You really need to get some time to audition your options. Earlier this year I was thinking about a second system as I had some Linn Majik 140 speakers spare and I had an NDX2 that wasn’t getting much use in my main system due to my CDS3. Arranged a demo with the Nait 50, XS3 and a Rega integrated amp (NDX2 and Majik 140 so what my probable system would likely be).
After an hour of listening to the same 5 tracks streamed from Qobuz, through all three amps the decision for me was very easy and straightforward, the Nait 50 was far more musical, more detailed and better value than the others. It wasn’t close.
Upon getting it home, was very happy with the new system. Then reading through threads in this place curiosity kicked in. Feeding the Nait 50 with CDS3 and into PMC twenty5 26 speakers just wow!!
The lack of remote control is not an issue to me, it does have a phono and headphone stage. CDS3 failed recently so the NDX2 with cd players power supply now feeding the Nait 50 whilst my supercap is away being serviced. At the point it returns I think I will have to do some serious thinking about what to do next.
For me the Nait 50 is fantastic, but you need to try your options and see which one works best for you.
Sorry for the error, the Nait 50 does have headphone amp and phono stage. For me, a drawback is its minimal inputs and it is not upgradable as far as I know. I am into vinyl and wanted to use my Lejonklou phono amp and was an input socket short with a CD player and NDX to connect. Nevertheless it rivals a Supernait 3 in sound quality.
At the moment, ND5xs2 £1599, XS3 £1699 on the internet, ex display. Good value in my opinion. But probably not good enough for your speakers. I think the Supernait 3 and Nait 50 are good options for a balanced system.
By the way, my present system is all preloved. If you buy preloved from a dealer, it is a bit more expensive but you can audition at home. I have been lucky with buying preloved on the internet but it is riskier. I don’t think it is right to ask my dealer to audition unless I intend to make a purchase.
Buying second hand gear can be a false economy if you keep changing things in search of better sound. A dealer who knows his stuff can help find a system that really works for you and set it up in your room so that it sounds the way it should. Forum buying ‘advice’ is rarely a good substitute for that.
If you can’t get to the bottom of the problem, consider whether the equipment is really the cause before you throw more money at it. People’s hearing changes over time, mains power quality can degrade due to issues outside your home, or maybe a component in your amp or speakers has degraded and it needs a service.
Maybe find another way to connect with music and start enjoying it. I find listening to live music is a great way to rekindle my interest, and it encourages me to listen to, and enjoy more recorded music at home.
I’m going to go against the grain of the thread on this one. The equipment is not the issue here, it’s why you lost interest in something you previously enjoyed. Likely lifestyle factors at play here. It’s a pity you sold the Nova, it may have been better to have kept it until the enjoyment of music came back, and then considered improvements from there. Unfortunately you are now in a Catch-22 - no streamer/amp and trying to make a decision when you have lost your enjoyment of music. The Muso might be the best option under the circumstances.
You may be going against the grain but you’ve probably hit the nail on the head, to merge two turns of phrase.
The PMCs are quite a challenging load and keeping them means that any electronics must be of a certain level. Therefore any system will be very similar to before, just slightly better or slightly worse. So selling the speakers and living with a Mu-so may well be the best thing. Then, if ultimately something more is wanted, starting again with a clean sheet opens up lots of possibilities. It doesn’t have to be Naim, or PMC, simply something that fits one’s lifestyle.
Very much this. Keeping it for now would have made finding a replacement for both source and amp easier, enabling trying each separatelywhile also giving direct comparison capability.
To the OP, buying secondhand ne not preclude trying before you buy. Many people selling decent kit are hifi enthusiasts and would both understand the request and accommodate it. And whilst that rarely would permit trying at home, if you ask nicely they might accept you taking your speakers into their home to audition into what they will b feeding (though as aforesaid you have made this more difficult by disposing of the Nova, limiting you to hearing both an unfamiliar source and together. I once took large and heavy IMF speakers into someone’s home when going to audition replacement speakers, (I would have taken mo as well but they had the same one). They not only acceded to my request, but seemed to positively enjoy the experience of hearing something different
BTW, I fully understand the difficulty in finding speakers you like, and you desire to stick to the PMCs. Speakers are also different from one another, and finding what is right for the individual can be very challenging and take a lot of time and effort. Fine if a chosen or available dealers have a range of things including something that you find you like, but the chances are more against it than for it in unless you are happy to travel long distances. The only negative about the PMCs, maybe common to transmission line speakers in general, is that they do tend to benefit from powerful amps.
Well said. I’ve also been going through this very similar process. I’ve upgraded my system from a SuperUniti to a Nait50 and the Auralic Vega S1 DAC. And while the sound has improved dramatically and I’m very happy with it. I also find that I loose interest very quickly when listening. I can’t just sit there and listen for hours. Most often I end up reading something or scrolling through forums like this, while the music becomes just a background sound. I’’be even though about getting a Turntable to see if it would get me back into just listening to music. But still not sure this would be the answer. What I’m trying to say is, you’re not the only one in this situation. And it might not be just another upgrade that will fix the problem.
Some great advice and made me look at things differently which is why I asked the question.
I do think there is something bigger at play, I’ve had a difficult year health wise and it unsettles you.
I feel I need a change, of what, I don’t know.
Music has al ways brought me relaxation but it’s causing me angst now, I think selling up, buying a Mu-so and seeing what happens in the future is the answer.
Every listening started the same way “oh the sound is so much worse than the system i had”.
Many times ended the same way “listening MUSIC for hours due to no expectations, setup/room issues”. When i was listening, i was truly listening to music and not hifi.
Now i have a 222-250, another universe but my focus many times changes from the music to the system/hi-fi/room/expectations/cables etc.
I do prefer the system, it is much better but this is a crazy hobby.
PS - Even with the Muso i had to position myself and the Muso in the right places to maximize the listening experience but it is a piece of cake compared to a system … in a room ….with speakers, all types of cables ….etc
