As a long time follower, it’s really cool to see more of your process! Helps to have a variety of gear to swap in. And even with all of your experience, you seem to stay open to hear what each pairing actually does. Nice way to illustrate synergy and educate your viewers! I finally experimented with decreasing jitter between my iMac/Amarra Luxe & audiophellio2 & at the coax input on a Metrum Octave. Using iFi devices and a Pangea XL usb cable. Each device made a difference. I thought I was needing a new dac or fancier coax cable early last year. Plus isoaccoustic Gaia feet. I’m hearing instruments that have more reality and nice blackness in between. That’s pretty satisfying :)
Why ? I have em and quite frankly they're a bit dull. Great Soundstage and clarity and detail, but a tad dull and dare to say it "boring". Especially with limited power like with the Naim Unity Atom ( had em since before the R3, sold the Naim Unity Atom to be able to afford a Naim Unity Nova). Much beefier amp the Nova, much more power.. R3's are still a bit on the dull side, but better..What amp are you using with the R3's ? How much power ? What cables ? BTW: I wish I still had the Unity Atom to drive my secondary system. That's a great amp for the size !
@@IGBPI314 I have r5 and have completely the same experience. Nice resolving capability but I can't get to be enjoyable with any of my hifi components. Except when I use my home theater receiver as the source and preamp and power them with my power amp. I don't think they were made for big 2 channel system
Try getting a demonstration of any of the Fyne Audio speakers with the "point source" tweeter in the middle of the mid-range, particularly the floor-standers. The F501 and F501sp have excitement, musicality and drama in spades, as well as amazing imagery and depth. I would describe the effect as almost holographic. Have heard many, many speakers in my time and I cannot think of any that had the same immediate positive impression on me in a demonstration (front end Naim streamer, amp Naim NAIT XS). I have also read good things about the F500 stand-mount speakers but not heard them.
As a self described Schiit Head, I was really pulling for the Aegir, Vidar, Freya & Mani. Alas, it was “too edgy”. I also have to complement you on this video. Really loved the follow up on the Sonus Fabre and the amp pairings. Makes for an interesting video and keeps the OG video more focused. Perhaps will this be a regular thing? If so, it is genius.
I had no idea that circle on the top was a volume knob. Not having a physical volume knob was the only reason for looking away from the Uniti series to have on my desktop. Oh boy...the things we learn.
Really appreciate the time n effort that went into this (synergy, journey, experimentation, background work, rambling) vid. Looking fwd to some more of these. Even where component pricing seems to be out of balance.
Nice to hear the Naim Atom can nicely drive generally power hungry 4ohm speakers. Yes, the Atom is an all in one and a great value, but its still $3,200 + tax (US)…no small chunk of change. I also worry if the Naim Atom is a 25+ year unit with all the stuff inside…only time will tell. Great job as usual!
More reasonable solution would be NAD c-388 which have BluOs as well and upgradable module slots for around 1600US plus module price for around 320US but can be added laterdepending what you need or like.
Superb narrative on the experience of putting together the combinations. For me, you hit the nail square on the head when you described what you try to bring the audience - it's the experience you expose the viewers to. I am not an audiophile by any means, or even close, but every video you put out makes me appreciate the audio space a little more. Thank you 👍
Hi John, thank you. I do appreciate your work. You make it look fun. I value your opinion and Take on discovering what sounds good. Also have a sneaky liking for your taste in music. Keep up the good work.
I would not call that a ramble,, we needed to hear all that. I have often thought about expensive amp to budget speakers surely it cannot be all that bad, it has to be intriguing!! we all appreciate your thoughts in todays video, and confirms my own thoughts on this particular angle, Thank you very much John. 🌞👉😀😎
To a certain extent it's more about current than watts. Pop the hood on any Naim amp and you'll find a beefy transformer. I suspect the 40W Atom is no different.
