It doesn’t. A 152 doesn’t remotely sound like a 202. Neither of them sound remotely like a 282. The 252 is different again and the 552 doesn’t sound like anything else. Ditto 200,250, 300 and 500. One of these might have “The Naim Sound”. But they can’t all have it because they sound so different.
To my ears, it’s accurate timing that sets Naim apart. There’s probably a lot more to it. But a house sound? Maybe to some ears, not to mine. If such a thing existed it would implicate some kind of artefact or distortion.
I think there’s so many really great products out there. And I know many here think it’s front end first, and I agree to a point. But if starting from scratch I’d find the speakers I love first then the amp that drives them properly. Maybe MBL’s with MBL amps, Yeah Baby!
The French magazine Diapason summarized the “Naim sound” very well a few years ago when they reviewed a 252/250 system. Accuracy of timbres, dynamics, timing, a clear cut sound and a certain aggressiveness in the high medium were the key findings (I’m translating rather loosely from French). Compared to products from other manufacturers, it could be said for the vast majority of Naim pres and amps I’ve heard, with individual variations of course.
Once you compare Naim products with each other I fully agree, there are significant differences. But they all sound like Naim to me.
I’m in the same camp: speakers characterise the sound more than any other component, and getting speakers you like the sound of -really like, as opposed to “that’s the best of the one’s I’ve heard” type like, can make a huge difference. Of course in real terms affordability and practicality come into it, and it is important that an amp does have at least a tolerable ability to control the speakers. But what you know is that whatever more you do with the system the better it will sing! (Which of course is exactly what ‘source first’ people say!)
May I know the speakers that were used with all the Naim amps which you listed above and Vitus SIA025 (the only integrated that interests me)? Is it Harbeth?
FWIW refined and smooth sounding amps do not sound engaging when they are used to drive the Harbeth, in my view. The Naim in my case 282/HCDR/250DR sounds stellar with the Harbeth Super HL5+. However, with Marten Duke 2 speakers the Naim separates did not sound as good as the Sonneteer Orton. The Sonneteer sounds smoother and more refined than the Naim (through Marten loudspeakers) and music sounds more engaging with the Sonneteer.
Personally I think it got a lot to do with speaker matching, apart from listening preferences. In other words, I suspect the Vitus’ strengths will shine with select speakers.
Naim setups were predominantly used with Harbeths. To be exact, SHL5+/30.1/30.2/ 40thHL5s and Naim SL2s. Also used with Kef r100, Epos m5i. The ayre/Sovereign setup was only tested on 30.2s and 40th HL5s.
Vitus was partnered with Avalon speakers. I don’t know which model.
Dartzeel was tested with a few dynamic and one electrostat.
I suppose “if” the Fact 12’s would be holding back the Sia 30 you could logically argue that the Fact 12’s could also be holding back your Naim Amp+Pre.
Accuracy of timbres I get, although thinking about all the systems I have heard down the years, it’s timing more than anything that Naim seem to nail every time.
In the 80s/90s I heard many Naim systems in dealers and homes which could be characterised as forward to the point of aggressive. To me they all sounded awful. It was only in the 00s that I started to hear Naim components and systems which seemed to deliver more than just big gobs of bass and screeching treble (apart from the IBL which omitted the bass). But one thing they all did, regardless of presentation, was time beautifully.
I think I might accurately pick between a Naim and Linn system with my eyes shut, in my dealer’s demonstration room. I don’t know if I could at home. Throw an Exposure or Devialet into the blind mix and I think most people would struggle.
Strange that very few German brands seem to get much of a mention in the UK, let alone make it over here in significant numbers. I auditioned MBL amplification when I sold my trusty Primare 928 pre and monoblocks (another fantastic Danish amp by the way), but ended up going with another German manufacturer, Lindemann. The MBLs I listened to sounded uncannily like my Primare amps, but the Lindemann amps were a definite step up. However, at around £17.5k new, the top of the range Lindemanns are nowhere near the top of the MBL or Vitus food chain.
If I wanted to spend a fortune, then Vitus and MBL further up the range would definitely on my audition list, but I’m happy where I am. I have other priorities for my money these days.