Hello everybody with my Naim xs3 and my rega P6 what would be a good matchup for speakers.
I have a budget of 2500/2700 euros in second hand.
I checked brand like Pro Ac DT8 or D20 or D30
Spendor A4 or others models
Harbeth HL 5 but it’s not columns or HL 5 plus
Dynaudio but I think they’re assembled in China?
Thks for your reply
Proac better than Harbeth with Nait XS3.
I owned Harbeth SHL5 for 7 years, SHL5+ about 7 years too. I once tried original Nait XS first version with the SHL5s and it sounded almost the same as the Rega Elicit mk2 which I own during that time. I then tried several more amps and settled with Naim NAC202/NAP200 and lived with it for 6 years before I upgraded to 282/250DR. To be frank, the Nait XS and SHL5s sound poor to my ears.
If considering Harbeth SHL5, you may look for used Quad 66/606 as the match will be a lot better.
Thk you for your reply about harbeth.
What about spendor, I heared that they are richer in bass.
In case you are interested, I’ve tried the Totem Sky Towers with the XS3, I think they are an excellent match but it also depends on what kind of sound you look for. Surely it’s not as dry as the Harbeths.
I’ve tried the Harbeth Super HL5 Plus XD2 with the Nait50 and I loved the result, but they should be pretty different from the SHL5 mentioned by @ryder even though I haven’t listen to them.
There are interesting speakers from Neat like the Momentum SX2 and Momentum SX5i. Also Magnepan makes some good ones.
In the end you should try them and get to your own conclusion on the type of sound you really enjoy.
A very very subjective answer. It’s going to drive and pair well with a number of speakers and you’re going to get a lot of responses based on other people’s preferences or what they currently own.
this is right - I think the question that you could ask is what speaker is going to give you the presentation you’re looking for with an XS3. Warm, analytical, bass-heavy, whatever. That’s a much easier answer as the forum is going to have experience with a number of combos.
I totally agree on that. You can make a relative comparison about those characteristics you mentioned, so one might know what direction to take or at least what to consider. However the final conclusion is always very, very personal. I like different speakers, but you only choose one. I’m a big Totem fan, but there are some excellent alternatives more suitable for a different taste.
I heard good feedback from ATc SCM
I’m sure it will sound great with a wide range of speakers. The main problem you’re going to have is trying them all! You’ll always have FOMO ( that next one might just be a little better!).
My xs3/ flatcap xs drives B&W 705 S3s and I think it sounds fabulous.
The main problem is that in my city I don’t have choice to hear a lot of models I can only hear Pro Ac but prices are very high on this shop they don’t have Atc scm , no spendor,no harbeth
Hi, that is quite a generous budget. As others have indicated, XS3 is a great amp that will drive many high and normally efficient speakers just fine. Perhaps you can share what you don’t like about your current Elac speakers, as they seem to get good reviews.
But when you think of it as a system, there are other ways forward that may let you be very surprised what comes out of your current speakers, before thinking of replacing them.
For example you could also spend some 1000 euros on a Flatcap XS and SNAIC4 cable. This will be a significant uplift for the amp and its phono stage.
Alternatively, or both, you could spend a similar sum to trade-in your P6 for a P8 and again be surprised by the general uplift. In any case the right Rega wall shelf and a ND7 cartridge if you don’t have those already will also be worth it.
Then, if you now use other cables, longer runs (5m) of NACA5 speaker cable with proper termination, including NACA5 bridges for your biwire speaker posts, will eat budget even second hand but are definitely worth it IMO.
Finally no stacking, cable dressing and a decent rack or furniture helps a lot. Good luck!
I have an opportunity to sell my Elac FS 247
I want to change my speakers cause I would like only British hi-fi gear.
My P6 with Nagaoka mp300 is New
My naim xs 3 is new
Just bought 3m nac5 cable.
Don’t install them yet.
But I have opportunity to sell my Elac so I will go.
Don’t like dry sound like natural, dynamic and rich sound and a great sounding scene.
But really don’t know how Pro Ac, ATC and spendor are sounding.
Apparently harbeth is very dry
I don’t own a pair but have heard them a number of times and you are describing Neat Petites, wonderful sounding speaker.
Hart07 I use ATC SCM19’s with my XS3 and they sound great together. I use NACA5 too
So if that’s your criteria, it’s the Neat Petite Classics as @Adam1 said.
Might be helpful:
Really don’t know neat
It’s very good, what difference between Elac FS 247 ?
Would like columns
Spendor have just introduced new A2.2 and 4.2 which are getting good reviews.
You can probably pick up old models at considerable discount just now.
ATC tend to be accurate but not necessarily ‘rich’. I have SCM11s and have heard a couple of other models briefly. I would describe them as neutral,
The Neat range might be worth exploring, several options at your budget. They are probably a bit ‘juicier’ if that makes any sense. I’d definitely have them on my list.
A s/h purchase at least means you won’t lose too much if they don’t suit. That is always a risk without a demo.
Bruce
PMC twenty 23.5 or 25.5 is also a good match with Naim amp.
Any feedbacks from this brand and model?
Thks