Asr basis exclusive or naim superline+hicap2

Mine is a 2006. Only thing is that power supply is HEAVY and the umbilical cord connecting the unit and PS looks like it came off a WW2 battleship. I suppose these things contribute to the sound quality; it is overbuilt to say the least. It looks like it could eat my Metrum Octave dac for a snack.

Just by chance I have a Naim Superline with Teddy Pardo Supercap and a Basis Exclusive. Both are GREAT; which is better depends on your system and taste. As it happens I am selling the Naim to my friend Tricon_dave as it is a great match for his Wilson Sasha. Transparency, pace, bass power and definition are exceptional. The ASR is more laid back but yet also has very good bass and transparency. I use Spendor or GamuT speakers and I find that it is a very good match with them. I don't think you can go wrong with either. Actually, which sounds better can depend on which LP you are listening to; when I compared them on my system [it is listed in virtual systems] one would sound better on one disc and the other on the next. If ultimate definition and transparency is your goal I would go with the Naim; if you like a little more relaxed and "musical" sound the ASR.

I used a Cardas GR balanced with good results with my Graham 2.2. Now using a Rega 1000 which has captive cables. I also leave mine in the line position when not listening. Once in a while I forget to switch and wonder why the system is not sounding as good as usual.

The arm leads from the Rega 1000 are hard wired to give a direct signal path from the cartridge clips to the RCAs; that is no intervening DIN plugs etc. I use a 2006 ASR; some have found it better than the new one but I neither know nor care which is better; mine does the job for me. I have sold the Naim to a friend; both worked very well on mine but the Naim was outstanding on his. I am getting a passive to try and it lacks [Horrors!] a remote so I will actually have to walk over to the system to begin so having to turn from current to battery should become automatic (I hope).

I am getting a Townshend Allegri; already ordered. I have used several passives and have a couple of good ones now but I felt that the transformer coupled ones were the way I wanted to go.

I got it yesterday; it sounds great.