I'm enjoying Exposure - first time in a long time I'm not wondering what the next box upgrade should be. The only frustration is that I can't listen to it as much as I'd like - with a small house and a 2.5 year old, it's challenging.
Now, about those speakers . . .
|
I'm a dealer for Exposure, Naim, Rega, LFD and Luxman. I say that only to mention that I too have been chasing the prefect solid state British sound. For whatever reason Luxman found its way into the group for many British audio fans.
Anyway, Exposure is awesome. Forget about price comparisons, they make great gear. They have life and light in their sound while being the opposite of harsh. In my opinion they do what we all came here for, they sound good.
Michael, Blue Jay Audio |
Interesting post. I too have used Naim gear for quite awhile. Many different systems and components from the Naim line. I have tried much other gear, including tubes and Exposure, and everything in between. I keep going back to Naim because it seems to be the only brand that makes me want to listen all the time. Currently have about 4 Naim systems, including something from every era. Chrome bumper, olive, current black, and even a Muso.
i also would like to express my sincere gratitude for your service to the USA. |
Jafant -
I bought it from the UK; it was about $375 shipped for a 3 meter set with bananas. Took a while to break in, but sounds very good indeed. NO clue how it compares to most US cables; never played there. I think the most "modern" other interconnects I have are a set of Cardas Crosslink 1 and Wireworld Equinox 3.
|
TY-naimfan
whom is your local TQ dealer/retailer? Happy Listening!
|
@jafant
The TQ Black speaker cable is good. It sounds better than NACA5 in either the Naim or Exposure system - it's much more "hear-through." It sounds like it goes deeper at the same time it tidies up the bass, and upper frequencies are noticeably cleaner sounding.
Great value, I'd love to try the Ultra Black - which is just a *bit* more expensive.
|
The Exposure stuff stands the test of time and is simply great sounding gear. You made a good choice. |
naimfan-
how did you like the TelluriumQ cabling?
This is on my must- demo list. |
I've heard nothing but great things about Croft. Heard one probably 20 years ago in the UK and it was great; just not available in the US at the time.
Glen - I'm not too worried - enjoyed Naim for a long time and would probably still like an olive system. But the Classic range doesn't seem competitive price-wise; and adding more and more boxes just isn't an option. And the sound just didn't cut it - the most important part for me was that I wasn't listening every day. Now I am.
|
I did a similar thing and sold my Naim system a couple years ago because i wasn't listening to music anymore. i've gone through a couple systems including an AudioNote Uk set up and now Luxman class A system and Living Voice Avatar 2 speakers and listen to music daily again so I would not think to much into losing all the Naim stuff I never found in musically satisfying either. |
My dealer sold Linn/Naim back in the day. One day he was testing out some new gear from the UK - a $200 tube preamp - which blew away the multi-box and expensive Naim gear. This little Croft Micro set me on the path of tubes and I have never looked back. I remember too the Exposure VI power amps being very good too. Maybe you need to change your handle! |
All -
Thanks for your well-wishes re service. I deeply appreciate it. Iraq was hell, Afghanistan was a relative vacation in the desert.
I used a couple of different speakers. I own Linn Helix 2 speakers with ku-stone composite stands; had them forever and like them even if I know all their weaknesses. I also used a pair of ProAc D28s, having had Response 2.5s long ago, and a pair of Vandersteen 3A Signatures (which are WAY too big for my room). Which speaker was used didn't matter as far as results; the Vandersteens gave the best performance with the Naim system. Speaker cable was either Naim NACA5 or Tellurium Q Black.
Speakers will be next - although I'm tempted to find a pair of Response 2 (original) and call it a day.
|
From one Veteran to another- Thank You! naimfan, for your Service.
i would like to ask which speakers you owned then and now?
Happy Listening!
|
First thank you for your service and returning home safely.
I'm curious what speakers you were listening with during this new phase.
Also, yeah, it's a shame, but money is absolutely no indicator of anything. The audiophile I want to hang around with is not the one who buys a great $20,000 speaker, but the one who buys a $2,000 pair because he/she knows its fantastic.
Best,
Erik
|
Naimfan - As I don't have to tell you, the 202 and the 252, or even the 52, are not even close. The preamps and power supplies make all the difference in a Naim system. As you know. |
Chayro -
The CDS2/52/250/SBLs were long ago - I was using a Nait 3R after that. I'd be surprised if my Exposure system were as good as the CDS2/52, but it was noticeably better than the 202/HCDR/NAPSC/200 system it replaced, at roughly 35% of the (retail) cost. I think the main reason is neglect - the 202, NAPSC, and 200 were introduced in 2001, and Naim have essentially ignored the "Classic" line, save for adding DR to certain pieces. Their focus seems to be on either stupid expensive (Statement) or lifestyle - and there's a gaping hole in the middle.
|
Sometimes we can over complicate things and it's gratifying to go to a simpler system. I've done that myself, coming from Naim gear and then going with a simple Viva integrated. But it is difficult for me to understand how the Exposure gear could possibly sound better than the CDS2/52/250 setup. The only thing I can think of is that, in some systems, the 250 can sound kind of fat at sluggish as compared to the 200 and 300, which are much faster sounding. So that may explain your impression of the Naim system lacking detail. Yes, the new Naim is different than the old and I don't like all of their newer products, but the CDS3, 252 preamp and 250/300 amplifiers are still fabulous products, albeit with a lot of boxes to deal with. But the main thing is that you are enjoying, which is what this is supposed to be about. At least in theory. :) |
Hello Naimfan -
I too would like to express my thanks for your service. Glad you are home and have put together something you enjoy listening to. |
I ended up with a similar naim system - 250s, isobariks, full LP12 etc for almost 20 years, having "upgraded" along the way.
I woke one day about 12 yrs ago and wondered why I hardly ever played anything on it.
Eventually got some ATC active speakers valve phono and pre amp, the system is now used daily. |
I’ve yet to hear the Exposure, but have been reading the reviews, as well as user comments. I spoke with a dealer who loves the 2010S (new D version) with Harbeth P3’s, which is what I just bought. So between the Exposure and the Croft, I think I’m on to something. I am tip toeing for sure, and especially concerned about resale on the Exposure. I think it’s a line that hasn’t caught on in the US. While also true of Croft, I think it will have a slightly better market. Art Dudley reviewed the 2010, and the Croft phono integrated. He liked both very much. Trust your ears! |
Congratulations on finding a system that meets your needs and find more satisfying than your Naim. And thank you very much for your service, too!
|
