As a newbe I am trying to work out which is the most important element in a Hi-Fi system.
I’m using an NDX2, Audiolab 9000CDT, Naim SN3 and Naim CD5si.
At the moment the 9000CDT sounds better than the 5si but the whole system sounds quite harsh and lacking warmth instrumentation sounds clear and undistorted but vocals have a rasping edge that i find irritating which ever combination I use-my room is not ideal but surely would not add to the vocal harshness-Linn Majik 480 speakers.
Is there a solution in the form of additional amplification-budget is not really a problem within reason (up to 10k) as long as it makes a difference
Don’t laugh!!!I also had my ears syringed recently and have stopped using aids, this not unsurprisingly seems to have made the harshness more pronounced than before.
I’m willing to dump the 5si in favour of the NDX2/CDT…but the harshness will remain a problem.
Difficult to say without swapping out components but if the raspy harshness is there with all sources then it leaves either the pre or the speakers needing attention. Can you talk to a local dealer to try a 282 with the sn3, or to try different speakers?
Sorry what is a 282? I have discussed trying different speakers but the Majik’s are well regarded and the SN3 likewise. I’ve been 5-6 months wrestling with this and serously considering dumping the lot and going for a different system altogether. Do dealers house visit I would happily pay for this sort of service?
Alernative systems could be Hegal or Possibly Cyrus for CD
The sn3 has both a preamp and a power amp in the one case. You can bypass the pre amp and use a better one that will alter the sound characteristics. The Naim nac 282 is one such pre amp that may be worth listening to.
From your description you say that the harshness shows with whichever source you choose. Therefore, I suspect a mismatch between the pre amp and the speaker/room combination may be worth looking at. That isn’t to say that either is a poor choice, just that they are not the best choice for that room possibly.
Needs a process of elimination, can a dealer lend you a different pair of speakers to try? I start there because I’ve heard the NDX2/SN several times and never harsh. If you’ve wired with Naim and Chord I doubt that’s the problem.
I did discuss with my dealer the possibility of different speakers, he is ok with the idea I’m hoping he can come and listen to the system to understand the Harshness I’m experiencing. This is my first upgrade in 10 years (NDX2 & SN3 & CDT ) and possibly my last so I want it to be satisfactory.
Thanks it is good to hear that the SN3/NDX2 is a good choice and the problem probably lies elsewhere.
In a hi-fi system generally, the speakers are the key component responsible for the sound character of the system therefore it is vital to get them right. The problem is decent speakers capable of full range reproduction are inherently expensive, often as much as the rest of the system put together, at least if you like your music to be full range
Second to that, in a digital system, the DAC is key to how well digital is rendered to analogue - how natural, clear etc - that is where improvements finally got away from the negative “digital” character of early CD, to surpass vinyl.
@Tecumsea
Ive used a SN3 for about 7 years with three different CD Players/ Transports and two different streamers/DACs using Dynaudio and Focal speakers and the sound is definitely not harsh, Ive found the sound tobe very clean and slightly on the warm side of neutral, so I would agree with others that trying different speakers will be best to try first.
Another voice here suggesting that this sounds as if your attention is being drawn to an imperfect speaker choice or (at least as likely) room and speaker interaction.
I’d try moving speakers are around a bit first , more or less angled toward you, closer or further from the wall behind them and so on. You may also be noticing reflections - try putting a rug (or a couple of coats as a test) where a mirror would show a reflection of the speaker to you if sitting in your usual place.
If that does not significantly help, I would at least try different speakers.
I am a big Neat fan, but there are lots of good options - for something clear yet warm and un-aggressive in delivery, Harbeth get lots of support for a reason.
Ok, so my first post answered your thread question. Now the OP question: it sounds very possibly a speaker and/or room problem. Unfamiliar with them I googled Linn Majik 480 speakers, and nothing turned up. Please give more info.
What is your room like? Is it all hard surfaces, or lots of soft? How is it laid out - have you played with layout, speaker positions AND listening position? Any acoustic tratment? What are dimensions? A sketch might help, showing layout including furniture, windows etc.
For what it is worth I ran a NDX2 with a SN 2 which had a HiCap DR. At the time I had a pair of Naim Ovator S400 and then a pair of ProAc D30RS speakers and the system sounded fantastic. Over time I did connect a NAC 282 preamp to the SN 2 and found it to be a wonderful upgrade to the system. You could also look to add a XPS DR power supply to the NDX2 which for many found to enhance the sound.
Lots of things to play with and working with a dealer should help sort out any issues you may be experiencing.
My instinct would be to try other speakers. The current Linn speakers excel when active, less so when passive and there are many other speakers recommended on this site that might better suit your SN3.
If you’re finding the SN3 a little harsh I fear you might find the 282 similar. What you describe is exactly what I found with the 282. I eventually settled on the 252. However, since the introduction of the “New Classic” range the 252 & 282 are no longer available new, so that may force you away from Naim.