I have the NC 300 series electronics and am auditioning Kudos Titan 606 and 707 as a potential replacement for my Spendor A9.
I am in a conundrum however - swapping the A9’s for the 606 I get bags more detail but I have to say some loss of ‘heft’ or ‘weight’. I know the 606s have tonnes of fans but I think the sound is - dare I say it - a little ‘thin’ at least compared to my Spendors. Swapping the 606s for the 707s however brings that ‘weight’ right back in spades and keeps the detail there, but I think the bass can on some tracks be a little heavy / overblown.
I know Kudos Titans are revered here, so what I am saying might sound like heresy to many, but i am only reporting what my ears tell me. I really wanted to fall in love with either 606 or 707 but each have a niggling issue which is preventing me pulling the trigger.
Properly auditioning speakers - IMO - requires spending a considerable time listening to them in the room of intended use. I’m talking about a few days, otherwise all you hear is the contrast between the current speaker and the one you are used to…
As @Svetty suggests, some time to evaluate 'speakers is required, with things like positioning especially. And don’t be led by the nose on reputation. I’ve tried various highly recommended 'speakers over the years and some simply ‘didn’t work’. Only your ears matter.
606s are in my experience very sensitive to positioning. In my room I was shocked by the difference that an inch adjustment (WRT to the back wall) made when the speakers were installed - the sound snapped into focus and the bass became fuller and better timed
I have 606s and I’m very fond of them. I don’t feel like they lack in the bass depth, so it might be positioning or run-in related.
In terms of positioning, they are happy 20-30cm from a rear wall, and Kudos recommend no toe-in.
Mine are 190cm apart and 270 cm to the listening position. No toe-in at all.
I’ve not heard the A9s but I do have A7s in my 2nd system. I like them a lot but the Kudos absolutely demolish them in terms of bass control, depth, and speed.
I remember when I first got the 606s I thought they were a bit bright on a few tracks, but it was just more information from the tweeter. My ears adjusted, and the speakers definitely settled and became more coheive after a month or so.
As others have said proper positioning with Kudos Titan models is critical to get the proper sound out of them. I didn’t really gel with my T505s until I followed Kudos’ set-up instructions to the letter and had them straight up against the rear as far as they could go and with 0 toe-in. Made an immense difference.
Perhaps it’s just that you’re used to lighter? I have read comments along the line that the Spendors are a bit weaker in the bass than some speakers. Longer familiarity likely would help, if it is possible. Of course, some recordings can have overblown bass, which might be what you’re hearing, but if your Spendors were reducing it then they were also reducing the bass in more balanced recordings.
Spendors in general are potentially a great speaker with Naim electronics. If you have owned them for some time you will have become accustomed to their sound signature.
I tried Kudos 606s with Naim and NC kit and I’m disappointed to say, I didn’t get on with them.
I bought them untried and managed to trade them in without too much penalty! Lesson learnt.
The Kudos dealer I traded the speakers in with, remarked that they are not for everyone.
The aim was for front speakers for an updated AV system, using Naim electronics on the fronts.
I was so surprised, I switched in a pair of Ovator S400s from another system and haven’t looked back.
I acquired another mint pair of S400s and they are due back any day, after a crossover refurbishment by Wilmslow Audio.
Plenty of other options; ymmv.
You haven’t mentioned why you wish to move on from Spendor, btw?
You say you are trying different cables, “….Atlas Mavros cabling”. Is this for your speakers? As well as the positioning, it may be worthwhile if you also include Kudos KS1 for the speakers, might give that something you are looking for.
As ever, once you have set up as best you can the ultimate decider is your ears and how you perceive the music.
I am pre-retirement and instead of buying a nice car or whatever as a retirement present for myself I am treating myself to what I hope is my end point hi-fi system. The NC 300 are part of that, and I am simply auditioning Kudos as they have oft been quoted as a great match for Naim. I am not unhappy with my Spendors - just seeing if I can get better speakers that unleash the quality of the electronics better.
Interconnects and speaker cables yes. I currenty have NAC A5 speaker cable. I thought it wise to listen to new speakers through ‘better’ cables, though I plan to audition different cables also.
On that basis, I’d say just swap back to your old Naca5 and whatever other cables you’re used to so you can get a proper comparison. Save the cable auditions for last.
I haven’t heard Atlas cables for a while but I don’t recall being massively impressed with them at the time. I’d have been using Naca5 at the time.
that is the beauty of audio. there is no one solution for everyone. so much is dependent on how you listen, what you listen to and of course your room. don’t feel “bad” about your findings. i had the same thing with borresen Z2 speakers. they were good but not good enough in my room. too bass heavy on some material. traded in for kudos 606 and all was well again. but then had a chance to pick up a pair of borresen 01 SSEs. a whole other world. out go the kudos and in come the 01 SSEs. point is this is your system what sounds right to you may not be right to others. if i were you i’d be happy that my A9s give me that much pleasure.
I owned Ovator S400 for a few years which eventually got replaced by Kudos 606. After a year i returned to another pair of Ovators, and not moved since. I missed something in the Naim speakers that i wanted back. Kudos are very nice indeed, no doubt, just for me and my room not quite there.
As others have said, choosing speakers is tricky, probably more so than any other part of the hifi system. The forum is a useful place to gather candidates for consideration, but in my experience, is best used just for shortlisting. A good few years ago I bought a pair of highly recommended Kudos (pre Titan range) but rapidly fell out of love with them, sold them on at a loss and regretted not trialling more models.
There are loads of speakers which will work well with NC 300 series, but which one to choose will depend so much on room and personal preference. Visiting dealers for demos and home auditioning can be tiring and confusing, but ultimately is most likely to give long run satisfaction. And trust your ears even if that goes against “forum favourites”. Best of luck.
I would add ATC speakers to the list of speakers to try…. Choosing speakers can be a faff for sure and in my experience there is huge value having a good dealer to support you through this process including home demo.