Neverending Story: Hifi Edition

Spent most of today trying the Planets, Spicas and Ref 3as with both my Campion and Nait.

You know when you have an idea of how something is going to go......and then the opposite happens? I’ve had a day like that.

Firstly I have found the little, Nait1 to be a far better amp than I’d ever given it credit for. Sure I like the sheer evennness and class of my Sonneteer, but the Nait does things I didn’t think it would. Instrument tone is fab and it throws out a large and believable soundstage. That I woudlnt have expected. Never once was it tiring. None of my speakers are demanding so it’s power was never an issue. In short, I was well impressed with the little ‘un.

Second surprise was my expectation of speaker pecking-order. Discounting my Cubette clones, which finished a distant fourth as expected (only cost me £100 to make and much smaller, but still great speakers fwiw), the other three speakers finished in clear reverse order of expectations.

Now lots of this is probably down to a different room and I may be able to squeeze more from the others in time, but the Planets aced it today. They simply succeed utterly in making me forget I’m listening to a recording. They dissolve away the room, extend seamlessly in the bass and treble and just make the air full of glorious sound.

The Spicas came a clear second. They still do that disappearing trick, but they are definitely rolled off at the extremes in comparison and less finessed than the Planets. Still incredibly engaging though and mighty good. I suspect they would still stop folk in their tracks with what they achieve.

Third were my most expensive speakers, the Ref3a MM De Capos. They don’t seem to work in this room and I think a big part of my findings boil down to my dislike of front firing speakers. To me this form of delivery is intrinsically inferior. Having such an outstanding example of a conventional standmont finish so far off the pace is simply confirmation of this to me.

I will likely keep them as I’d like to try in a massive room, sat even further back to see what they are capable of. I would struggle to get another minty boxed pair, so I think they should stay for now.

I have and I see what the attraction is but it is not for me. They don't mix and master on semi omnis.

Heard these a few months back, Shainian Arc, quite pricey but they were pretty good. Crisp on the edges but the whole diffuse soundstage thing is too fluffy for me.

shahinianacoustics.com/

Some of the old Sonab omni speakers were decent enough. Good quality drive units for the time.

Larson is another omni manufacturer.

I hate the Nait 3 with a passion. One of the worst amps I’ve ever heard. The Nait 1 couldn’t have asked for an easier ride today as all my speakers are benign and sensitive.

Darran is officially deaf afaic Nait 3 is an utter stinker. I’ve had four of them too (one was a Nait 3r), so it wasn’t just a bad sample. There’s a lack of bass and a real thickness to the sound. Its a pity because a Nait 3 and cd3 would make an attractive 2nd system. The cd3 is nice.

Just agreed a deal with a mate.....only for fun. I’m taking a few bits off his hands. Pair no 48 incoming!

I kan't believe it!!

S.

Quality!

As you can see, within a few hours, the Nait is off and the kans are enjoying a rest. No offence to Nait and Kan lovers, but the change over to Sonneteer and Ref3a was akin to moving from a conversation with Danny Dyer to an enlightening encounter with the Dalai Lama.

Thanks Shane. As engaging as I find Kans. they are really crude and shouty when compared with the sophistry, articulation and grace of the Ref 3as. Big difference in clarity too. Then here’s the fact that instruments sound real on the De Capos and appear as caricatures on the Kans.

Playing around today has also helped me get the De Capos dialled in to the room too. I had them too far apart and toed in. They needed to be closer together and firing straight down the room. Suddenly it all just snapped into focus.