Paulie S

Thanks to all for your input. I'm about to pull the trigger on the V-1/NAP 100. Pushing the envelop on my budget but I'm seeking best SQ I can get for my money. Plus, this combo is so damned good looking Had a great discussion with Lawson at Sound Image in Atlanta today who was a great help. Thanks Lawson.

Hi to all, Any suggestions in connecting iPad to DAC? Thinking about buying the Cambridge Audio dock but it's $300. Any other suggestions? DAC I'm planning to purchase is Naim V-1. Thanks

Oh , I forgot one other question.....so sorry. Anyone have experience with a Naim dealer in USA that you could recommend?

Thanks Eloise, exactly the information I was looking for. I'm starting to get excited about hearing "the music" again. I had seen the PRAT term before and that's what got me interested in Naim if the first place. I know I could have better quality than MOG but wow, having millions of songs and albums available ....I'm like a kid in the candy shop. I greatly appreciate your time and response.

Good Saturday afternoon to all. Need the opinions of experienced, knowledgable, experts. I am strongly considering Naim V-1 DAC and NAP 100 to go along with KEF LS50. Source is ipad or Macbook for MOG and Pandora and itunes library. With that said I find I'm using MOG like 80% of the time these days. Also would want to connect Blue Ray player and cable box for downloaded movies. Has to sound good with all types of music from Vivaldi to Jay Z. I also want something that sounds good even at lower volumes and even when not in the absolute best seated postion. Sound trumps convenience. Why Naim you may ask. I live in Alabama and NO opportunity to audition ANYTHING so I've had to go by online research and reading all I can where I can. I've settled on Naim due to solid reviews across the brand and comments in forums. Also, from my reading, Naim seems to have the sound qualities I like, dynamic, lively, strong as apposed to relaxed, laid back. Naim seems to have good reputation for solid build, strong customer support and good overall value. Plus, I like the looks. So, my questions: 1) Am I correct in my assumptions about Naim? 2) Is this brand worth the money (seems to be much more expensive than many brands like NAD, Peachtree and Rotel) 3) Anyone have experience with the v-1 dac and NAP 100 amp ($3700)? How does that combo compare soundwise to the Unitilite ($3K)? (I realize that's a pretty specific question so I don't expect a lot of response on the one.) 4) Is this money spent on dac and amp overkill, money wise, considering speakers and source? My total budget is no more $6K including speakers and cables. And really, audition would be very difficult....the closest Naim dealer is 4 hours away and by appointment only and they don't sell the KEF... oh and it looks like they are more of a home theater installer .... sometimes those guys don't wanna mess with "just an amp purchase"....I've run into that before a few years ago and really turned me off. Thanks to all.

SO glad I joined up and greatly appreciate the input. I have a little reading to do but certainly you all have added some great suggestions. I can't thank you enough. I like forums better than review websites and Magazines. You all tell it like it is and don't beat around the bush. I know everyone has differing opinions but that just adds to the lively discussion and shows your passion. Thanks again. P

Thanks for the reply. Being that it's my first question I was wondering if I'd get any responses. I really like this forum. Leaning strongly toward the Nova 125. I was going to get the complete set with the D5 speakers and save some money until I read all the news on the Kefs.

Hello to all, My first day here after reading post and threads for awhile. Here's the deal. Just gave my daughter my Audioengine 5 speakers and Audioengine DAC and wanting to upgrade. (She really liked them and needed them.) Biggest problem: I live in AL and there are NO options for live audition...none. Even ATL has limited options so I only have research online to guide me and will have to buy online. I've decided on Kef LS50 after tons of reading. I'm looking for a good integrated to match. Listen to mostly computer MOG, Pandora subscription, iTunes but also have a Thorens turntable and wanna get an OPPO Blue ray. $5000 to $6000 for entire setup is budget for speakers, integrated, OPPO and wires. Smallish room with hard wood floors. Amps that look interesting: NAD 3900 (good reviews, internal DAC) Peachtree (same as above) Bel Canto (like the looks and fact it's made in USA but does it have the power?) Creek Any other suggestions? remember I have to buy online and NO option for live audition. I know a lot allow free 30 day trail but want to limit number of times I have to go thru that hassle. I want something lively, dynamic and involving. (I owned a pair of Vandersteen Model 3 and NAD amp and while it sounded good this combo never gave me goose bumps....hate to use this term but here goes....seemed boring. Could have been a number of issues so I'm not blaming Vandy's.) Please suggest integrated that will provide a lively, dynamic sound. One that sounds good at even lower volumes and sounds good even when not seated in perfect postion. Some music playlist from MOG: Vivaldi, Alabama Shakes (amazing), Pink Martini, LaBoheme (complete), Frank (of course), Johnny Cash, Civil Wars, Miles, Nina Simone, Bruce (especially "Wrecking Ball" lately), Stravinsky, Beethoven (Late Quartettes), Duke Ellington. Does this help? Please help. I'm so confused and new to computer audio and have no places to audition, a common proem these days. THANKS, Paul PS, I'm sure I forgot some tidbit of info so please forgive....I'm a newbie remember.