That’s great 
Just saying, my dealer has both 350’s and a 500 on demonstration and is adamant that the 350’s lack the authority and lower bass grip of a 500. I also have a friend with an S1/ND/350’s/S800’s, who sold his green 500 to go white 500 and is using 350’s as a stand in. He’s of the same opinion. The last time I heard his system I would agree that it didn’t sound quite as good as when he had the 500 in the mix.
6 Likes
Very interesting guys. @Innocent_Bystander I’ll try to find the quote. It might have even been from an engineer IIRC.
So the tried and tested with the NAP 500DR or the unknown with NAP 350.more and more I am kicking myself for letting go of a newish 500DR for what is just just a ridiculously low amount.
I think I’ve answered the question of the Kans. the NAC 12S/160 is just too engaging to ignore.
however now the DBLs need to be activated😬 in a third system. So once again 500DR, 350, 135s
1 Like
I think our taste in presentation of sound aligns perfectly.
2 Likes
There’s definitely a certain musical intensity in the ‘old’ Naim sound vs the new ‘new’ Naim sound. I can vividly remember not being that bothered about image depth or image width with my old ‘ Olive’ system. I was more interested in the pure musical structure it portrayed. On some music it sounds great but there was quite a lot of music that it couldn’t cope with that well.
My dealer told me that the newer ‘Classic’ kit, like a 500 system, was a bit more grown up and introduced you to new musical dimensions. I have to say he was dead right. I loved my olive system but I’ve had far greater musical experiences with 500 kit. It can weave some utterly magical moments that will simply take your breath away, and what’s more it copes with all types of music!
5 Likes
Expensive LEDs that is 
Should be possible to send to Salisbury to change LEDs only if white was so important?
I completely understand what you’re saying. Especially as you have possibly the third best implementation of a Naim system.
1st being Statement
2nd being active 500 System
3rd being your passive full 500 series into DBL.
Having said that for me personally the drama/roughness/excitement of the older gear is too addictive. I can only wonder how it would sound partnered with DBLs.
1 Like
I think it’s a win win situation whatever you choose. DBL’s were developed using Olive kit and the 500 kit was developed using DBL’s, so synergy is not the issue. It’s just down to what you prefer.
1 Like
I’m sure it’s possible, however, while changing the logo is relatively simple on most of the Classic boxes, there is an exception - the NAP500 head unit. To change the logo on that it needs to be returned to the factory and completely stripped down to the bones, logo changed, and then rebuilt again. To do that right takes knowledge, skill, and… a fair bit of time, so it’s not something to be undertaken lightly, and really best done when there may well be other work to be done - what’s called “while you’re in there”. Needless to say, it’s an expensive undertaking so not really worthwhile just to change the logo.
FWIW, back when Naim altered the brightness of the logos in the early noughties, they actually offered existing NAP500 owners, who perhaps wanted their logos matching, a resistor mod to the logo that lowered the intensity and meant that a complete strip wasn’t necessary. Unfortunately not so easy when the colour is changed …
5 Likes
3 nap 160s? lol
1 Like
I’ve had the great privilege to hear all those actual combinations on my friends DBL system over the last fifteen years. The full Statement was the one that left a permanent dent in the brain. Just on another level and about as close as I’ve come to live music on a hifi system.
3 Likes
Yes statement is the goal but unreachable for many of us. Not that we couldn’t save for ten year and buy it but I would have to refrain from my impulse purchases.
What’s the trick with nuts and blue tac. Cheers
Or hicap –> snaxo 362 –> Naim Nap 6-50
2 Likes
@ Ardbeg10y Yes,have you tried that ?
1 Like
Class D right? Only thing is Naim prioritises low level articulation and grunt which I don’t think can be achieved using this class of amplifier. Somebody call out my statement if it’s absolute nonsense. Lol
What are passive DBLs like with a pair of 135s, or are they active-only like Keltiks?
1 Like
Nope, but I have tried running my IBLs active and even with entry level Naim amps it is a massive difference. Active it is for me.
5 Likes
The DBL’s have optional passive crossovers.
Nap 135’s absolutely works passive but a Big upgrade when activated.
3 Likes