System 3– My Naima is...
For this ultimate demo of the Audio Affair portfolio the
speakers come courtesy of KEF whose Reference range is a very popular part of
the store lineup. Although this is a system with a fairly substantial price
tag, the dimensions are still something that a standard lounge could take
without being dominated.
$3,074.61 Naim ND5
XS
The minimal controls, the multitude of glowing logos and the
acres of brushed black metalwork combine to give a palpable sense of purpose to
this front end. The choices are interesting, though. The NAC 252 preamp and
attendant Super Cap power supply are from a good deal further up the range than
the ND5 XS Streamer that fronts the system. The consensus among the Audio
Affair team is that Naima’s baby streamer does an awful lot right and there is
more to be gained by spending out a bit more on the amplification than on the
digital. The ND5 XS takes its files from a UnitiServ rip NAS that allows for
ripping, tagging and storage in one smart and compact package.
$8,832.52 Naim NAC
252
Towers of power
Fronting the system is the KEF Reference 205/2. The middle
of three floor standers in the Reference range, the 205/2 does an impressive
job of hiding its mighty dimensions. Built around a pair of substantial 8in
drivers and the distinctive housing that contains a 6.5in Uni-Q driver that
mounts a titanium dome tweeter coaxially in the time-honored fashion of KEF
speakers, the 205/2 is business-like in a refined sort of way. The satin walnut
finish is handsome and discrete, but if this is all a bit grown up, you can
order them sprayed fire engine red.
$3,433.98 Naim
unitiserv
One of the more surprising things I realize when sitting
down to listen to this system is I don’t recall ever hearing these two brands
combined before. Like the first system, the behavioral traits of the two brands
are still readily identifiable, but they complement each other in a way that is
to the benefit of both.
$6,061.37 Naim
super cap
With Ali Farka Toure and Ry Cooder’s Talking Timbuktu, the
Naima accuracy and agility is all there – indeed it is quite uncanny how these
electronics come across as like the SuperUniti, but enhanced, extended and
simply more visceral. The KEFs take these traits and add the focus and
exceptional sound staging that the carefully evolved Uni-Q driver is renowned
for. There is also a clear demonstration that there is no substitute for cubic
capacity when it comes to the bass. The twin 8in drivers take the detailed and
substantial low end that the Naima stack can generate and lends it an authority
that is only apparent when you switch to something less capable.
Packing a punch
It is perfectly capable of a bit of wanton aggression, too.
Switching to the high-res FLAC of Scratch Massive’s Communion gives the bass
drivers something to chew on and the way that this system pounds through the
massive slabs of live electronica is deeply entertaining. There is something
impossibly entertaining about the way this concentrated collection of
fastidious engineering will let loose and hammer out bass lines like a PA
system if you want it to. The sheer grip that is exerted over the bass is truly
outstanding.
$9,583.20 Kef
reference 205/2
The price tag is not inconsiderable, but spend any time with
this system and you won’t find yourself questioning it. The way it can go from
outstanding delicacy to pile-driving force in an instant without losing tonal
accuracy or shrinking that phenomenal soundstage is deeply addictive. When you
consider the superb build, easy upgradability and handsome appearance, it is
easy to see why the Audio Affair team puts this at the top of the tree.
