Some people have a huge house and a room where they go to read a book/relax and listen to music. People dont always care about cinema. I like home cinema myself but this isnt the place.
Speakers and Amp Replacement
- Thread starter Housey
- Start date
Some people have a huge house and a room where they go to read a book/relax and listen to music. People dont always care about cinema. I like home cinema myself but this isnt the place.
Supernait bought after 4 different amps sampled and speaker home test planned after refurb. Sitting here player
This is for music not home cinema.
Mark II I hope, not the original?
Woow a real HiFi thread on OcUK forums... 
Jesting aside, I'd also pitch in PMC.... My Fact 8's are very enjoyable, Twenty.26 would be good.
Also the high end KEF, Kudos, Wilson Benesch, Audiovector, all have something to offer.
It got a brief mention above, but room size etc is key, more important I'd put some of the budget to some treatment, the likes of GIK Bass traps etc. The more low frequency energy you pump into the room, either by sub or large speakers the more this will matter. A modest system in a well sorted room will blow a Hi-End system away in an untreated or poor room...
What source are you using? Streaming ?
Psycho Sonny, best is to buy a system for music and then play movies through it, not the other way around
....
Jesting aside, I'd also pitch in PMC.... My Fact 8's are very enjoyable, Twenty.26 would be good.
Also the high end KEF, Kudos, Wilson Benesch, Audiovector, all have something to offer.
It got a brief mention above, but room size etc is key, more important I'd put some of the budget to some treatment, the likes of GIK Bass traps etc. The more low frequency energy you pump into the room, either by sub or large speakers the more this will matter. A modest system in a well sorted room will blow a Hi-End system away in an untreated or poor room...
What source are you using? Streaming ?
Psycho Sonny, best is to buy a system for music and then play movies through it, not the other way around
....NAS storage feeding into a spare MacBook into a NAIM DAC V1 via USB and that into the Supernait 2. I will replace the standard Chord phono cable with the NAIM DIN format for the connection moving forward. The room is small, but I am unsure what room I will use moving forward and the current room is about to be fully refurbished with a flooring, sofa, curtains and also adding a cinema screen, projector and likely the Dali wall mounted speaker system, which having heard today is superb and discreet (to keep the wife happy). I think my hifi will then be moved into the lounge which is also a relatively small room, but carpeted, thick curtains etc.
The reason I didn't buy the speakers for the HiFi today is because I wanted the room done first, then we can select the best locations at which point the specialist will bring out a few speaker systems for me to try, at which point I will buy. I sampled 4 different amps today and still came down on the NAIM front as I like their presentation. It surprised me how different manufacturers tune their systems, the differences were more apparent that I had actually expected and my wife was really astonished how different 4 boxes with lights that all cost similar money can sound.
The B&W 805's are astonishing and I think we are going stand mount but I am open minded like I was with the amp. I was actually keen to move to a different look, from the NAIM but after 2 hours back to back I though the Supernait best (to my tastes) and bought it on the spot. To add I also use Tidal and Spotify as sources, both paid for accounts, premium on Tidal.
The reason I didn't buy the speakers for the HiFi today is because I wanted the room done first, then we can select the best locations at which point the specialist will bring out a few speaker systems for me to try, at which point I will buy. I sampled 4 different amps today and still came down on the NAIM front as I like their presentation. It surprised me how different manufacturers tune their systems, the differences were more apparent that I had actually expected and my wife was really astonished how different 4 boxes with lights that all cost similar money can sound.
The B&W 805's are astonishing and I think we are going stand mount but I am open minded like I was with the amp. I was actually keen to move to a different look, from the NAIM but after 2 hours back to back I though the Supernait best (to my tastes) and bought it on the spot. To add I also use Tidal and Spotify as sources, both paid for accounts, premium on Tidal.
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Psycho Sonny, best is to buy a system for music and then play movies through it, not the other way around
Which is what I will probably do if I same room the cinema and hifi but will go dedicated media amp if not.
I've not heard the latest B&W 8xx series..... only the previous which were a bit sterile and boring to me.... good to hear they have made some big steps forward.
I'm a Local NAS storage users as well, plus Tidal premium and vinyl, all compliment each other well....
Seems your well in the Naim mould and sound, so suggesting to try a Linn DS "streamer" won't go down to well I guess....LOL....
But they really are the cream of the crop in my view..... hook directly to the NAS, integrated Tidal, internet radio etc, tablet /iPad controlled, room correction/tuning built in (bit of game changer that) ....
I'll check out the Dali wall, as we have just started to re do our lounge and I need something for rear speakers .....possibly the KEF Ci series of in-wall....
I'm a Local NAS storage users as well, plus Tidal premium and vinyl, all compliment each other well....
Seems your well in the Naim mould and sound, so suggesting to try a Linn DS "streamer" won't go down to well I guess....LOL....
But they really are the cream of the crop in my view..... hook directly to the NAS, integrated Tidal, internet radio etc, tablet /iPad controlled, room correction/tuning built in (bit of game changer that) ....