A wonderful post in an entertaining way, thank you. An interesting partner for the MolaMola Kula could be the Børresen Z1 Cryo or the 01 Silver Supreme Edition Speakers. That would be crazy and exciting, maybe one day in the future....
When you review Linn Majik or Selekt DSM? Those are also all-in-one boxes and if you life Naim you should like those also. Sonus Faber speakers also could be fine match with Linn source.
Good vid John. My (demo) experience with the Naim was that it was quite lean, so I was a bit surprised that it worked with the Fabers, given their similar character. Did you try the H95 with them...?
Thank you - I support your view of the Atom. It is combined here with JERN 11, which are - as far as my experience goes - perfect speakers for small spaces. I am quite annoyed that the Atom a) doesn't allow an external Headphone-Amp and b) digitizes the analogue (phono) signal. But to be honest, b) is more of an aesthetical/ideological problem: Soundwise, I can hardly imagine anything better in my room ...
Great video John. The journey of what equipment you use in your reviews is extremely important. It gives myself and others a base from which we can make an informed decision. And Yes there needs to be a synergy with all of the equipment one might use in their system otherwise you will be chasing the dream of audiophile nirvana.
Wait... the Uniti Atom costs 4 times more than the Lumina 1's (actually the Lumina 1's are on sale now, making them 6 times less expensive than the Uniti Atom). How do you consider that "the eye of the duck"?
I would but the DTS Play-Fi streaming platform used by Audiolab has some serious issues that simply can't be glossed over: darko.audio/2020/11/quads-artera-solus-play-or-why-dts-play-fi-remains-fundamentally-flawed/
@@DarkoAudio How about just the amp with something like the node? Also any chance of a Rega or Exposure amp review? I really like the idea of this system review, but unfortunately my total budget is more in the £2500 region. Thanks.
If I'm gonna get an Audiolab, I'll get the DTS Play-Fi version because it seems like more people need to be made aware of its limitations. Supplementing Phil Wright's findings (linked above), here's Chris Connaker's take on Play-Fi: audiophilestyle.com/ca/bits-and-bytes/dts-play-fi-has-major-design-flaws/
Obviously, I can't speak for why other people use Play-Fi but I know that I could not live with it (in the long term) for two main reasons: 1) ALL streams *must* travel through the DTS app on the smartphone or tablet on their way to the streaming hardware. 2) DTS Play-Fi does NOT support gapless playback. In an age of Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Roon (that suffer neither of these issues), it's kind of amazing that such problems still persist in music streaming apps. Even Squeezebox sorted this years ago. As have most streaming hardware manufacturers supplying their own apps e.g. Naim, Cambridge Audio BUT, as a hifi reviewer, it's not ONLY about me.
Thanks for bringing us along on your journey with the sonus fabers. I enjoyed the inside view of your process. The extra work is very much appreciated 🤘🏻
Love and appreciate what you do with these videos John. Was very interested to hear your take on the Uniti and Lumina pairing. I recently demo'd a Uniti Nova and the Sonetto IIIs, and have to say that I also LOVED depth of pressence, and the way the pairing presented the highs and mids. I found them a touch lacking in the low frequency presentation though, and am hoping to have a chance to demo the same Nova with a pair of the Sonetto Vs. Time will tell if they match up as well...
I like the idea of all the components in one unit”the synergy”. That they are built around each other. I have a NAD C388 with the BluOS module put in it, this is a nice amp for the cost. Matched with Tekton Lores(set up for near listening). Any comments on this type of arrangement ? Next stepping stone to go to ? Cheers.
John, I’ve been appreciated your « journey » so much & again ! 😉). But when your choice stopped at the « Atom » station, you had forgotten your bag on the road (meaning the phono preamp). As a result, your stop would be the desirable and costlier Naim Uniti Star 😉😀
Last week I purchased Lumina II, are Fantastic, best buy I do in 35 years. I'm searching a new amplifier ( now I have Rotel 06, Yamaha AX397 and vintage Denon). Lumina are fantastic whit all amplifiers, but I like more whit yamaha or Denon. My room is 9 m2. I think to buy a Nad Bee... Or Rega io... Thanks for your video.
