losing them fills me with sorrow. This is the problem. I love them but I also would like to get back to Naim electronics and the they are a mis-match.
I’m starting to think I need really to be thinking higher up in the Naim range and more expensive larger speakers. But we really can’t afford that. Anything we buy now will effectively need to be funded from the sale of our current system.
TBH the most sensible thing to do I think is to stick with what we have, at least for the present. Maybe something new of interest will appear from Naim in the not too distant future.
The way I feel about the Klipsch is similar to how I ended up feeling about Kans. Love / hate. I love the sound, but they are large and heavy and not really very sensible as I have nobody to help me should they need moving any time. But maybe I’m over thinking this. Maybe I would love the Neats. From what I’ve read they seem to have similar attributes to Kans.
Excellent reviews I know. But I wanted to get back to Naim electronics.
Have you owned more expensive Naim pre/powers in the past? How does the XS3 compare do you find? One review I read says it lacks a bit of muscle which seems a strange comment for a Naim amp.
I owned a SN2 some years ago but never pre/power Naims
I don’t think for one minute my XS3 lacks muscle and it’s driving my new ATC’s easily
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