Thanks for the write up.
The phrase you use of ‘modern sounding’ is interesting as I am not sure what it really means to you and whether that is good or bad? But I guess it all comes down to personal taste.
Enjoy and keep reporting back,
Richard
Thanks for the write up.
The phrase you use of ‘modern sounding’ is interesting as I am not sure what it really means to you and whether that is good or bad? But I guess it all comes down to personal taste.
Enjoy and keep reporting back,
Richard
Lovely photo. Well done.
Great photo and write up. Fantastic system.
I spent an interesting hour or so at my dealers yesterday listening to the Naim’s Solstice against a top spec Linn LP12 (with the new Ekstatik cartridge). But before I go any further I will just say that this was like trying to compare two fine wines or two great whiskies - the fun is in sitting back and drinking them, not comparing them!
For the record I thought the guy’s at Audio T did a great job of allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions. No real mention of cost differences of fancy accessories it was all about the music and how it made you feel.
The only additional demonstration they did was to listen to the Solstice with the standard Lavender lead vs. SuperLumina, which I thought made quite a big difference. However, for comparison with the LP12 they resorted to using the standard Lavender lead on the Solstice.
A few well know album tracks were selected and listened to on both. I have to say it was a very interesting and enjoyable way to spend an hour. I don’t know what I was expecting to hear? I thought it might be a night and day preference but it was far from that. Both had magnificent resolution but took you on a different musical journey. The Linn was finely etched, spacious, voluptuous, paced, well rounded and quiet - in an inky blackness sort of way! The Solstice seemed more up-tempo, livelier and dynamic with more slam and, what seemed, a greater musical range. This was more noticeable to me on certain tracks than others. The LP12 was a little better a pulling out specific fine musical detail but the Solstice seemed to make more sense of that musical detail.
So, no clear winner just a slight preference. If I was in the market for a new turntable and already had a big Naim system then the choice, for me, would have to be the Solstice. If I already had an LP12 (which I do) I’d stick on the Linn journey knowing that I had a pretty good turntable and that like fine wines or good whiskies it has stood the tides of time well!
Quite a few reviews floating around now on this demo day, all so far i have seen favouring the linn, but really it should have been the better deck as the cartridge on the linn is quite a bit more money and at this level makes a big difference in what you get from the grove
I could tell from the first few lines you wrote, where it was heading lol
Interesting.
When this all started, I was absolutely confident that, ‘averaging out’ peoples’ comments, it would be evident that both are excellent but different.
What phonostage was used for th LP12?
Hans
To be honest I’m not sure but they did say it was a top spec Linn, so assume it was the latest phono stage?
Geko,
Thanks for the write up, most interesting especially as I have still not heard the Solstice.
Must get a demo sorted out one day, although I am very happy with my LP12 and not itching to change.
Richard
Very nice review. Presumably, if they demo’d the system as shown in the pic, then the LP12 was at a disadvantage having the 52’s PSU right below it.
Update: The Equinox and NVS-TT have significantly opened up at the 50 hour mark. There’s still room for improvement, Naim tells me the Equinox needs 70 hours. Bass is MUCH bigger and bolder. The boogie factor has also improved, there’s so much energy to the sound. And I am still preferring the NVS-TT phono stage to my SL/SC. Perhaps my 2008 SL is showing its age? Hard to know but the new phono stage is very good. Time marches on.
Anyone need a lightly used ND555? I’ve barely played it!
Kidding aside, I’ve contemplated downgrading my digital rig to fund more records.
I’ll give you a couple of quid for it, and that’s cutting me own throat. No real call for these things nowadays, you know. Not a popular brand, you see.
Terry Tibbs ‘ere.
Lightly used ND555……talk to me……
Strikes a chord with me Chris. I finally got my ND555 up and running yesterday for the first time since June last year. I’ve been running only vinyl because of a house move, renovation and lack of a wired listening room since then. Plugging the ND555 back in has been slightly underwhelming so far. The room and the set up are still not the finished article so I’m reserving judgement, but the thought did occur that I could go back to an NDS, sell the ND555 and one of the 555PS’s to partly sponsor a Solstice. Keep the LP12 for now and see which I prefer. Or maybe keep both🤔
Thought about doing an unboxing vid and realized that’s old news Well after 8 months I am the proud owner of a SSE, and I splurged and got the Super Lumina DIN cable. I mean why not?
Unfortunately it’s going to be a while before I can get it setup. Have any of you heard of Multiple Myeloma? Well I hadn’t until I got diagnosed with it. So I’m bummed about that, however my treatments are going well thus far, and I am lucky to be in a Car-T clinical trial
Looking forward to brighter days when I can enjoy my new deck. Until then, I hope this message finds everyone here well. Take it one day at a time, and make ‘em count
Jered
Very sorry to hear of your diagnosis Jered.
It certainly puts other thoughts such as hifi into perspective.
I wish you all the very best for a full and speedy recovery my friend.
So very sorry to hear that, just hoping for you that the treatment continues to go well.
Regards,
Lindsay
Jered
Congrats on the new Turntable. It’s worth the wait.
All the best and get well soon!
Chris
The progress in treating MM has been quite impressive since my mother died of it 20 years ago and the work continues. Looks like you’ve found something promising with Car-T. The horizon’s not as near as it used to be and getting further all the time.