I would not pair the lumina II with the Bluesound Powernode, I have heard it in a demo and all the sounds feel like they come from a metal instrument. It doesn't work. The lumina II actually works with the Naim Uniti Atom. Sonus Faber is a brand that some people believe it is the best speaker brand. I have seen people use a 20k amp with a 4k Sonus Faber Minima Amator II. By the way, the Minima Amator II can be the best speaker you will ever hear unless you hear the higher-tier speaker from Sonus Faber....
Personally, I'll always prefer all in one's. Powernode 2i, Cambridge Audio Evo 75 and the new NAD C700 which I'm waiting for. Just add speakers. no fuss. I now have the B&W 606 S2's with a Powernode 2i and it just sounds fantastic, although I'm thinking of changing for the NAD C700- a little bit more power and it is a beautiful device. The higher end AIO's such as the Evo 150, NAD M10 or the Naim Unity Atom should pair with a plus 1500$ speakers to my opinion.
Interesting. I realise it's not necessarily a relevant comparison, but I do have a personal connection to the Naim / Sonus Faber combination, that also worked really well together. I bought a pair of Sonus Faber Signum speakers in the early 2000's. Some years later I got into the classic Naim amps, & gradually upgraded to a 280/HiCap/250 amp with a CDS3 front end, and it worked really well. I ended up downsizing that system, but still stuck with Naim, in the form of the Uniti Atom, but this time paired with Russell K Red 50 speakers. Thing is, now I'm wondering if I should have kept the Sonus Fabers...
Loved the comments about the NAD C316BEE.. I am new to the hobby and evaluated it the same. Love the sound, but after hearing better clarity in my Cambridge CXA61 it's hard to go back to it. But I miss it's punchy clean bass every time I switch it out. For $449 USD I'm staggered at how good that amp is. I wish there was an AB offering from NAD that had the same overall character but with clearer highs. Is there? They've mostly moved to class D no?
Just love your videos. I have a question. I just bought a pair of Triangle Esprit Antal EZ and don’t know which integrated streamer amplifier to buy matching theses speakers. I don’t want to spend several times the price of theses speakers. Do you have some suggestions for me please? Cheers
Hi John. Great shows. Good audio when playing music. However your voice recordings are awfull with deformation and oversteering in the recording. I don’t understand that givin this is all about sound and sound quality. Pity. I hope only it is not just me who has noticed this the last couple of months. Thanks and regards.
Hi John, Sonus Fabre, “am I doing a mistake?” I asked myself as I haven’t seen you reviewing any of their speakers before… Recently I got a pair of Sonus Faber Sonetto II and something more :). This more is a sub Gravis I, also from Sonus Faber and that was only because of you pronounced a simple sentence in you review of KEF’ KC62 and that stroke me, “I couldn’t really locate the source of the bass”. For my whole life I Imagined a subwoofer with a black BMW and a vibrating license plate at the back (no offense to all BMW lovers:)). Now I am a happier electronic music listener. Why am I even saying all of it? John, get the sub right now and have a listen :)…
Would be nice if you could try a more price appropriate integrated amp or two. A lower line Rotel or audio lab perhaps. A $3,800 power source like the Naim is not something I would want to afford along with the lumina twos
Very nice style of the video. I did go to a local shop nearby to try this setup, Sonus Faber + Naim and found the sound the be slightly troubling to my ears. SF did have a mesmerising air, super high frequencies, but 1-3 khz were a bit shouty at around 40-45 volume on Naim, mids were ok at best, base was very nice surprisingly. I found that setup great at super low levels of listening with exagarated highs that makes them clear and readable, but anything louder (40-45 volume on Naim Atom) makes it fall apart. It really shows that speakers are super small, and detail is forced with highs. I did try Lumina V, and did feel a bit more effortless but still felt like mids were lacking resolution and speakers were trying its best to mask it with shouty top end. Again, 5+ khz part is really nice, airy and energetic but with lifted ( to my ears ) 1-4 makes them feel shouty with vocals taking over.
