Upgrade/Downgrade advice

Hi-Fi Corner
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My current system comprises of a Naim Nova and PMC Twenty24 speakers, I have sold the Nova and now I’m undecided where to go next.

My idea was to upgrade to a Supernait 2 and NDX2 combination (keeping the PMC speakers which I love) buying pre owned. However I’ve sort of fallen out of love with serious music listening, I tend to have internet radio on in the background only having a proper listen a couple of hours a week. Hence the sell of the Nova, I’m trying to kick start my love of music again.

So my dilemma is

Sell everything and get a Muso for background listening.

Get the Supernait/NDX2 combination to try to give me my mojo back.

Get a Supernait/ND5xs2 for the same money as my Nova sold for (used prices).

Or don’t get the Supernait and get a Nait 50 new with either of the streamers mentioned

Your advice would be greatfully appreciated.

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So my first question is what is it about music that you love? Is it the equipment that you’ve fallen out of love with, or the music?

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I’d suggest getting an Atom HE and the active upgrade for your speakers. It will be a lot better than the results you got with the Nova, if my experience with the twenty5.21i is anything to go by.

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Halibut’s suggestion offers probably the best bang for the buck, my experience with PMC speakers was always extremely positive and if the active upgrade kit can be fitted to your PMC 20.24’s the HE will make a brilliant source.

Good luck with your choice.

ATB, J

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I’ve had the Nova for about 7 years and i think I’m so used to the sound I’m bored with it hence my first thought was an upgrade, I find it irritating after a prolonged period.

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I like that idea, do you know if an active upgrade is available on the Twenty 24s ?

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So you love your speakers, but you don’t love listening to music. You can certainly improve on the Nova by spending more money, but have you considered the possibility that the speakers may be at least part pf the problem?

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Sorry, I misread and didn’t notice you have the original twenty four. I believe the active only works on the twenty5 and twenty5i. Back to the drawing board. Or sell the twenty four and get some used twenty5.23i.

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I’ve been through so many speakers trying to find a pair that suits my room and ears, these are by far the best I’ve heard. I’ve always liked the sound of my system but lately (the past year or so) I’m not enjoying it hence the post. I know changing the electronics will affect the speakers performance but it’s difficult to completely change the entire system as I buy pre owned.

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I vaguely recall Allaes and Ovator S400s, and possibly a NAP250 to drive them with. Forgive me if I have the wrong guy.

There was also a tiled in gas fire in an attractive room, speakers placed in alcoves either side.

If this is you, I always wondered if the speakers were placed optimally. Nevertheless, I accept that it’s a living space first, stereo system second.

Hope you get your passion back whichever path you choose.

C.

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A couple recomendations:

  • Try a different streamer with a different voicing. It’s quite possible that you like Naim amplification, but not Naim streaming and digital to analog processing.
    • An easy option would be to get a Wiim Ultra via Amazon which could be easily returned
  • Try a turntable. It’s possible that the digital sound is what grates on your nerves, but that analog would not. A Rega P3 with Exact or ND5 cartridge would be nice, even a Rega P1 with Carbon cartridge would be a good testing point.
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Thanks for your recommendations, I’ve gone away from vinyl, had a Linn Sondek Naim separates system many years ago and don’t want to return to it.

As for the streamer side of things, you’re right, a home demo is the only way to go but my Nova is sold so I do t have any way of trying streamers out.

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As i said I have had many speakers over the last 40 years or so and the PMCs are my favourites.

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Speakers and placement is always a contentious issue, I have my speakers against a solid will (about 9” out) with no fire place in between. The positioning is good , I have no bass bloom and I think it’s the front porting of the pmcs to thank for that.

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I’d consider trading the 24s for a used pair of twenty5.23i or 24i. The latest i series is a big step up over the original twenty series. Then get the active upgrade and an Atom HE and you are done. Maybe the standmounts would also fit the bill. I agree about the ease of positioning, and mine are only 11cm out from the wall.

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A TT also requires records!

But a different DAC (which s different streamer would bring) could make a big difference. I don’t know how NDX’s compares with Nova’s DAC, but it might be reasonable to expect similar presentation being from Naim. Perhaps try a Chord DAC - I found Hugo gave a more natural presentation than the DAC in an ND5XS. Qutest may be an obvious ond to try. You’d then need a streaming front end, maybe a Wiim Ultra? While at it, IIRC it has an inbuilt DAC, so you could try without a separate DAC: from things I’ve read it would benefit from a better DAC though its own is said not to be bad. You would still need an amp - whether SN2 good with Twenty24 someone else would have to advise.

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I would certainly give the atc20 asl a listen against the plc speakers both active :+1:

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I have over the last 2 years or so bought a ND5XS2 with a Supernait 3 and it was good and at the moment the ND5XS2 is being reduced by some dealers. I replaced it with a preloved NDX because its dac is better and for me the overall sound is much better even though it can’t stream the higher bit rates of the current Naim streamers. The only reason I did not buy an NDX2 is because I could not afford it. The Nait 50 is also excellent but I could not live with it long term, just a bit too gutsy for me. Also no headphone or phono stage, whereas the Supernait 3 has really good ones. But if you are not into vinyl and are not going to use the phone stage that might be an issue. Also Nait XS3s are reduced too at the moment. I suggest you start with the cheaper XS combo and see if you can live with it? Then try NDX2/Supernait 3 which I think is hard to beat. And swap the Nait 50 for the Supernait, it has a very different character. The only strong advice is to audition at home before buying, my dealer lets you do this for 7 days, no money up front.

I know some people prefer the Supernait 2 over the 3, they are fairly similar in sound, I just think the 3’s DR technology makes for a smoother experience.

In a nutshell, try all your combinations in your original post! Buy the one you prefer within your budget. Only you can decide.

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I once owned PMC twenty23s, with a SuperUniti. I thought it was good, until I swapped to a 272/250DR, which really got the speakers going. I wouldn’t attempt an XS3 with the 24s, and even a Supernait 3 might be on the edge. It’s just a shame my idea of the active upgrade won’t work, as it would be an affordable way to something really really good.

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