Yeah, entry level isn't cheap anymore. I am thinking that if I take the plunge I would do the 202/200 combo. Then a CD5X and hicap? Flatcap2? Dah!
In the shop, I was listening to the Nait5i and CD5X. Then the 112X pre and the 200 amp with the CD5X. Perhaps the pre and the CD had the Flatcap 2 on as well.
As far as the recordings go, I was not familiar with the artists nor do I usually listen to "live" recordings. But what I listened to there reminded me of what I feel like when I go to a concert in an auditorium. Like when the University music society hosts your favorite tabla player or Afrofunk group from Senegal. I just saw Stereolab in Detroit a couple weekends ago, and these are the type of shows were I catch myself thinking,"It sounds better on my stereo.) I am aging rapidly.
Anyway, the sensation of being there...I just don't get that sensation very much listening to studio recorded music. I'm not trying to say which one is better, because the vast majority of recorded music I listen to(and love)is from a studio. But I think this feeling of being there defines the few Naim recordings I listened to. Ken would probably explain that "true stereo" recordings have preserved phase relationships that you just cannot acheive with multi michrophone recordings. Especially on the drum kit.
Any Ayre fans out there want to pipe in?
In the shop, I was listening to the Nait5i and CD5X. Then the 112X pre and the 200 amp with the CD5X. Perhaps the pre and the CD had the Flatcap 2 on as well.
As far as the recordings go, I was not familiar with the artists nor do I usually listen to "live" recordings. But what I listened to there reminded me of what I feel like when I go to a concert in an auditorium. Like when the University music society hosts your favorite tabla player or Afrofunk group from Senegal. I just saw Stereolab in Detroit a couple weekends ago, and these are the type of shows were I catch myself thinking,"It sounds better on my stereo.) I am aging rapidly.
Anyway, the sensation of being there...I just don't get that sensation very much listening to studio recorded music. I'm not trying to say which one is better, because the vast majority of recorded music I listen to(and love)is from a studio. But I think this feeling of being there defines the few Naim recordings I listened to. Ken would probably explain that "true stereo" recordings have preserved phase relationships that you just cannot acheive with multi michrophone recordings. Especially on the drum kit.
Any Ayre fans out there want to pipe in?