Your ear is not my ear, nor your experiences or bias' as mine, but I understand the verbiage used to describe a near perfect hit with minimal outlay. Thanks for the GREAT explanation and footage. Production is above par, and I didn't really think you rambled.
I believe in one box solution for many reasons need less space,no need for many cables, you have DAC, Streaming ,Bluetooth and with NAD BluOs and can keep up to date with Module which in my opinion is important as the Audio technology is changing fast. For the money I safe not to have in 3 or 4 audio components and cables I spent on room acoustic treatments,power cleaner and buy music and roon software. Perhaps one box solution don't sound as good as traditional Audio units but to be honest the difference is not worth the extra money spend. I'm not looking for the last inch of music revelation I did that for the last 50 years and finally came to the conclusion that convinced and simplicity is a better deal.
I have a Naim CD5X and it started miss tracking I found on ebay a manufactures refurbished laser/ motor drive unit for £15 it was well worth the punt and fitted it my self, Naim are asking £360 for it , it completely opened up the sound stage and gives a wonderful rendition of female voice.
I enjoyed being taken along on the journey of your discovery. The best argument for a one box solution I’ve heard / seen. As an Schiit Freya+ owner, and as someone dedicated to building a system from separate components, I was a little disappointed. But it is good to learn about alternative solutions. I hope that my attempt to find such synergy on a system that looks like it will cost me $20,000 if I do it right will be as successful. 🙂
I'm a fan of separates because I love trying gear and combinations. But the all in one solutions are going to be where the biggest gains in sound quality to consumer cost will be made in the future. Not just integrated amp streamer but full active speakers. If you give competent engineers a controlled ecosystem front to back, they will find a synergy. Doing it on your own will be expensive and you may not get the right gear combo in the end. Or one better than the engineered system. For my journey, I am sticking with separates partly because I learn quite a bit from the mismatches as i do when I get it right. I feel more invested in the process and can take more personal satisfaction from curating the components myself. And for the more rare or esoteric combinations, I sometimes wonder if I'm the only person that has ever wired that gear together in that exact configuration.
Great review! Would a pairing of the Uniti Star work as well as the Uniti atom do you think? The Uniti Star has a a 75 watt as opposed to 40 watt output and was wondering if I should get a higher grade speaker as a match?
Absolutely great as usual. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts after this , trying the Naim Nova , so yes a step up to the Peachtree in price , but to see if the extra cash delivers a easily hearable improvement, and the your back with the Nad masters M33 , but, your getting the full combo again for your money. Amp, streamer, dac, phono etc.
I had the opportunity to have a thorough listening session comparing the uniti atom and uniti nova. Not with songs fabers but with kef ls50's and b&w 706's. So, to answer your question, a nova is now on order and I am eagerly awaiting delivery!
One of my favorite videos from you. Love to take this up a notch or two to the Olympica Nova V and maxima amator. Would you step up to naim unity nova? Nad master series m33? Something different?
Excellent presentation John. Would you also consider important the choice of the cables between the amp and the speakers? If so do you know anything about a cable brand by the name Luna Cables?
If anything is fun about the hobby part of this (as opposed to the straight enjoying music thing) it is playing around with equipment that does sound different, and does invite mixing and matching to find little Goldilocks (or EOTD) pairings.
Very nice dripping the RAMAR record brush. Would love to see an interview with him. Maybe even a visit at his workshop, since he’s located in Berlin as well if I remember correctly
There's no denying the beauty of that combo John. Not a great lover of streaming, I like to handle my music as well as listen to it, so I would look elsewhere. Thanks for sharing.