I'll check out the Dali wall, as we have just started to re do our lounge and I need something for rear speakers .....possibly the KEF Ci series of in-wall....
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I've not heard the latest B&W 8xx series..... only the previous which were a bit sterile and boring to me.... good to hear they have made some big steps forward.
I'm a Local NAS storage users as well, plus Tidal premium and vinyl, all compliment each other well....
Seems your well in the Naim mould and sound, so suggesting to try a Linn DS "streamer" won't go down to well I guess....LOL....
But they really are the cream of the crop in my view..... hook directly to the NAS, integrated Tidal, internet radio etc, tablet /iPad controlled, room correction/tuning built in (bit of game changer that) ....
I tried Linn today, preferred NAIM.
Too add I never liked the old 800's, same view as you, always left me underwhelmed and felt them very lacking. New ones are huge improvement, night and day.
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I don't like their speakers (not since the 80/90s) I also find that a lot of speaker manufactures seemed to have voiced their speakers more to suit the Naim sound.... Which for me is still a bit to aggressive, edgy and forced, though it's less than the earlier stuff.
That does make finding speakers that work well with Linn amps a bit more tricky though... as some can sound a bit lack lustre without the Naim edge.
As your clearly know, it's all about that finely balanced combination that suits your ear.
Meh big branded HiFi bought new from a shop is just £££££
Xtz Divine 100.33 should do nicely with just about anything, now that's how you do high end for actual reasonable value, without lining a middle man hi-fi shop's pocket with way too much money. Stunning speakers, just about as good as I've ever heard, with a ridiculous price vs these other non direct selling brands like your b&w etc.
Jag @ epic home cinema just west of London has them in along with the big daddy divine 100.49 floor standers.
Xtz Divine 100.33 should do nicely with just about anything, now that's how you do high end for actual reasonable value, without lining a middle man hi-fi shop's pocket with way too much money. Stunning speakers, just about as good as I've ever heard, with a ridiculous price vs these other non direct selling brands like your b&w etc.
Jag @ epic home cinema just west of London has them in along with the big daddy divine 100.49 floor standers.
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Sorry I have no idea what you're talking about now, but it sounds ace and seems to make you happy, so that's nice.
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- 18 Dec 2008
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Woow a real HiFi thread on OcUK forums...
Jesting aside, I'd also pitch in PMC.... My Fact 8's are very enjoyable, Twenty.26 would be good.
Also the high end KEF, Kudos, Wilson Benesch, Audiovector, all have something to offer.
It got a brief mention above, but room size etc is key, more important I'd put some of the budget to some treatment, the likes of GIK Bass traps etc. The more low frequency energy you pump into the room, either by sub or large speakers the more this will matter. A modest system in a well sorted room will blow a Hi-End system away in an untreated or poor room...
What source are you using? Streaming ?
Psycho Sonny, best is to buy a system for music and then play movies through it, not the other way around
9designs2 - many thanks for the mention of GIK Bass Traps. I have recently spent thousands upgrading my hifi and whilst I was happy with the end result in the shop demo room, it doesn't sound quite as good in my small living room. I was even considering changing my gear for a system based on active speakers with some form of equalisation (an expensive option) but having given it some more thought, I'm pretty sure that the issue is poor room acoustics. I have just had a quick look on the GIK website and will complete their free online survey form to see what they recommend.
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- Joined
- 18 Dec 2008
- Posts
- 150
Are the XTC Divine 100.49 really that good? I've just been reading up on the reviews and very tempted to change my Kef R900 for them.
Is there any where in the midlands I can audition them?
Sorry I have no idea what you're talking about now, but it sounds ace and seems to make you happy, so that's nice.
Drunken easter sunday posting
What I tried to put across (badly), was that a lot of nice hi-fi equipment speakers are quite frankly a lot more expensive than they should be.
Those 805S speaker look to be around £4.5k for the pair. For a pair of bookshelf speakers with a single driver/tweeter, cabinet and crossover!
I've moved away from the traditional Hi-Fi shops and manufacturers who populate them as the value is truly terrible in my eyes. Speaker/Sub manufacturers such as XTZ, SVS, Ken Kriesel, Arendal, PSA and the like have entered the market over the last 5yrs or so and have built or are building up stellar reputations for their performance vs value.
Look at the XTZ, SVS and Arendal subs for example on avforums. For £500-£1k ish you can get a sub which blows these B&W, MA and such like subs out of the water and when you look at these well known brand subs, it becomes laughable how low on power they are with such a high price!
Now, back to the 805S@ £4.5k. I'm sure they do sound lovely, but after hearding the XTZ 100.33 divine bookshelf speakers (which are more like big bookshelf speakers), I really cannot see where on earth the extra £2100 the B&W cost actually goes, other than profit for the manufacturer/dealer. This isn't just localised to B&W.
I've only had a short demo of the Divine speakers, but they're one of the best speakers I've ever heard!
