Naim or Octave with Dynaudio Confidence C1

Thanks for the response. A few more questions, if I may. What is the significance of black box? Where is your dealer? What kind of maintenance is involved with the Octave? What did you like better about the Octave sound? Did you listen to the Naim separates I mentioned -- I'm not a fan of the Supernait which many team with the C1s.

Hi, Thanks for your responses. I guessed right that you had heard the supernait. I'm not a fan of that amp -- it is too forward for me and not very refined. The separates are more laid back and much more refined but still with the Naim pace and oomph. How would you describe the Octave amp sonically? Enjoy your system. I'm sure it is great. I think the C1s are incredibly special speakers. What cd player did you choose to go with this set up?

Thanks everyone. I haved nagged the Dynaudio guys about getting an Octave demo in my area. They haven't been able to do it yet. I have heard before that the C1s need a lot of power (and I'm not interested in the supernait -- it is too forward and not refined enough for me) but I have heard the Naim separates on more than one occasion in a room that is similar to mine in size and the power seemed adequate and the dynamics not compressed. Maybe it's my ears. Also, I tend to listen to music that is not bombastic. I'm also told that the Naim's high voltage amps are more meaningful than amps in a cheap power amp. I don't know if that's true or bs. I am going to try to listen to the Octave if I get a chance.

Have you heard the Octave amps? If I liked the naim separates do you think I should just go with them? Thanks.

Hi Audioquest4life, Thanks for your very informative, kind posting. One question, have you ever auditioned Naim separates, and if so, how would you compare their sound to the Octave amp? Thanks.

The Naim separates with a Naim CD player are super musical. The most musical ss amps I've heard. I'd love to audtion the Naims against Octave. Unfortunaely, I'd have to go to Chicago to do that because no New York dealer is offering Octave at the present time.

Ryder, Thanks for the post. What do you think you get in the 282 as opposed to the 202. But the price difference is significant, isn't it? I understand that the 250 would be a real improvement over the 200 but also at substantial increased expense.

Hi Ryder, Thanks for your thoughtful post. Unfortunately I am limited by the brands offered by my local Dynaudio dealer. In the best of all worlds, I'd love to hear the C1s with the Pass 150 watt integrated. But I can't do that because the only local Pass dealer is in NJ and doesn't carry Dynaudio.