I really miss making these types of comparisons at the local hi-fi dealer. Watching this video has spurred me on, I'm off to the dealer A.S.A.P. to upgrade my amp (which I have been putting off for the last 18 months). Thanks John - I think ;-)
The Hegel H95 would sound really nice with the Luminas ! Lots of current and fabulous tonality ; could be an intriguing match!
This is where I’m at lately…this and the Canadian makes… drooling for the new PS Audio line.
Big fan of Raggy 2 atm
The Hegel H95 seems really interesting :)
Check out ANA[DIA]LOG impressions on Hegel - I person had one and didn’t get on with it all…
As a long time follower, it’s really cool to see more of your process!
Helps to have a variety of gear to swap in. And even with all of your experience, you seem to stay open to hear what each pairing actually does.
Nice way to illustrate synergy and educate your viewers!
I finally experimented with decreasing jitter between my iMac/Amarra Luxe & audiophellio2 & at the coax input on a Metrum Octave. Using iFi devices and a Pangea XL usb cable. Each device made a difference. I thought I was needing a new dac or fancier coax cable early last year. Plus isoaccoustic Gaia feet. I’m hearing instruments that have more reality and nice blackness in between. That’s pretty satisfying :)
Eye of the Duck.....Best Rocky theme tune ever
Anyone considering the Sonus Faber should try the KEF R3.
Why ?
I have em and quite frankly they're a bit dull. Great Soundstage and clarity and detail, but a tad dull and dare to say it "boring".
Especially with limited power like with the Naim Unity Atom ( had em since before the R3, sold the Naim Unity Atom to be able to afford a Naim Unity Nova). Much beefier amp the Nova, much more power.. R3's are still a bit on the dull side, but better..What amp are you using with the R3's ? How much power ? What cables ? BTW: I wish I still had the Unity Atom to drive my secondary system. That's a great amp for the size !
@@IGBPI314 I have r5 and have completely the same experience. Nice resolving capability but I can't get to be enjoyable with any of my hifi components. Except when I use my home theater receiver as the source and preamp and power them with my power amp. I don't think they were made for big 2 channel system
@@IGBPI314 is the Uniti Atom underpowered? I was looking to go for a demo
I know it's a different kind of speakers, but any thoughts on the kef q550?
Try getting a demonstration of any of the Fyne Audio speakers with the "point source" tweeter in the middle of the mid-range, particularly the floor-standers. The F501 and F501sp have excitement, musicality and drama in spades, as well as amazing imagery and depth. I would describe the effect as almost holographic. Have heard many, many speakers in my time and I cannot think of any that had the same immediate positive impression on me in a demonstration (front end Naim streamer, amp Naim NAIT XS). I have also read good things about the F500 stand-mount speakers but not heard them.
Maybe you can do a review on Fyne speakers.
As a self described Schiit Head, I was really pulling for the Aegir, Vidar, Freya & Mani. Alas, it was “too edgy”. I also have to complement you on this video. Really loved the follow up on the Sonus Fabre and the amp pairings. Makes for an interesting video and keeps the OG video more focused. Perhaps will this be a regular thing? If so, it is genius.
I wonder if you will ever try a Lyngdorf 1120?
I had no idea that circle on the top was a volume knob. Not having a physical volume knob was the only reason for looking away from the Uniti series to have on my desktop. Oh boy...the things we learn.
Love your rambling. Keep it coming!
Glad to be the first viewer! Love your videos even as a person who knows almost nothing about hifi. Cheers from the Netherlands
It's good to hear a Vivaldi track in the beginning. I always lament lack of classical test tracks in John's otherwise excellent audiophile reviews.
Really appreciate the time n effort that went into this (synergy, journey, experimentation, background work, rambling) vid.
Looking fwd to some more of these. Even where component pricing seems to be out of balance.
Thank you for articulating the words I was looking for.
Nice to hear the Naim Atom can nicely drive generally power hungry 4ohm speakers. Yes, the Atom is an all in one and a great value, but its still $3,200 + tax (US)…no small chunk of change.