Not trying to take over your thread here at all, just want to try and open your eyes to some of these direct to consumer manufacturers where you get truly stunning value hi-fi and cinema equipment that makes you question the standard dealer sold kit model
I've only heard the 100.33 which as I've said above, are something very special.
Jag & Epic Home Cinema is the importer in the UK for XTZ speakers so you should speak to him. He also runs demo days which there's plenty of info on avforums in the events section. I've just grabbed my Sony projector and Draper screen off him.
Well worth the drive down to just west of London where he's based. I'm hoping to head down towards the summer time with my ATC speakers to compare them to the 99.36 FLR floorstanders and the Divine 100.33 speakers, with the view to change.
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The biggest issue with hifi is that it's, in the main, 100% subjective. Everyone has a different taste in music and sound so what works for one person isn't going to work for the other. So the best (and only) way to buy is sample lots. HiFi has always been the domain of 'the emperors new clothes' and today it's no different. Like anything like this it's never going to be a value play when you get up to this level, it's a law of diminishing returns as I said above. I can't justify £4,500 (£5000 when you add the £499 stands....£499 FFS!) but then I don't seek to. It's a luxury and for me it's a combination of sound and aesthetics that are important. I listened to a few different Amp's, I was actually keen to buy something different to NAIM as I actually think the mix of components is cool, but you know what, both my wife and I simply preferred the clarity of the NAIM. Others would like some of the other amps.
Since I have bought it home and plugged it into my current MA GS10's they have become a different speaker, they are obviously much louder as the amp is a much more power amp to the old MF X-A1 I was using before and is simply better on all things. Do I need different speakers, nah, the ones I have are superb, the set up sounds incredible. Do I want some nice shiny new things, yea and you know what I work hard and have had a good year so things like this are what I do it for. Got to spend my money on something and this is one of the things I have decided to update together with a few other things that make the hard work worthwhile
Since I have bought it home and plugged it into my current MA GS10's they have become a different speaker, they are obviously much louder as the amp is a much more power amp to the old MF X-A1 I was using before and is simply better on all things. Do I need different speakers, nah, the ones I have are superb, the set up sounds incredible. Do I want some nice shiny new things, yea and you know what I work hard and have had a good year so things like this are what I do it for. Got to spend my money on something and this is one of the things I have decided to update together with a few other things that make the hard work worthwhile
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Oh Hi-Fi is a fun game isn't it
But if your wife is happy and heard a difference then that's a successful purchase indeed!
Good to hear the difference was so profound, a decent amplifier will make a difference. My ATCs are incredibly inefficient, luckily the lyngdorf amp fires out 200W @8ohm and nearly 400W @4ohm, so they are suitably whipped into life.
£499 stands are funny, although I've some crazy priced ones.
Definitely have to spend some money on pretty things. Although after fitting the in-ceiling screen this weekend, the gf then commented yesterday: 'Why did you get that electric screen, we could have taken the tv off the wall, got a fixed one and just used the projector onto that'.
It was her who didn't want the screen on display when discussed at the planning stage ............
But if your wife is happy and heard a difference then that's a successful purchase indeed!
Good to hear the difference was so profound, a decent amplifier will make a difference. My ATCs are incredibly inefficient, luckily the lyngdorf amp fires out 200W @8ohm and nearly 400W @4ohm, so they are suitably whipped into life.
£499 stands are funny, although I've some crazy priced ones.
Definitely have to spend some money on pretty things. Although after fitting the in-ceiling screen this weekend, the gf then commented yesterday: 'Why did you get that electric screen, we could have taken the tv off the wall, got a fixed one and just used the projector onto that'.
It was her who didn't want the screen on display when discussed at the planning stage ............
No worries, I'm sure it won't be the equipment many, though on forums some will claim various alternative combinations of kit will solve everything.... hmmm nope....
I sent the guys at GIK my room size and shape and they then suggested what to use where.
Being a small room, an upstairs double bedroom about 3.6 x 4.0 meters converted to a "music room" it suffers with being too square and smallish.... It will never be perfect, but the transformation from dam right annoying frustrating to pretty darn good is worth the several hundred quid (700 I think) it cost, which compared to the cost of the system was nothing.
I've mentioned it already, but I'll do so many more times I'm sure
..... Linn DS streamer, some of the best sounding digital front ends and streamers about, comes with built in room correction/equalisation software.Allows you to enter room size and layout, the speakers in use then it calculates a correction which gets uploaded to the Streamer to apply... You then can manually tweak by ear to get it just how you want it. (That said the dealer will do it all for you as part of the service they offer).
Basically it will allow you to take the bass boom and troublesome nodes that small or square rooms will suffer from most.
You could just use the electronic route, personally I like to use the passive panels first then fine tune if required with the electronic options in the DS.
Note, flat frequency response is red herring to chase.... reduce decay time (RT60) is where the sound improvements will come from. Which panels are good at. A little bass boost from the room if well damped can help small speaker for example.