Update - Which Interconnect?
Update on thoughts for interconnects, since the last report, a few weeks ago…
Naim 2 RCA to 5 Pin Din
My wonderful dealer sent me a Naim Interconnect - 2 RCA to 5 Pin Din, 1M.
(Up to this point, we had been using the Chord Chrysalis, which is supposed to be similar / same).
Well, when the Naim cable went in, compared to the Chrysalis it sounded different, better, a bit more open. So, we then decided to leave it in for an extended listen.
To my ears, it is preferred to the Clearway and Chrysalis. Marginally. Which was a reason for giving it a serious listen.
As a result, the other loan cables went back to our dealer while we “lived” with the Naim.
It’s a nice cable, well made, sounds fine and we would be happy to keep it. The fact it sits with all the other Naim interconnects in this (mostly) Olive system also feels right.
After about a month, our dealer returned the Chord Shawline on loan to us, as this was the one we had indentified as our preferred option, from previously. (See above).
Chord Shawline (again)
On installing the Shawline the uplift in SQ was immediately obvious. (I have to be honest, I was a little disappointed for the Naim cable, as we had become used to it and liked the idea of keeping all the cables Naim at the back of the NAC72). But you can’t argue with an obvious difference.
The Shawline provides a wider bandwidth. Bass is better defined and more controlled. Treble notes crisper. The whole music is clearer.
I wouldn’t say it’s a significant moment. (For example, like adding a HiCap or any PSU to a Naim pre-amp for the first time). But, yes, this is clear enough to discern.
The Naim interconnect is a fine cable. We think it’s probably a better option than Clearway. Not so much obviously better SQ, maybe more a difference in presentation, which we liked. However, the Shawline allows more music to shine through.
Comparing Chord Clearway and the Naim, (not much difference in cost), I would choose the Naim interconnect. If the extra £££ can be afforded, the Chord Shawline provides a modest and worthwhile uplift in SQ.
A cautionary note
An interesting experiment, which we have really enjoyed. After all, it led to a lot of music being played and enjoyed. It’s also worth noting I don’t feel all these findings might be relied upon elsewhere.
With a different system or sources, I might try the Epic again and re-evaluate ? (For all the reasons mentioned above, in the first report). So, please try for yourself.
KR
R
Note : Our thanks to Basically Sound for their enthusiastic support through-out.
just recently released.