I also worry if the Naim Atom is a 25+ year unit with all the stuff inside…only time will tell.
Great job as usual!
More reasonable solution would be NAD c-388 which have BluOs as well and upgradable module slots for around 1600US plus module price for around 320US but can be added laterdepending what you need or like.
Superb narrative on the experience of putting together the combinations. For me, you hit the nail square on the head when you described what you try to bring the audience - it's the experience you expose the viewers to. I am not an audiophile by any means, or even close, but every video you put out makes me appreciate the audio space a little more. Thank you 👍
I tried it with two amps. naim uniti atom’s detail retrieval was good and so was the new Rotel s14. Brilliant combo for this speaker
Enjoying your videos John. Thank you.
I might try to combine a Uniti Nova with a pair of SF Olympica Nova III I just got.
Hi John, thank you. I do appreciate your work. You make it look fun. I value your opinion and Take on discovering what sounds good. Also have a sneaky liking for your taste in music. Keep up the good work.
I would not call that a ramble,, we needed to hear all that. I have often thought about expensive amp to budget speakers surely it cannot be all that bad, it has to be intriguing!! we all appreciate your thoughts in todays video, and confirms my own thoughts on this particular angle, Thank you very much John. 🌞👉😀😎
I am surprised you do not review more Naim gear on this channel to be honest...
Probably because he would soon find it difficult to recommend anything else...
Refreshingly short comment
I just can't believe how Atom with such low power output can drive those 4ohm Faber's so well 😱
To a certain extent it's more about current than watts. Pop the hood on any Naim amp and you'll find a beefy transformer. I suspect the 40W Atom is no different.
A wonderful post in an entertaining way, thank you. An interesting partner for the MolaMola Kula could be the Børresen Z1 Cryo or the 01 Silver Supreme Edition Speakers. That would be crazy and exciting, maybe one day in the future....
When you review Linn Majik or Selekt DSM? Those are also all-in-one boxes and if you life Naim you should like those also. Sonus Faber speakers also could be fine match with Linn source.
I wish we would hear more about Linn but for some reason they never get a mention.
lovely speakers its on my list but i gotta thank u. i got my bowie diamond dogs and brought how good it was cheerrs
Good vid John. My (demo) experience with the Naim was that it was quite lean, so I was a bit surprised that it worked with the Fabers, given their similar character. Did you try the H95 with them...?
I can't afford to try all the combinations unfortunately!
Thank you - I support your view of the Atom. It is combined here with JERN 11, which are - as far as my experience goes - perfect speakers for small spaces. I am quite annoyed that the Atom a) doesn't allow an external Headphone-Amp and b) digitizes the analogue (phono) signal. But to be honest, b) is more of an aesthetical/ideological problem: Soundwise, I can hardly imagine anything better in my room ...
Great video John. The journey of what equipment you use in your reviews is extremely important. It gives myself and others a base from which we can make an informed decision. And Yes there needs to be a synergy with all of the equipment one might use in their system otherwise you will be chasing the dream of audiophile nirvana.
Love to hear your thoughts on Naim Nova vs Supernait
Wait... the Uniti Atom costs 4 times more than the Lumina 1's (actually the Lumina 1's are on sale now, making them 6 times less expensive than the Uniti Atom). How do you consider that "the eye of the duck"?
Any change you can review the Audiolab 6000A play amplifier. Rated at 50watts, decent price, might be a good match for these speakers
I would but the DTS Play-Fi streaming platform used by Audiolab has some serious issues that simply can't be glossed over:
darko.audio/2020/11/quads-artera-solus-play-or-why-dts-play-fi-remains-fundamentally-flawed/
@@DarkoAudio How about just the amp with something like the node? Also any chance of a Rega or Exposure amp review? I really like the idea of this system review, but unfortunately my total budget is more in the £2500 region. Thanks.
