Presently the relatively cheap Russ Andrews (RA) block is in use.
I require a linear-type block that allows me to sequence the mains plugs, as I find this makes a significant difference with my system, so this may somewhat limit choices.
The WW Matrix 2 was clearer in top-end but with the 3.10 FW was too harsh, wheras the RA block tamed the top-end and a bit dull there compared to WW block, but did really open-out the midrange in a way I liked and overall sounded a bit less confused.
The 3.11 FW still has the tendency toward brightness so I have kept, for now the RA block.
When I tried the Musicworks block it was ‘clean and bright’ which was not what I wanted.
So it is still up for improvement here ahead. I choose a plug-in sequence to give me the best musical presentation; from main lead in:
S1 Pre - HiCap(for Phono) - 555(A) - gap - gap - 555(D) - gap - gap
For example - if I move the 555(D) one step in toward the 555(A) I lose bass articulation and the sound becomes confused - and if one step the other way I get a more open laid-back sound but slow and lacking engagement.
I’m probably tempted to try another ‘simple’ linear block ahead that allows sequencing, but for now the RA is a good compromise.
I like to get natural midband detail with the bass presented in a believable natural way - it gives a very good image too.
There are many things one can ‘chase’ in a system to get the performance desired and this is just one part. The effect of positions of items on Fraim shelves and the type of shelf and relative position can swamp any effects of the mains block once you have something there that is good enough, then it is worth learning about how your own system works and then optimising it gradually in my experience.
Thanks DB, it’s always good to get your little tips as many of them have pushed my system way beyond what I thought possible. I’m continually surprised by how much more the system has to give and the barriers that keep getting broken. I was up to three in the morning marvelling at just how close my system can get me to live music. The simple musicality, imaging and tonal correctness on some particular tracks has been genuinely jaw dropping! There are moments where I can really believe I’m standing in the entrance of a nightclub or sitting in front row seats at a concert it sounds that good! I know many comment on how hifi will never rival live music but I feel I’m getting very close.
Nope, it can be a combination and sometimes even includes radio station tracks. It’s not every track of course and often depends on music type, how well it’s been mixed and what suits the system but when you come across these tracks they can be utterly amazing.
I’m sure many have had those moments when the system, for some unknown reason, sounds really special. It may last for an hour, an evening or a couple of days but eventually the system drops back a notch and sounds more like a hifi system again. What I’ve found, with the various tweaks I’ve learnt, is that I can increase these events to the point where the system is sounding ‘special’ most of the time. The trouble is the ‘draw’ to the music is so strong that when you do sit down three or four hours suddenly vanish and it’s the following day!
@Darkebear i really appreciate your work on fine tuning the system and sharing your experience on the forum. Your last suggestion of HDMI off makes all of the difference in my system. It indeed does some magic in the low end and makes that I know have the perfect bass balance and especially the speed has improved so slightly, but as details matter it makes a great difference in my situation.
A year after the software issues, finally full smiles on my face again when listening.
I changed the USB Back input to ‘Charge-only’ from my previously posted settings.
This in my system has improved lower-midband and bass clarity, giving better insight into textures and the lower parts of voice - better smoothness and just lower noise it seems too.
Some of these stand alone as changes and some seem to have interactions with other settings, so it is trial and error. I only know I have something right when I’m drawn into the music and enjoying new things.
So happy to hear. So I might really be one of the last man standing (against 3.11) . Still prefer nds over nd555 (and miss 3.8 very much - as it combines nds signature with nd555 abilities)
Nds with absolute magical texture in the mids. But with smooth texture you get less micro detail. Nd555 (3.8) had done best of both worlds.
Well the next FW release is only weeks away so it will be very interesting to see what Naim can achieve with the next module. The last twelve months have been eventful to say the least.
. Still prefer nds over nd555 (and miss 3.8 very much - as it combines nds signature with nd555 abilities)