I like the clarity and detail I’m getting from my system but would like to add a touch more warmth and holographic imaging. I’m wondering if a tube buffer is a good idea or is it just a bandaid?
Here are my current components:
Streamer: Aurender N10
DAC: Weiss 204 (connected via WireWorld Starlight 10 digital coaxial cable)
Preamp: Naim NAC282 (powered by Naim HiCap power supply)
Power Amp: Naim NAP200
Speakers: Harbeth Bookshelf Speakers
Subwoofers: Stereo pair of REL subwoofers
The alternative to swap my NAC-282/NAP-200 with a tube integrated amp but I’m afraid I’d lose what I like about the Naim amps, such as a PRaT and detail. My thought is a tube buffer might add that needed warmth and depth. Thoughts?
I run a tube pre (Manley Neo-Classic 300B) with a Naim power amp (300DR) and the combination is sublime, providing a holographic midrange with PRaT and grip.
You might want to hang on a bit. From reading your other posts it sounds like you may have a problem with one of the channels on the Weiss. I’d get that sorted first and then see how everything sounds before making any more changes ?
Adding a valve stage can add artefacts to the audio to make it sound more appealing like low level harmonic distortion, better inter mod distortion resistance to HF, HF attenuation etc.
But I would fix the issues first to get a baseline and then adapt from there or you could get into a right mess.
Remember no buffer stage or amp can invent something in the information signal that isn’t there
If you’re free to move your speakers around take the subs out for now and have a go at the Sumiko Masterset method for speaker placement, not necessarily using the toe-in that it recommends. Try and integrate the subs once the prime speakers are sorted, or don’t.
When I ran a separate DAC a Belden 4974R from Bluejeans gave a richer sound than either cable from Chord that I tried, it’s BNC only but didn’t seem to mind an adaptor at the DAC end. (Why don’t all firms use BNCs on their DACs?)
If you still have the Thorens what cartridge are you running? Will it accept an Ortofon SPU? That should give the sound some body.
This is a brilliant idea! What I love about the Naim components is the tight and punchy PRaT and grip, BUT I feel it could use more holographic imaging and warmth. What I typically don’t like about all tube systems is the lack of the punchy PRaT. Sounds like your approach would provide the best of both worlds. Do you feel that with your tube amp and the 300DR you retain the things about Naim we all love but it adds the warmth and imaging we all seek?
I believe your speakers should be on the warmer side? If you are lacking imaging, speakers themselves will have a big impact on this (as can their positioning). For warmth, what is your listening room like? Most people aren’t aware they are listening to their room as much as the kit that is in the room. Acoustic treatments will likely go a long way to adding warmth & improve other aspects, including imaging. The 282 is more forward/brighter sounding & the 200 is on the leaner side. A 252/SCDR is probably a better option for you but obviously at a cost. A 250DR (or higher) should add some heft to the sound, which should help in the warmth department. Then there is the DAC, a good quality R2R, NOS DAC will help eliminate the nasties from digital & bring you closer in line with Analog experience. Lots of choices currently out there, personally I’m a big fan of Metrum Acoustics/Sonnet Digital.
I think the best way to view it is to understand that not all tube amps are created equal: some are warm, lush and gooey warm while others can be dynamic and close to neutral like solid state. My Manley Labs pre is more like the latter as Manley are a pro audio company first (their gear can be found in the best recording studios in the world) which means they still strive for accuracy.
In the case of my pre, it manages to blend the detail and honesty of the best solid-state with the reach-out-and-touch-it holographic realism of tube gear. I have Western Electric 300B installed so it does roll off the lows and mids slightly more in favor of that delicious midrange but coupled with my 300 DR it still sounds very balanced.