I had a 3010 S2 D, I chose it over a XS 2 (or 3? I don’t remember).
The Naim was punchier, but the Exposure had a degree of finesse (eg. soundstage) unknown to the XS 2 IMHO.
By the way both were great products at that price point, as always it’s a matter of taste.
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My experience could not have been more different. And I’m not some sort of Naimophobe. The Karik was utter sh1t for its price point, and Linn’s customer service was even worse. Beyond execrable.
Not to thread drift, since this is about amps, but I had a lot of experience with the Karik/Numerik and the Naim CDI. My view is that the Linn sources were, like the amps, more reserved and laid back, but very good. Service was the main issue. I hankered after a Karik/Numerik but only made it as far as a Mimik II.
I felt like the Karik/Numerik had the edge on the CDI and then the CDX that followed, but not the CDS. Though, given the chalk and cheese difference in presentation, like the amps, it was largely a moot point. If Linn digital sources weren’t your cup of tea then you were likely to prefer an entry level CD3 to a Karik/Numeric. The reverse was also true.
As mentioned, if Linn won’t service an old amp, then you can actually do quality after-market recapping. Getting long life out of a Linn amp is not an insurmountable hurdle, just not for the purists. Lack of service for digital sources though is more serious. Naim did better than most but ultimately, everyone falls down on mech availability. Linn’s case was more disappointing though because they actually made the mech in their flagship players. They arguably had more options for longer term support available than Naim and decided not to offer it.
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For me the Karik/Numerik is much more like listening to an LP12 than any Naim CDP I’ve heard. It means I can swap back and forth between vinyl and CD without a big difference in presentation.
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Hmm I was never keen on the presentation of the LP12 despite liking the Karik/Numerik.
Firing squad at dawn!!
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Nah, firing squad is too good for ‘im. Take away all ‘is proper hifi and leave ‘im with an Alba tower system!
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Nah. Alba is too good for him. Leave 'im with the Amstrad tower system featured in The Mug’s Eyeful on the TechMoan YouTube channel.
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