Hi, I have been trying to cast my vote for a few hours! I have just realised what I was not doing - pressing the ‘vote now’ button at the bottom of the selection list, having made my selection! Duh!
I’m not sure what would happen if I edit my entry with existing votes, so perhaps just pick somewhere close and areas can be fine tuned later if the interest is there
Perhaps a local dealer might be able to offer a more secure solution? Hundreds of years ago I worked for Audio Excellence Gloucester, (the UK one - not to be confused with Audio Excellence Canada) which merged with Audio T. We did a sort of a thing back in the day - then it got more involved with Naim/Linn etc - everyone won - but it was strictly held at the dealers - wine/cheese nibbles etc
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Having come to the realisation that my brilliant idea to allow me to listen to other set ups wasn’t going to take off, I’ve come up with a radical solution!
My (man maths) theory goes like this:
Naim kit keeps its value. I want to listen to other kit. I like old gear. Dealers don’t keep old gear to demo. Why don’t I buy some other kit and A/B it? Once I’ve satisfied my curiosity, I can sell it on and not lose anything and I’ve had a bit of fun in the meantime!
What could possibly go wrong?
So, I’ve sourced an identical rack (bidding on t’bay, not mine yet) and some speaker cable to make swapping between systems easier.
incoming I’ve got a Supernait, a hicap, a nac 202 and a nap 200. I will use the nd5xs2 and cd5xs as sources to compare with the current xs3/flatcap xs.
I’ve AI’d an image that shows the idea nicely
Yes I have gone mad, but you only live once!
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So. I posted a couple of pics in the what was the last bit of gear you bought thread, but I’ve moved back here as this was the original idea.
First comparison of a series of demo tracks on xs3/flatcap xs against the SN3. Let’s see how it goes!
Currently not got the ATACAMA rack to match my current one so it does look a bit of a dogs dinner!
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We used to have meets for the WNPS, the West Norfolk Phonographic Society, to this end.
However I think I’m the only one still active on the forum these days…
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If I were you, I’d add to the list some classical and jazz/jazz fusion too (not sure if you might like that, but it could be useful to test your gear). In my personal experience best recordings come from those genres.
I’d like to mention these for instance:
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Hi fi show music which won’t produce the best in a system at all.
What’s the verdict?
I’ve done more or less the same exercise as you but with a Nait 5 vs SuperNait 1 into BW CM1 vs CM5.
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Too early yet but there are clear differences. The SN3 had much better grip on the Tin Pan Alley track which sounded much more indistinct although still enjoyable on the XS3. I’d say the sound stage is wider and deeper through the SN3, although again not necessarily more enjoyable. The bass on Angel is much better through the SN3.
I also listened to a few of my “normal” tracks just on the SN3 as I’m quite familiar with them on the XS3 already. I’d say there is “more” of things.
Not really a surprise that the SN3 is probably going to be “better” but I’m certainly not disappointed with the XS3.
I’ll listen just to the SN3 over next few days and then go back to the XS3 and see. I’ve got an identical rack coming which will take that variable out of the equation then swap out the SN3 for the 202/200DR.
Fun game that I’m lucky enough to be able to play.
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Feel free to suggest a track or two. 
Great albums. Though not heard the third one I will give it a listen. Thanks.
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I should perhaps rephrase my response. It’s all music which those of us who attend shows will have heard to the point of over familiarity in far too many rooms. At this point in time it serves largely to show off systems in rooms which do them no favours and tells you little except that it’s used to hide ills rather than highlight strengths.
Other tracks. Take out your Norah Jones and Diane Krall. Replace with I Want You by Holly Cole. Better recorded, less familiar song unless you’re into Tom Waits. A good system punches those vocals out memorably, gives you a tremendous sounding piano and a real sense of the room and the instrument placement.
Take out Richard Strauss and replace with Alison Krauss doing Down To The River To Pray from the O Brother Soundtrack. A good system lets you place the singers, count the singers and hear each of their interleaving lines.
Insert I Think You Know What I Mean by Lyle Lovett. Can you hear and place every single cymbal on that opening?
Baby Mine by Bonnie Raitt and Was (Not Was). Does it flow along pleasantly but blandly or does it build powerfully with the slide solo and brass?
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O Brother Where soundtrack gets many plays on my system. Great harmonies
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Could you possibly add Channel Isles?
Unfortunately I have no idea what will happen to the votes if I edit it after people have added their votes. Suggest all you can do is select the nearest, then if theer are enough people in that area, you could then split it out further