I have had a fair amount of Naim gear over the years and it definately has a sound, I moved and sold most of it and now am timkering with a 5i and their 112/150 preamp and amp. after 30 plus yrs of listening to different equipment I find myself drawn to equipment that has a sense of musicality to it, does it make me follow along with the tune and do I respond by nodding or tapping my feet along with the music (just like I do at a good concert). I do NOT listen for higher highs or a wider soundstage or blacks are silent etc....I want the music, I listen for P.r.a.d. what i call Pulse,rythym and dynamics....naim calls it prat, pace rythym and timing.
I also listen for good tonal balance as we are hearing it thru electronics and speakers. That being said as to what I value in a system, I think naim is up there, the equipment does have a pulse to the music and can create a very nice presentation. In short it can rock, I am using it with B$Ws and the tonal balance is very good, open ,full but not bright.
I have heard a fair amount of well reviewed and expensive "hi end gear" that was simply not musical, it just made me kind of stare......so I would describe the overall Naim sound as punchy, with a good sense of drive and openess. It is not the only game in town, I am a big Mcintosh fan and find their gear very musical and involving...along with great looks. I can't say any real negs on naim except i think their marketing where i am is pretty poor, the only dealer around has very little of on display, kind of weird,anyway as always trust your ears.
I also listen for good tonal balance as we are hearing it thru electronics and speakers. That being said as to what I value in a system, I think naim is up there, the equipment does have a pulse to the music and can create a very nice presentation. In short it can rock, I am using it with B$Ws and the tonal balance is very good, open ,full but not bright.
I have heard a fair amount of well reviewed and expensive "hi end gear" that was simply not musical, it just made me kind of stare......so I would describe the overall Naim sound as punchy, with a good sense of drive and openess. It is not the only game in town, I am a big Mcintosh fan and find their gear very musical and involving...along with great looks. I can't say any real negs on naim except i think their marketing where i am is pretty poor, the only dealer around has very little of on display, kind of weird,anyway as always trust your ears.