This system was assembled during the course of my graduate studies, funded through a combination of savings, scholarships, and TA work. The guiding philosophy, so to speak, was to assemble a well-balanced system with a natural, organic sound that is highly musical. In this respect, I think I have succeeded admirably.
The Naim/Harbeth combination is wonderfully synergistic, while the Tube Box II provides just the right amount of warmth. The overall presentation is non-fatiguing, yet emotionally involving - accurate timbers and crystal clear vocals are its primary strengths. For a small room, near field listening environment, I'm not sure if it gets much better.
At times, this was an extremely involving project, but it was rewarding nonetheless. The system will be complete once I locate speaker stands of appropriate height, relocating the system to a more spacious environment (current accommodations are temporary). I'm still quite new to this, so I would appreciate any comments or suggestions.
This is the most recent version of the Naim Nait 5i (italicized). Purchased used.
Naim Audio CD5i
This is the most recent version of the Naim CD5i. Purchased used.
J.A. Michell TecnoDec
Equipped with the Michell RB250 tonearm, Michell Clamp, and Michell UniCover. Purchased demo unit.
Pro-Ject Tube Box II
This is a tube phono pre-amplifier with MM/MC compatibility. It also has a subsonic filter.
Harbeth P3ESR
The latest version of the famous P3 mini-monitor, now with the RADIAL-2 cone (rosewood veneer).
Naim NACA5
Just your average Naim speaker cable. Works great with the Nait 5i-2. Purchased used.
Ecosse 'The Composer'
Decent entry-level interconnect (RCA - RCA).
Wiremold L10320
Basic power strip recommended by Naim. 6 foot cord, 9 outlets.
Custom Audio
Audio rack made by Steve at HiFiFoFum. Similar to the Naim Fraim, but at a fraction of the cost.
Target Speaker
Two-post, mass-loaded Target speaker stand (20"). These stands were free and will be replaced as soon as I can locate/afford quality speaker stands of suitable height (26"+).
Great way to start out. This system should make you happy for years to come, which is a good thing.. because bettering it in any significant way may cost you quite a bit of cash.
Sorry, just saw your comment now. Unfortunately, no, I did not have the opportunity to do an A/B between Naim/LFD. FWIW, I've heard that LFD is a favourable match with Harbeth speakers.
I settled on Naim for a few reasons. First, they are readily available on the used market and command a decent resale value. Second, I fell in love with the sound when I first auditioned them. Although I cannot comment on the LFD, I'm very satisfied with the synergy between Naim/Harbeth.
I am assembling a system around the Harbeth P3ESR as my first serious two-channel system. We are in agreement with many of our parts choices. I was wondering have you compared the Nait to a LFD zero mkIII?
I know what you are talking about when you say that the room can be a big problem.
It is possible to integrate a sub into a 2 channel system even if the pre doesn't support it. A lot of your better subs have built in crossovers to allow this. Not saying you for sure need a sub but just wanted to give you the info.
What I meant by the asymmetry is that your left speaker is very close to the wall while the right speaker has more space around it. I have a somewhat similar situation in that my speakers are not centered in the room and to me it seems like the vocal image wants to go just slightly over to the side with the speaker closest to the wall.
The picture is somewhat deceiving as the listening position yields an almost equilateral triangle. Voicing should improve once I locate speaker stands of appropriate height, but I sometimes compensate by sitting on the floor. It's not the ideal listening position, but hey, you gotta work with what ya got, right?
While the bass response of the P3ESR is quite good, the listening environment has proven to be the biggest obstacle. The room is nearly square (10 x 11), so I'm not going to consider the addition of a sub until I relocate the system to a more suitable listening environment. In addition, if I were to incorporate a sub, I would also need to change amplifiers as the Nait 5i does not have a sub input. If I were to take this route in the distant future, I would probably upgrade to the Nait XS integrated amplifier, incorporating a REL sub, and then have the system do double duty as a two-channel/HT setup.
At present, though, I'm very satisfied with how this system sounds (given the challenging space).
