Speakers for SN2 For Low Listening Levels

Hi-Fi Corner
1

I’m coming back over to Naim. Will be getting the SN2 amp

Does anyone know if the Neat Iota Alpha speakers would be a match for the SN2 and I’d like to listen at fairly low volumes

Also considering PMC Twenty 23’s as a small floor standing speaker

It’s in a small room

Or maybe ATC’s but I’ve heard they like to play a bit louder to give their best

Much as I loved my old LS 3/5a’s I’m not looking for a stand mounted speaker particularly

Thanks for any advice, much appreciated

2

Dynaudio Special fourty works very well here.

3

I have heared the Iota Alphas with the various types of SuperNaits both bare and hicapped. The Iotas were well able to show the difference in source and amps. I think a SuperNait would be a good level of amplification for the Alphas - it’s kind of balanced cost wise. If funds is limited you could also try the XS but if money is there get the SuperNait.

Can you borrow a pair from your dealer?

4

Unfortunately I can’t get a home loan pair. How would the PMC’s (Twenty 23’s) compare with the Neat’s? Could both give scale at low listening levels?

5

I heard Dynaudios years ago and didn’t like them one bit, unfortunately I can’t remember which model they were

6

I can’t comment on the PMCs or ATCs since I don’t know them. Can you bring your SuperNait to the dealer? That’s what I did and the dealer tried to sell me a SuperNait 2 since he thought it was better than my SuperNait 1 and we ended up in a kind of shootout of SuperNait combinations with or without hicap all against the Iota Alphas.

I did not buy them, but perhaps I should have bought them. However, I ended up buying SBL’s, now that’s something!

7

Tough to beat the LS3/5As at low volume in a small room.

8

I would recommend listening to PMC. I have the Twenty5 24i and they are very good with the SN2. Low volume listening is very satisfying. High volume is impressive as well. Good choice on the SN2! The PMC’s are very good and I’m sure I’ll be happy with them for many years. I have had the SN2 for 5 years and I’ll probably keep it forever. You would have to spend big bucks to do better and there is no guarantee it would be more enjoyable.

9

This is why I bought my Neat Iota Alphas - for lower level, lounge-type listening. I’ve tried them with my SN3 and they are excellent, although I use my Nova with them usually. When called on to play at higher volume, they also don’t disappoint.

10

I demoed Iota Alphas and ATC SCM11 for my second system, albeit it with an Atom/250 combination.

The Neats definitely work well with low volumes with the very sweet ribbon tweeter a real feature. In my biggish space where they are used with more volume I preferred the ATCs engagement and overall balance compared to the Neat but I wouldn’t have done for low level listening. Cannot comment on the other options.

Bruce

PS Welcome!

12

How did you find the sound of the Neat’s with your SN?

13

You are probably right about that but I fancy a small floor stander this time

14

Thanks that’s excellent news James

15

Just a caveat; I was not a big fan of the Iota Alphas with some genres and at higher volumes. I thought they were best with acoustic and vocal music but to my ears with darker or rockier music (and higher volumes) I thought they were a bit unsophisticated. I realise they are popular with many on the Forum but I can’t say I was a big fan for my tastes or intended usage.

Gotta demo or at the least have a home trial!

Bruce