Naim and Dynaudio Thread

I use an LP12, Oppo 205, Nak Dragon and (soon) Bluesound Node 2i with Special 40s fed by an olive 72/Hi/250 combo. Never have any problems with treble, soft or not…

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Dont get me wrong that’s what I like about the Dynaudios(soft but detailed highs), they never sound harsh. In fact since getting back into HIFI I tried lots of other speakers but have come back to Dynaudio in the end.

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Nice peace of equipment! I just bought my 250 to replace my 200. S40 in red is beutiful! :grinning:

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I used to use a Nait 5i with some Dyn 42’s, which I thought was very nice until I made the mistake of walking into my local hifi shop and listened to my Focus 110’s with my amp. The difference was astonishing in so many ways. Needless to say, I walked out with a maple pair ex-dem and I’ve still got them today( I sold the 42’s).
They sound grand with my Nova, which controls them much more nicely than the Nait 5i.
I’ve always liked the more subdued top end of Dynaudio compared to some other brands. The main issue for me is to do with the bass definition. In the right place they are sublime but in sub optimal position their bass extension, albeit with the ports blocked, still can cause occasional nodal problems in my room. In that regard I may be tempted to try some Proac Tablette 10’s over the next couple of months but I am worried about throwing the baby out with the bath water.
If I had the space and money I’d stick with Dynaudio and go for the Heritage special edition.

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If I may say so, the special 40 and your amplifier will sound great with a Chord DAC.

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I was using a Bluesound node 2 into a Chord Qutest but then changed the Bluesound for an ND5XS2 after hearing an ex demo unit at a local dealer. Through a 282/250DR into S40s makes for an enjoyable listen. Treble is detailed, but not overblown, while the 250DR is able to give control to the bass. In my small apartment, it is probably end game for me.

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Are you using the nd5xs2 with the Qutest or does it not need it?

I think ND5XS2 is a great product so havent have the idea. I have a chord shawline din cable though and Im searching for a Shawline XLR-4-DIN between the amplifiers too.

As I already had the Qutest then I have stuck with it. Personally, I think that DACs are very subjective, as much as any other source component. That is not to say that the ND5XS2 does not sound good on its own, but I think that there is a little something in the Qutest output that gives it the edge.
Please bear in mind that I already owned the Qutest and it would have been a more complex decision if I had bought the ND5XS2 first.
I have noticed that people become very attached to their DACs, so many on here name their own as being ‘remarkable’. I prefer to say that my ears have accepted the Qutest as pleasing and so I like to stay with it.

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Thanks for the reply. I have the Qutest running on a 2i and wondered at the sound qual difference between that and the ND5XS2.

Loving what I have but there’s always an alternative :slight_smile:

Got some Special 40s - small office, fed by SN2 + HiCap, RP10

What direction should I go next. Like the S40s but should i be upping them or is it time to move on from the SN2 combo?

I am pleased with the change to the ND5XS2. The Bluesound is a solid source and great value, but the ND5XS2 does take it up a notch.

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I had S40, used Stand 20. If I was going to spend for the Heritage, I would for sure get the stand 20

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I would suggest, if it is an upgrade you are looking for, that you start with the SN2.

They are an incredible speaker. Audionet have used them to demo their top of the range integrated (the Humboldt) which costs around £30k I think.

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No need to change when they suit your room and taste if you ask me. I drive them with a NAC-N 272 and NAP 250 DR and am not thinking about changing the S40’s :slight_smile:

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I prefer not to block ports, as loudspeakers are designed with the ports, and blocking can make them sound a bit congested.

I too love the silky smooth highs of the Dyn Esotar tweeters. Regarding the bass/mid-bass, it took a couple of tube traps in the corners behind my Focus 260s (front wall corners), to make them work optimally in my room. Plus Dyns like some room to breathe, so make sure there is sufficient distance to the front and side walls. Getting them dialed in was well worth it!

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Unfortunately I don’t have the flexibility to optimise the placement of mine and hence why I am looking at sealed designs. I don’t think I’ll sell the Dyns though because I love them and at the volumes I listen at the bass enhancement is sometimes a bonus.

You could still consider some bass treatment in your room. A pair of ASC tube traps did wonders for my set up.


Lucky for you! I’m 6 ft 5 and listen from a (reclining) office chair. I was 20 cm short of the ideal height with my Stand 6, luckily the spikes fit exactly on a 20x30 cm standard garden center concrete slab. Getting them to the right height does indeed make a difference, couldn’t agree more. (the top slab still needs a white paint makeover)

I know this is a Naim Dynaudio thread and my posting about my Hegel Dynaudio offends one or two of you so please if you are likely to be offended read no further.

I turned the Hegel right up last night after my other half went to work and the neighbours went out and let me say that these Dynaudios really are incredible speakers they will take all the power you can hurl at them and do not miss a beat.

As good as they sounded with Naim amps and at times they sounded very, very good I always new they had more to give I certainly don’t need room treatments to tame the bass especially on acoustic double bass which is deep and well rounded each note has a beginning and a definite end and some recordings you can hear the slight metallic sound of the strings on the wooden fret board clearly and the sound of the musicians fingers on the strings is so organic and it’s much the same with piano keys.

Electric bass and pianos are different the bass has more thud and the keys less weight difference is audible but still wholly realistic but it is with the drums that the Hegel/Dynaudio combo real comes into it’s own the weight of the sticks against the skin and where on the skin the stick lands is so realistic you can actually hear differences in different kits and the swish of brushes on the high hats is so much more than a just swishing sounded it is again really organic.

Of course all of this is recording dependant some recordings sound flat and others just jump out of the speakers at you and put you right there in the studio.

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