I have the opportunity to purchase a mint condition pair of the highly regarded Ø Audio Frigg 02 speakers. I believe this would be an upgrade to my Spendor D7.2s. I have a stereo pair of REL S/510s as well.
But, I’m curious if anyone has had any experience using those speakers with a Supernait 3? Is it potentially a good pairing?
Frigg 02 specs:
Construction: 3-way Hybrid Low Order
Sensitivity: 90db
Frequencyrange: 29hz–30khz
Impedance: 8ohm (minimum 3.8ohm)
Tweeter: Metamodal TPCD Dome with DXT-lense
Midrange: 180mm hand coated Paper cone(titanium former)
Woofer: 220mm hand coated paper cone(titanium former)
Bassreflex(port in bottom of cabinet)
Dimensions: 98,5x21x34cm (HxWxD)
Width including feet: 37cm
Weight: 30kg
I heard these at Capital Audiofest (I think) and was very impressed, but haven’t heard them with Naim.
A review seems to indicate they like a dynamic, fast Class AB amp with a high damping factor as compared to a tube integrated, which makes me think Naim might be a great match.
I’d be wary of matching a €13,000 speaker with a Supernait 3, and wonder whether a 282 and 250DR might be better way forward, especially as you already have the Hicap. It would certainly transform the Spendors.
Good point. Unfortunately I have no space for more boxes currently. I really love the SN3/HiCap, but have always thought the 300 DR would be the upgrade to go for separates.
Aside from the amp upgrades, it seems the SN3 could drive 90db of the Friggs well. It’s possible I could eliminate the REL subs according to the seller.
Not the same at all, but I’ve found my SN3 has provided the best combination on my Kef R3 Metas, bringing more cohesion to a 3 way design than any other amp I’ve tried with them.
With regards to the advice regarding damping factor.
Naim amplifiers traditionally had a low damping factor, might be worth checking out the damping factor of the SN3.
Although the comment from the reviewer might not be accurate.
I drive a 85db speaker with a Nait3. The SN3 is a beast and can surly drive a 90db speaker. The toroidal transformer in the SN3 is as big as my head. It has plenty of current behind that 80 watts. And watts isn’t really the mark to gage an amp by. I used to play bass and there were plenty of big watt amps around with no balls. Because that toroidal transformer was tiny. That’s where a large amount of the cost and weight comes from in an amp. And its ability to kick butt.
The SN3 has plenty of drive for a 90dB speaker. I have found that the overall impedance profile, phase angles, and EPDR are what really reward moving up to a 250DR, 300DR, etc.
I run some rather expensive horn two ways that are a conservative 93dB, but they are 10ohms nominal and never dip below 7 ohms, ever. Phase angles are silly-benign and EPDR may possibly blow John Atkinson’s mind. They are 2A3 and 45 amp friendly. The mighty SN3 sounds absolutely superb on them.
But I’ve heard the SN3 struggle with “more efficient” speakers that were significantly more difficult to drive (read: lower impedance and/or aggressive phase angles).
@hollowmanor I think you’ll be just fine. What speaker cables are you using, or plan to use?
I listened to the larger Icon 12 at Axpona last year. They were driven by Boulder amps. Very impressive speakers for the $ ,imo. I went back to that room a few times that day….loved what those horns were doing. Not the highest resolution but total engagement. If I had a larger space…..
I wouldn’t. My speakers are -3db at 28 Hz and I had a pair of REL S/510 that improved them considerably, especially in terms of better soundstage. I went the opposite direction of elimination and upgraded to a full six-pack line array of REL S/510, for even better performance of the system as a whole.
i run wilson sabrina x w/ supernait and the only thing thats bad about it, is my wife cant stand the way the wilson’s look. i had tunetots and have run various b&w with it. I had a 272 and 250dr and the sn3 does them justice (ndx2 and power supplies) I still think that they don’t make a SN4 is because the SN3 was too good. Parts they say….
That’s amazing to hear about the SN3 and Sabrina X combo. I always thought to upgrade to those I’d have to upgrade everything. I personally love the Sabrinas and the look, but I get it.
I think you’re right that the SN3 + HiCap Dr, NDX2 + XPS DR, definitely make it possible to pair at that level.
Even without subs, the Friggs bring that warmth and presence I’ve been trying to achieve for years with the Spendors but with no change in my amplification.
