2 weeks since last summary, and if I have read right only 4 additions. Nevertheless time for an update:
73 responses.
Naim is still most popular brand followed now by Kudos displacing B&W. The two most popular speakers are Titan 808, with 7 users, followed by Naim NBL with 6 users, though NBL is matched by B&W 802 if you lump all the variants together.
As before a number in parentheses after the speaker is the number of users if more than one:
B&W 802 D
B&W 802 D2 (3)
B&W 802 D3 (2)
B&W 803 D3 (2)
B&W 804 D2
B&W 804 D3
Dynaudio S5.4
Focal 1007 Be
Focal 1028 Be
Focal Maestro Utopia
Focal Supra 2
Gauder Acoustik Berlina 7 Diamond Mk 2
Harbeth 40.2 (2)
Kudos Titan 606
Kudos Titan 808 (7)
Kudos Titan 88 (3)
Linn Isobaric
Magico S3 MkII
Mission 70
Monitor Audio Studio 60
Naim DBL (3)
Naim DBL (Active)
Naim NBL (6)
Naim Ovator 600 (2)
Naim Ovator 800
Naim SBL
Naim SL2 (4)
Neat MF9
Neat Ultimatum MF7
Neat XL6
PMC 20.21 + Velodyne DD10 sub
PMC Fact 12 (3)
PMC IB2 se
PMC MB2
PMC Twentyfive.26
Proac K6
Proac K6 signature
Shahinian Diapason
Shahinian Obelisk (2)
Sonus Faber Amati Futura
Spendor Classic 200
Totem Mani 2
Verity Audio Sarrastros II
Vivid Audio Giya G3
Wilson DAW
I was going to mention the thread which was running earlier in the year. Based on the summary reposted by FR it appears that #1 on the list are Naim speakers followed by Kudos.
Original Kudos Titan 88’s here on the end of my 500 system.
PS Varyat cheated - he posted that he ran Kudos T808’s…however he ran T88’s before them
I think that list has evolved. There are more Magico users. Another 808 is Tim North too.
There is also at least one Wilson Benesh , if my memory is good.
Perhaps creating a poll could help ?
Speakers are a very personal thing and with Active you have to get it right for what you want. The S800 are vert seamless and revealing of tone-structure withing complex weaves of notes, so great on Classical instruments - but also very ‘fast’ with their bass-handling, so great for rock and larger-scale live concert rendition, without it all collapsing apart.
The non-DR 500 was very good Active with them, but the DR has taken it to a far superior performance. The 500DR works well with a lot of Speakers I’ve heard.
I use Focal Maestro Utopia speakers with a nap 500. Prior to that I used Focal Stella Utopia, though that was with a NAP300. My room size is 4.6 x 6.7 m though with a high ceiling at 3.8m.
If you were concerned, there is no issue about these combinations being able to ‘drive the room’ up to and beyond any acceptable level. Like any large high quality speakers positioning can have quite an effect on overall focus.
For most people it is hard to arrange to hear more than a few large and high quality speakers in your home or even in sympathetic conditions in dealers unless you are very fortunate with access to dealers. Therefore I have not been able to hear all the options often mentioned in these threads, but I am entirely satisfied with my choice and the quality of the sound.
Incidentally the quality of manufacture of the Focals is very very good.
I seem to recall from another thread your K6’s had very few hours on them. I’ve owned my K6’s Sig’s for nearly a year and I can confirm they need hundreds of hours of run-in time before they really shine. The bass get much better, firms up and becomes more tuneful. The tweeter takes the longest to open up, but I get a very detailed almost electrostatic sound. Never bright or harsh and mine are sited in a room of glass and concrete!
I’d suggest giving your pair a good run-in before a changeout.
Focal Sopra 2s here on non DR but serviced 552/500. I think the Sopra 2s benefit from the 500 driving them. I also think it depends on room size and speak placement.
PMC twenty26 but looking to go with the PMC Fact 12 when I can find a good used pair with light wood veneer. The PMC range offer exception base response and seem to work well with Naim and my room.
B&W 802D Mk2. Our room is tricky and this particular speaker works well in it with the 300 and 500DR. There is no way of knowing for sure without a home audition.
There is no way of knowing for sure without a home audition! Speakers that sound wonderful elsewhere did not work in my living room. I’ll never, ever, buy speakers w/out a home demo. The home demos have saved me much heartache and expense.
100% what works for me doesn’t mean it will work for you.
You need to do the leg work yourself on this, its the only way to be 100% sure you have made the right choice
