I currently use the Atom with ProAc T3 speakers and have been very pleased with the performance. I am seeking advice on how to further enhance my setup for an improved listening experience.
Specifically, I would appreciate your guidance on:
Recommendations for compatible upgrades to the power supply, such as linear power supplies or conditioners.
Suggestions on external components, including DACs or amplifiers, to complement the Atom.
Any other tips or accessories that could help refine the overall audio quality.
Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your recommendations to further optimize my audio setup.
The Atom is a great device but it is debatable value to add DACs, power amps etc. Making it the basis of a multi-box system is not what I would suggest.
Re power conditioners…you have used the Search haven’t you? A fair few people have added a Naim power line with good effect though.
I would ask yourself if you are looking for upgrade routes in future you might be better with a separate streamer with maybe an integrated or a pre/power combo. Might be pricier but definitely more satisfying in the end. Don’t ignore s/h options incidentally.
Bruce
PS Couldn’t find your speakers with a quick Google. Is that a typo?
PPS Might be better putting this in the HiFi rather than Streaming room?
The atom is a lovely box and sounds great, I use one with ATC 11’s,
You could:
add a power line
get a sparkie to add a separate spur ( getting your hifi off the noisy mains ring can be helpful and relatively inexpensive)
add a sub (subs are not just about bass they can pull the whole sound together, I use a Rel T9x)
speaker placement - getting this right can really improve things - maybe post a picture of your room
what does your atom / speakers sit on. Audio stack Auva do isolation products on a sale or return basis - not usually a fan of isolation products per se but these really work in my system (under speaker stands and the atom itself. )
Just be mindful not to spend too much on tweaks as there comes a point where there is more value / performance to be had by upgrading from the Atom
Naim produced the Uniti range to cater for people who didn’t want multi box systems (the clue is in the name) and you cannot add a separate DAC, power supply or preamp to it. You can add a separate power amp if your speakers cannot be driven well by the built in amp, but without the possibility of a source or preamp upgrade that can leave you with an unbalanced system.
In your situation I would consider upgrading the Atom to either a higher level Uniti, perhaps a Nova, or if you want to go further, trade it in for a full separates system.
The ProAc Tablette range has always been quite demanding and I’d question whether the Atom is up to the task. Maybe a Nova would be better, though I couldn’t get on with a Nova and T10s. That said, the III might be different. The get the best from the T3, seriously heavy filled stands are the way to go.
The Atom is a lovely all in one and I certainly wouldn’t start adding bits to it. While a power amp can be added, a preamp or dac absolutely cannot. So it’s best to leave well alone. If future upgrades are on the horizon then something like an ND5XS2 and Nait XS2 could be a good way to go. It’s a shame that the move to New Classic 222 and 250 is so expensive at over £12,000. I can see the T3s loving the power of the 250.