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System advice

I’m still a newbie to audio world, but a couple years ago I got Monitor Audio Platinum PL II speakers with XLO Signature cables (good old stuff), Arcam Alpha 9 amp & preamp and Naim CD5 XS with FlatCap XS. Sound was great for me - juicy, involving, deep. But then I was talked into having the whole stack from Naim. I replaced Arcam amp/preamp with Naim NAC XS 152 & Naim NAP 155 XS. I was told it will be an upgrade from Arcam and that having full stack from Naim will provide great synergy.

The problem is.. I almost stopped listening to the music right after this change. There’s something unpleasant in the sound. There’s a lot of details, good resolution but... I don’t feel amused anymore.

Recently I understood that there is no synergy between speakers/cables and amp/preamp. It’s like some sweetness, warm is missing in this sound..

But now I have no idea in what direction I should go. Any advice for a noobie?

 

gabriel123

Showing 2 responses by zlone

zlone
798 posts
 

I would see how the Pulsars sound with your current amp, let them play together for a few weeks, then your next move might be more obvious. 

zlone
798 posts
 

I am sorry to hear that your upgrade did not go as planned. I am not familiar with the sound of Naim equipment, but regardless it is on the low end power-wise for the speakers. I could not find exact specs on the speakers as there are a lot of Monitor Platinum models, but I am guessing that the impedance curve is probably not favorable for the Naim amp. Based on what you feel is missing from the sound, I suggest starting with a new power amplifier that has more wattage, and performs better at lower impedances and is known to have a touch of warmth. Budget will drive your choices of course, I highly recommend looking at the used market here and on USAM.  

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