I know of one person here in the States still waiting. I feel for the both of you (and any others).
I’m in the same boat. Ordered the day it was announced, paid for it shortly after that. Was told Fall delivery, then December, then Jan/Feb. Trying to get an update from the Factory but have not heard back.
I understand the manufacturing problems but the conflicting info and lack of updates has been very frustrating.
It’s a real shame that you guys that have ordered a Solstice months ago are still waiting. But it will be worth the wait I’m sure.
The “package” is very good. Then if you have the funds and inclination you can improve things substantially. The turntable with it’s power supply and the ARO 2 are fabulous pieces of kit allowing the potential to move clear of the “belts and braces” LP12. I’ve done the comparison now so that is not conjecture! Just my honest owner not dealer opinion.
Fingers crossed for those waiting
Not sure I get the belts and braces comment around the LP12
I’m already reading that some on this forum are talking about replacing the phono and PS on the naim TT with “better” items such as the superline/supercap plus comments around the cartridge
Next thing they’ll be saying the ARO not quite right
As they say nothing stays the same forever
Chance to hear the Solstice. As the Bristol hifi show was cancelled this year, the organisers Audio-T have set up manufacturer visits across their stores. The Brighton store has Naim and ATC visiting on 25th and 26th, contact the site if you want to book a visit. (I have no affiliation with Audio-T save being a customer, so I think this is OK, if not sorry @Richard.Dane.)
Gear on show ranges from Unitis to Solstice and Nd555 through 552/500 into ATC SCM 50PLs.
That’s the type of defensive post I expected from some LP12 owners. It’s just the nature of things. No worries.
“Belts and Braces” = LP12 Klimax. Very nice deck!
My Present Solstice cost me less than the said Klimax at retail. Amongst other characteristics It sounded less like a deck trying too hard. Off steroids as it were. Just my opinion. Oh and with the Solstice is in SE guise I’d go with the Linn . That’s my take on it.
I think a lot of these things are subjective. I wouldn’t have a solstice for aesthetic reasons and love the look and the wood on my LP12. That doesn’t mean I’m not holding out to see if an Aro 2 will become available and then if it goes well with the old fruit box.
It sounds like you are in heaven with your system at the moment @Cohen1263 and I don’t doubt the Solstice as you have it is every bit as good as a Klimax LP12, or maybe even better😉. Have you investigated alternative cartridges yes or are you waiting to get plenty of hours on the Equinox?
Yes Ian to all that.
The “game changer” Solstice sound wise was changing to Supercap / Superline. Freeing up the Solstice P/S to do just the one job I believe was a relevant factor there. But DVXV1t for Equinox was a serious improvement also. The Equinox just isn’t as good and why should we expect it to be as it will retail for probably 1/3rd the price of the DV.
Hi Cohen
Not being defensive at all re LP12
I just thought well at last we have a TT in the Solstice that is plug and play at a cheaper price than the LP12 Klimax that matches its performance albeit different in some ways
I see you have already replaced the Solstice’s phono, PS and cartridge
I agree with you in that the ARO is a very fine tonearm I have it in another LP12 and I really like it vs Ekos SE , they just give different insights into the music
As I said nothing stays the same forever and it will be interesting to see where Naim goes with their TT developments .
Cheers
Richard, I just noticed that Soundcraft have a Solstice in their showroom. Perhaps that location maybe easier to organise a listen?
I just received a bit of good news from my dealer in California. Naim charged them for shipping, which indicates my SSE is on its way to America. Anyone else @ChrisBell ?
Yes, same news from my dealer. Fingers crossed.
Great news guys. It will have been worth the wait.
Listened to the Solstice a couple of weeks ago at my local dealers. Jason was there doing a demo. I have to say that it looked and sounded great. My only reference point was that they also had the shops ND555 playing. I thought he Solstice was on par with the ND555 and certainly had that Naim boogy factor.
Very good report Geko and echoes my feelings. Of course the sound can be improved substantially with Superline and Supercap and then a top cartridge. That shows just how good the deck and arm are. The best that I’ve heard by some distance.
What are you thinking? If I were to “upgrade” it’d probably be a higher-end DV
I’m using a DV XV1t with it and it’s difficult to describe just how good the combo is Bart. It’s like a better version of the same cartridge in an ARO mk1 on a top LP12. I should know as I owned one.
The drt-xv1t is a fantastic cartridge, had 2 off them and it takes a big jump up in money to really better it, rather than just something different sounding
The Xv1-s is no slouch either… I can imagine that a Lyra Etna would be excellent as well. If those are a bit pricey, I would try to have a listen to a Lyra Kleos ( SL ). The Lyra is a cleaner / more refined presentation vs the Dynavector’s more robust personality.
I was just talking with @JosquinDesPrez – he has an XV-1s on his Clearaudio table and for him the Lyra Etna is next. I listen to mostly 70’s rock, and jazz, on vinyl; might like the “punch” but undoubtedly they are both lovely.