Naim Uniti 2 - Speakers for Bass/Full sound
I auditioned a Naim Uniti 2 today with a couple of sets of speakers and would welcome some input on speaker recommendations:
B&W 685
PMC DB1i
Kudos X2
ProAc Response D18
Of all of them the ProAc came the closest to replicating the sound I like for the rock music I listen to - the detail in the Naim is incredible but I didn't feel that, through any of the above, I got that nice rich and deep sound that I am looking for with emphasis on bass (without it being muddy if that makes sense).
I currently use a Linn and B&W setup but my system is a few years old and I am looking to upgrade and haven't yet ruled out another Linn set of components however I do like the one box solution of the Naim.
In WHF's review of the ProAcs (which were the best of the lot) it states that it's bass is bettered vby other speakers - can anyone suggest what these may be? The ProAcs are undoubtedly excellent but I still missed the really warm rich sound that my Linn/B&W's currently give me. Standmounts are preferred but I suspect I may need floorstanders within a budget of about £2k.
Any help or recommendations greatly appreciated - thanks.
I can't speak for WHF, but the KEF R700's will most certainly be one the/the models they may be referring to. There depth is just stunning for the size of the box (as are the R500's), and you should find the bass more even too.
I would suggest Kef R700 (as has been suggested) and Dynaudio X32/Contour 1.4.
I have heard the R700 with Linn, and even though it's not my favorite amplification, I thought it sounded good....I think a Majik DSM would work well for you with this speaker.
The Contour 1.4 produces a lot of bass for a standmount, and has a slightly dark presentation, which might be a touch smooth for Rock, but again could be a good match for the slightly cool presentation of the Linn (haven't heard it though).
A long shot which I've also heard (and would need to be purchased used) would be the Linn Majik Isobariks. They are probably a bit pricey, but have a fuller sound than other Linn speakers around that price:
http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/130701934887?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceIte...
I haven't mentioned the Naim as I'm less familiar with it, but feel the R Series would work well with it also.
Haven't heard the Uniti2 but if it's somewhere between the original and the SuperUniti I'd highly recommend the DB1i.
Do hear them at home though, they can be fussy with positioning.
It does 
I auditioned a Naim Uniti 2 today with a couple of sets of speakers and would welcome some input on speaker recommendations:
but I still missed the really warm rich sound that my Linn/B&W's currently give me. Standmounts are preferred but I suspect I may need floorstanders within a budget of about £2k.
Any help or recommendations greatly appreciated - thanks.
Hi Paulq
Dynaudio's Excite X32's, Focus 160's and Contour S 1.4's are also worth considering. Naim electronics pair very well with Dynaudio speakers and this is a combination which you should find will give a warm but detailed, fast, weighty and dynamic presentation.
http://www.dynaudio.com/int/home_loudspeaker_systems/excite/excite_x32.php
http://www.dynaudio.com/int/home_loudspeaker_systems/focus/focus_160.php
http://www.dynaudio.com/int/home_loudspeaker_systems/contour/contour_s14...
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
Musicraft (Derby), Specialist Hi-Fi/AV & Multimedia Dealer
good accurate audio monitoring and good sound reproduction to all
John, I tried these today (granted not at home as you suggest) and whilst they are impressive indeed for their size they just didn't do it for me. That said I am particularly fussy with the sound I like but when spending that amount of money I can be .
I just 'know' when the sound hits the sweet spot I like and of course ot's dificult to express in words. The 685's I have used for the past few years are the best example of the fullness I mean but, if anything, they are actually the weak link in the system and am sure they would be if I go for either the Uniti 2 or the Majik DSM. It's tough to find Linn dealers that stock other, non Linn, brands of speaker where I live.
I auditioned a Naim Uniti 2 today with a couple of sets of speakers and would welcome some input on speaker recommendations:
B&W 685
PMC DB1i
Kudos X2
ProAc Response D18
Of all of them the ProAc came the closest to replicating the sound I like for the rock music I listen to - the detail in the Naim is incredible but I didn't feel that, through any of the above, I got that nice rich and deep sound that I am looking for with emphasis on bass (without it being muddy if that makes sense).
I currently use a Linn and B&W setup but my system is a few years old and I am looking to upgrade and haven't yet ruled out another Linn set of components however I do like the one box solution of the Naim.
In WHF's review of the ProAcs (which were the best of the lot) it states that it's bass is bettered vby other speakers - can anyone suggest what these may be? The ProAcs are undoubtedly excellent but I still missed the really warm rich sound that my Linn/B&W's currently give me. Standmounts are preferred but I suspect I may need floorstanders within a budget of about £2k.
Any help or recommendations greatly appreciated - thanks.
Regard the Uniti certainly PMCs are probably the best synergy match. Having noticed floorstander as well smalls, well worth trying, if you can locate any, MonoPulse 32S. They sounded fantastic with Naim gear, albeit slightly odd looking.
Fair enough. Haven't heard anything else recently that I can recommend but those pesky KEFs keep getting rave reviews, must try and get a hold of some...
Thanks for the replies guys that's really helpful and has given me something to ponder. I'd actually prefer Standmounts if at all possible so the Dynaudios look an option if i can get a listen to them but are there any more offerings that you feel would be worth considering?
If I decide to go down the Linn route again (and that may include sticking with what I have if I can't pair a Uniti or Majik DSM with something I like), are there any particular brands that pair well with Linn that would be an improvement over the 685's? The Isobariks look stunning but I gotta draw the line on cost somewhere 
.
Thanks again for the help - much appreciated as gives me some options.
The R700's? I actually asked about the Q300's today but the guy in the shop reckoned they wouldn't be much of a step up from the 685'S.
...good idea, as at your age it's all too easy to get stuck in a rut! 
The Isobariks look stunning but I gotta draw the line on cost somewhere .
Lines are for wimps!
The Isobariks look stunning but I gotta draw the line on cost somewhere .
Lines are for wimps! >)
Guilty
I think that I like the sort of sound you're referring to and I've considered some of the speakers mentioned, but I just don't think I can get the sort of depth I like with standmounts.
I'm trying to stick to around £1000, so I'm looking at XTZ 99.36, Dali Ikon 6 and a few standmount & sub combinations. Have you considered the sub route?
Hi,
I was looking at the D18 and thought they didn't have the bass at low volumes I was looking for, I went for the Studio 140 Mk2 which have a lot more bass, but not the tonal quality of the D18's which were much smoother, I was willing to take the compromise.
Other floorstanders I have heard and would consider would be
KEF 700- these are superb but not done any comparisons as yet
PMC 23- lovely balanced sound, I believe work well with Naim, but may also lack in bass, worth a listen tho'
Spendor A6- Good bass at slightly higher volumes again very even sound, also quite warm.
I have little experience of Naim amps and sure someone can advise which may work better.
I also have zero Linn experience so if that is the sound you like maybe that is the way to go.
Good Luck,Have fun, some good listening to be done.
Roksan Caspian M2 cd/amp ; Proac Studio 140 Mk 2
Ariston RD11s SME 111 AT95e Rega Fono MiniA2D Arcam Alpha 9 B&W CDM1NT