Recommendation for speakers please

[DaveofBradford]

I would like to upgrade my speakers and I am looking to list about 5 which people feel would be a good upgrade.

My system is turntable, VPI classic with anniversary arm and Denon 304 moving coil cartridge. The phono stage is a Musical Fidelity V3 (not happy with it but will upgrade later. Amps are Naim 122x pre and 150x power with a 3rd party power supply for the 122x.

Digital input is a Qnap NAS to Squeezebox classic to Micromega Mydac. Speakers are Linn Keilidh. My main living room is 26ft x 12ft and the speakers fire accross the 12ft.

My budget for a second hand pair is approx £1000. Speakers I did hear and liked were the Neat Iotas but I am not adverse to a pair of floor standers, anyway I know it can be difficult to hear second hand recommendations simply because there may be non about at the time. I am not in a rush so fire away. Much appreciated.

 

[The Strat]

Hi Dave, The Neat Iotas are fantastic for the money but if you are going 2nd hand you could think about others in the range. Kudos and Dynaudio 110s or perhaps the 140s would be worth a look. Good luck.

 

[DaveofBradford]

Thanks Lindsey I seem to think that people feel there is a synergy between the Neats Dynaudio and proac. Not heard the Kudos good call.

 

[The Strat]

There are lots of boxes that go well with Naim - the trick is what the 150X can drive and even more your room. The Dynas need loads of room back and side, Neats are less fussy similarly Kudos. A number of people I know rave about the Proacs but I've never been particularly impressed but that probably just me. Another consideration is Dali or how about http://www.cymbiosis.com/offers-1/sonos-faber-liuto-monitor. Might be worth giving Peter a call. Leicester is of course a fair trek from Bradford but Peter knows how to configure a Naim system.

 

[enrae8]

I have Kudos C2s' they worked brilliantly with my Cyrus amp and now working equally well with my new valve amp,i think they are very good value second hand well worth a listen

I don't know what they're like with Naim and i don't know much about HiFi - but i'd recommend you try them

 

[DaveofBradford]

Hi Lindsay, I did the design work for the Highcross shopping centre for the new entrances when it was refurbished. Had several site meetings so know the area quite well. I will have a look at Cymbiosis as I do also have plenty of space around but would need to check if the 150x has enough push with the Dynaudios, I will give Peter a ring through next week.

Hi Neil I will have a little read up on Kudo's thanks.

 

[silencio]

Dave, I don't know your music taste, but another one to consider is the Usher Be718 or 6317 (not sure about the number).

 

[It Cost How Much!?!]

Rega R3's second hand, really groovy speakers with Naim and not expensive.

 

[rabski]

Neat.

Neat.

And if you can't find them, try some Neats.

Naim plus Neat is all but a guaranteed match made in heaven.

Naim plus almost anything else equals pain. Yes, there are others that work, but it seems universally fiddly and not always right.

Sorry, I'm not a Naim basher, but I've only ever heard it sound good with Neats. And then, it has sounded stunning. Truly spectacular.

Chris, with respect, Usher plus Naim is sheer ear-drilling mayhem. Way too much top-end emphasis and a really nasty balance. Naim plus the small Ushers in particular seems like bending over and giving satan a serious nagra chili and offering permission to provide maximum pain.

If you can accept that stand mounts can be really acceptable, then get a pair of Neat MFS if you can find some. Might be hard at the budget, but I'd be surprised if you could find better match. Had a pair here once and they totally changed all my preconceptions. Truly stunning speakers. If your rom is really massive and unfriendly you might need a fat sub to go with them, but I'd be surprised. Small boxes, BIG sound.

Naim plus Neat = Joy.

 

[Petrat]

Neat.Neat.

And if you can't find them, try some Neats.

Naim plus Neat is all but a guaranteed match made in heaven.

Naim plus almost anything else equals pain. Yes, there are others that work, but it seems universally fiddly and not always right.

Sorry, I'm not a Naim basher, but I've only ever heard it sound good with Neats. And then, it has sounded stunning. Truly spectacular.

Chris, with respect, Usher plus Naim is sheer ear-drilling mayhem. Way too much top-end emphasis and a really nasty balance. Naim plus the small Ushers in particular seems like bending over and giving satan a serious nagra chili and offering permission to provide maximum pain.

If you can accept that stand mounts can be really acceptable, then get a pair of Neat MFS if you can find some. Might be hard at the budget, but I'd be surprised if you could find better match. Had a pair here once and they totally changed all my preconceptions. Truly stunning speakers. If your rom is really massive and unfriendly you might need a fat sub to go with them, but I'd be surprised. Small boxes, BIG sound.

Naim plus Neat = Joy.

This is exactly correct. Really.

 

[rabski]

This is exactly correct. Really.

Yes, it is.

 

[Guest]

Not sure on synergy but recently heard some Epos Epic 5, bloody brilliant speakers.....

 

[russ abbott - royds broth]

Neat mystique 2s

 

[kabayiri]

I've got a similar budget to Dave, but my Naim XS isn't in the same power stakes obviously.

I was recommended some Guru Juniors, which I've yet to hear. That might be an option?

The Neat range appeals, but there's quite a variety. How do you pick a sweet spot?

 

[Jezzer]

I used to have the same Naim pre/power with flatcap power supply. Had great results with Dynaudio. The 140's are a good shout. :^

 

[nak]

Neat Motive 2's.

Small floorstander that would fit in your room and are incredible for their size.

If you get down Nottingham way I know Castle Sound and Vision have them on demo with Naim stuff and they have the Iotas in too.

 

[Guest]

When I had a naim 202/200 setup I had some Neat Elites for a while and they sound amazing. I've just bought some Petite SX to go with my Brio-r and am a big Neat fan.

As I said on the other forum try selling the 150x and get a NAP200 and SBLs.

I've just sold my Focal Chorus' and they are also a very good speaker, 92db so very easy to drive and the mid/top quality is fantastic in my cluttered living room.

 

[DaveofBradford]

Thanks guys, I have listed three makes and that being the Neats, the Rega R3 (thanks Bob #8) and Dynaudio 140's. From Richards reply #9 I looked up a picture of the MFS and yes I have heard these at the show last year I think. I was amazed at the quality of these and in a small room, so Richard these are as you say fantastic. I seem to remember that the guy who showed them was using powerful amps? Finding these at a reasonable price if at all will be a task and half. Hi Stu (#13) the mystique 2s have been recommended by a few folk not just on here so I will take yours and Chris's (#16) advice and ring Castle Audio to see what they have in to listen too, in the Neat range.

Just as an aside Stu the audio space valve amp I got from your good self, what triangle speakers did you show it at the show with?

On the outside of my list but want to hear will be the Epos Epic 5 thanks Rob (#12)

Chris (#17) I will be at some stage trading the to a Nap200 unless I do go valve lol with a pair of Klipsch HERESY 3. Lots could change before then.

Once again thank you all.

 

[russ abbott - royds broth]

Hi dave,

think they were trianle celius.

Pretty sure Jon Min Crim has them now.

They worked very well together.

I had 4 different types of neat including motives.Found the mystiques the best for me.