Solstice - I heard it. So I wrote a review.
Warning: this is long, skip to para 4 if you don’t want to wade through the verbiage.
As I was ushered into @PeterSwain ‘s @Cymbiosis listening room with @RedChris it struck us that we might just be the very first ‘civilians’ in the world (minus employees, reviewers and dealers) to hear the new Solstice. It matters not, but a fun thought for those of us deep down the audiophile rabbit hole.
A small group of enthusiasts had gathered (safely) to pay homage to a major moment in audiophile history, The first ever Naim turntable. Alongside the new potential legend stood a living one, Naim’s mighty brand ambassador, Jason Gould. I felt honoured and marginally nervous to hear whether my ears* were up to it (read the health warning at the end).
To be honest, from the launch pictures I thought it looked a bit of a munter. Standing right next to it, I was transfixed. It had a striking utilitarian beauty. Both Chris and I immediately remarked on how amazing it looked, especially the quality of the component details. The clear front, that huge platter, just looked… right. I know, I know. It somehow did not look as absurd as it does in some of the official photos. And ‘That Arm’. Oh my. It just shouted quality, delicate balance and made us instantly both feel like kids in a sweet shop. And the understated weave of the carbon fibre, barely noticeable without close inspection. More Bentley than blinged-up Mercedes. My first observation is that Naim should employ @anthonydavis – his photos from that same day posted on this forum provide far greater evidence of the quality and engineering beauty of the Solstice.
So, let’s cut to the chase. We A/B tested it with a factory standard LP12 Klimax. No third-party bits, no special fettering. In a nutshell? It’s not better, it’s not worse. It’s different. My ears preferred the LP12 instantly, but as we listened over 4 hours, I became much more equivocal. Chris got there much quicker than I. His comments elsewhere are worth seeking out.
On first listening (through Peter’s reference active Kudos 808s) my ears heard immediate warmth and impact but a slight lack of soundstage, crystal-clear dynamic treble, and a bit of fogginess in the lower midrange / higher bass registers. In comparison to the LP12, it felt slightly veiled. But obviously and compellingly dynamic.
As I listened, and the unconscious bias of my ears and preferences receded (LP12/PU7ti/XX2/Radikal/Urika) I began to hear its strengths. The LP12 did not sound ‘clinical’, just a bit dryer. And more revealing, with greater clarity across the audible range of frequencies. But the Solstice’s strengthens began to become apparent. Yup, here comes the cliché. It had pace, rhythm, and timing (PRaT). It was every bit a Naim as my various Olive and Black boxes have been since 1994 – from 72/140 to 52/300DR. It also had a sweet richness in the mid-range, ran silent, had plenty of punch in the bass, a good soundstage and a fluidity to the notes and music that Aro owners know well (and always mention!). An artistic and magical application of science really, that the Naim engineering genius and the various teams behind the Solstice could transpose that quality of sound from amplification into a turntable. An audible ‘brand essence’. And it was highly enjoyable. Better actually, it was enchanting. And, with all the self-awareness I can muster at the absurdity and possible distastefulness of the next statement, it seemed ‘good value’ for 16K. I don’t think I’ll say that again, it doesn’t feel right.
Is it a new dawn? With vinyl sales rising to a new two-decade high, we know the answer. Does this turntable add something unique to this vinyl revival? Unequivocally, yes. Will I swap my LP12 for one? No. My ears want some of the qualities the LP12 has over the Solstice. But if I was watching from Glasgow, I’d be looking to provide its aficionados with an amazing 50th birthday present next year. Game on. This is the type of arms race I could get behind. And Chris and I got to fantasizing. Could you have your Linn and Naim it? Just imagine an LP12, with a Stiletto and That Arm. Put me on the (imaginary) waitlist for that Peter.
• A note on the ears and brain combo. I listen with mine. You can’t have mine, so it’s best if you listen with yours. We all hear slightly differently and have our own aesthetics. IMHO it’s the most undermentioned influence in reviews (alongside room dynamics?). I’ve spent much of my life working with musicians in live settings and lean-in to a clear, forward, dynamic sound without too much ‘colour’ and ‘sweet warmth’. Think ATC with a rich midrange (40s up). Some might call that clinical, I don’t hear that. Other preferences are available. But I think it’s worth noting, given what I say above.