Thanks for the pictures and advice. I just skirted my eyes around the room estimating how I could implement that…
I am thinking I’d need 2 x 15m of SL cable of that, which I think would equate to £18k upwards! I suppose if I went back to NACA5 it could be done, but that would feel like downgrading a car.
(I also think at present my speakers are the bottleneck, but I’m having a rest upgrading and my goal is to get the best from what I have got. In fact, I can’t see what a NAP500 would do above the NAP300 in my case as the 552 makes the NAP300 much louder, akin to two hours on the clock. Mind you, I also think my intuition may be flawed as the speaker positioning and room dynamics may be a significant factor.)
That is a good idea, JonoB, and affordable. It’s mad how I haven’t thought this way. It would make the whole rug soft, great for the kids and my cable would be protected.
I’m going to do that.
Meanwhile, I’ve been given orders to remedy the lounge today; I hope my humble story is an admonishment to some.
Thanks for all your comments though, I didn’t realise that a forum could help me calibrate a listening room - or perhaps take a step back as I’m looking around the room now irritated with myself!
What Monitor Audio speakers are they and, why do you think they are a bottleneck?
I use Kudos T606 speakers with my Naim system, as a number of forum members do. Their range does seem to match well with Naim gear. For interest, I’ve just changed the NAC A5 for Kudos KS-1 and that made a huge improvement.
One ”Left Field” consideration to ponder. If you are thinking about changing speakers, demo the Kudos Titan speakers with KS-1 speaker cables. You could get longer runs of speaker cable to allow better routing of them and P/Ex the SL. A bit of a compromise, but will sort out your wiring problems, flatten the rug, stop the kids tripping over and keep Mrs JonP happy.
I’ve had a couple of listens over the past fortnight to a set of Monitor Audio Platinum 300 II’s, and they were very impressive. The bass response was truly amazing on them - definitely no need for sub! Far too large for my room, unfortunatelybut the dealer has a set of Platinum 200 3g’s and some Sonus Faber Olympica Nova coming soon, both of which have been very highly reviewed.
They are the PL200s first generation, but I’ve never heard alternatives, as all but my very first Naim set up has been second hand - how I have climbed up the range. So, if RRP can be used as a metric, they are outclassed by a 552. If someone quashed that hypothesis of mine, I’d be most appreciative - as I am for your tips resolving my self-induced wiring chaos.
That’s my reasoning. But damn is it an expensive hobby! I mean maybe my 552 and SL have not even bedded in yet? Anyway, I’ve been granted/commanded to use this afternoon to address the rug. So much for the game.
If they pass the dealers (very treated) rom test and I get them up home for a demo, I’ll let you know how they sound on my 552. I was very smitten by the PL 300 II, but I don’t have the ability to place them 1m out from the back wall in my room. Probably just as well as my bank balance would prefer a slightly smaller speaker.
If the 552 is new it might take a bit to burn in. Mine was second hand, but even so it still sounded better after a few weeks of being powered up.
And as for the rug, I think the word you were looking for was “recommended”
It’s really worked! I have followed advice and channeled the SL in a groove, I’ll post a picture of how it looks now. The bits on the floor are foam I had on granite slabs I used with the 252 - protection of child falling on a corner. (Couldn’t wait but listen - I’ll hoover later!)
Well, I have put the granite slabs UNDER the rug and the channeled SL goes through that until connection to the speaker terminals.
Wow!! No BS, the floor is a bouncy laminate and I think the granite slabs have likened the floor to concrete; the speakers are away from side walls and rear wall.
First listen, I’m blown away how just those minor adjustments have worked. Gosh, thinking the PL200s outclassed or the 552 overblown and in your face. What I’ve learnt this weekend eh?
(And I hope I’m not sleeping on the sofa tonight!)
Thank you, Sir, I’ve followed your guide and bought some proper cable protectors. Will install tomorrow.
I do get the cable raising benefits and like many in the audiophile community I have the fastidiousness to get every ounce of optimal sound the condition specifies, as per the DSM and/or ICD. Like others I shun the naysayers (i.e. my father) who claim I’m deluded.
