@MikeD imho that’s a perfect use of headphones as they’re meant to be portable.
Over the years I’ve spent so much money on headphone systems when in actual fact they don’t provide me with the satisfaction of a 2 channel system.
Initially I bought into the “headphones are the ultimate reference” quote that reviewers and headfi guys often state but even when I explored some killer head gear, it did not do as well as a speaker system.
This actually makes me wonder why I always buy an expensive amp when I buy headphones as the amplifier doesn’t make a huge difference. The difference between a £500 amp and a 4K amp was very small. I guess it’s the thrill of collecting gear.
But yes Grado was my pick from the bunch. The only Grado I found underwhelming was the ps500e. I can’t even remember why.
Disregard the cheap shoe racks currently standing in for proper shelving. First thing’s first upon move in - get the stereo up and running. Gotta have music while unpacking.
Appears to sound so much better in this longer space. Even with a full wall of glass ~6m/ 20’ across room from the speakers + concrete floors.
Ovators now .5m / 21” from the rear wall.
Nice vibe in your new room.
Looking forward to seeing how you relax into that space and use it…
Do share another photo, once you are unpacked and settled in…
And a great system too
Every noise or radioi nterference issue I had was from using the zigzag arrangement and hiding the bundles near the rack.
I followed that “accepted” Naim wisdom for years but eventually came round to just a simple coil of slack behind each speaker after a particularly persistent problem.
Over the years I’ve come to question and re-evaluate a lot of the accepted wisdom. Some bears out. Some is nonsense. A lot is misunderstood, taken out of context, and comes out the other end as misguided advice.
I’m not aware of any official advice from Naim such as product manuals regarding the coiling or zigzag arrangement. However, the forum FAQ written by our illustrious leader @Richard.Dane does recommend zigzag and not coiling. I presume this is based on practical experience rather than just hearsay:
“Spare speaker cable should not be coiled – excess cable may be tidied up in a way similar to that employed in the “Jumping Jack” firework. Use cable ties or similar at either end to hold in place. Additional: I would not recommend any particular length for the folds - you can make the folds suitable for hiding but use some sense. You are most likely to end up with one cable needing to be tidied - that to the nearest speaker - giving the distance between the speakers as the amount to be dealt with. Avoid having the doubled (tripled or whatever) too close to either the speaker or the amplifier end of the cable - to give as much flexibility as NACA5 allows for the final run at each end.“
Thanks, Paul. It’s pretty great, I have to say. I’m very pleased. Just picked up the CDS2 yesterday. It’s in great shape but I realize it will become a doorstop at some point. I had to hear one while I had the chance.
Remind me - what’s your system these days? I thought I saw you discuss it at some point but I don’t see it in your profile.
Happy days. Another CDS2 owner here. It’s possibly the best CD player out there. It digs deep in to the detail while maintaining the heart and soul of the music. So very involving.
I think you’re right, hearing a CDS2 should be done if possible. Naim absolutely nailed the balance between detail and emotion, and never bettered it imo. Have fun with it.