@@DarkoAudio good to know, maybe the Audiolab 6000A review then. regards
If I'm gonna get an Audiolab, I'll get the DTS Play-Fi version because it seems like more people need to be made aware of its limitations. Supplementing Phil Wright's findings (linked above), here's Chris Connaker's take on Play-Fi:
audiophilestyle.com/ca/bits-and-bytes/dts-play-fi-has-major-design-flaws/
Obviously, I can't speak for why other people use Play-Fi but I know that I could not live with it (in the long term) for two main reasons:
1) ALL streams *must* travel through the DTS app on the smartphone or tablet on their way to the streaming hardware.
2) DTS Play-Fi does NOT support gapless playback.
In an age of Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Roon (that suffer neither of these issues), it's kind of amazing that such problems still persist in music streaming apps. Even Squeezebox sorted this years ago. As have most streaming hardware manufacturers supplying their own apps e.g. Naim, Cambridge Audio
BUT, as a hifi reviewer, it's not ONLY about me.
Thanks for bringing us along on your journey with the sonus fabers. I enjoyed the inside view of your process. The extra work is very much appreciated 🤘🏻
UUggghhhhhh .... I want ALL of this system immediately ... This is exactly what I was looking at doing with my Lumina 2 also !! =)
Love and appreciate what you do with these videos John. Was very interested to hear your take on the Uniti and Lumina pairing. I recently demo'd a Uniti Nova and the Sonetto IIIs, and have to say that I also LOVED depth of pressence, and the way the pairing presented the highs and mids. I found them a touch lacking in the low frequency presentation though, and am hoping to have a chance to demo the same Nova with a pair of the Sonetto Vs. Time will tell if they match up as well...
I like the idea of all the components in one unit”the synergy”. That they are built around each other. I have a NAD C388 with the BluOS module put in it, this is a nice amp for the cost. Matched with Tekton Lores(set up for near listening).
Any comments on this type of arrangement ? Next stepping stone to go to ? Cheers.
John, I’ve been appreciated your « journey » so much & again ! 😉). But when your choice stopped at the « Atom » station, you had forgotten your bag on the road (meaning the phono preamp). As a result, your stop would be the desirable and costlier Naim Uniti Star 😉😀
Last week I purchased Lumina II, are Fantastic, best buy I do in 35 years.
I'm searching a new amplifier ( now I have Rotel 06, Yamaha AX397 and vintage Denon). Lumina are fantastic whit all amplifiers, but I like more whit yamaha or Denon. My room is 9 m2.
I think to buy a Nad Bee...
Or Rega io...
Thanks for your video.
I would not pair the lumina II with the Bluesound Powernode, I have heard it in a demo and all the sounds feel like they come from a metal instrument. It doesn't work. The lumina II actually works with the Naim Uniti Atom. Sonus Faber is a brand that some people believe it is the best speaker brand. I have seen people use a 20k amp with a 4k Sonus Faber Minima Amator II. By the way, the Minima Amator II can be the best speaker you will ever hear unless you hear the higher-tier speaker from Sonus Faber....
Tks for your educative videos i would like to buy the Lumina. Do you think that the Heaven 11 Hollie Mark2 would have a good synergy with the Lumina ?
I prefer sound my setup: Sonus faber Lumina II + Audiolab 6000a. Good video.
Hi John, always a joy to watch your videos. Did you ever get a chance to run these with the Schiit Vidar (not mono-block)?
Personally, I'll always prefer all in one's. Powernode 2i, Cambridge Audio Evo 75 and the new NAD C700 which I'm waiting for. Just add speakers. no fuss. I now have the B&W 606 S2's with a Powernode 2i and it just sounds fantastic, although I'm thinking of changing for the NAD C700- a little bit more power and it is a beautiful device. The higher end AIO's such as the Evo 150, NAD M10 or the Naim Unity Atom should pair with a plus 1500$ speakers to my opinion.
Interesting. I realise it's not necessarily a relevant comparison, but I do have a personal connection to the Naim / Sonus Faber combination, that also worked really well together. I bought a pair of Sonus Faber Signum speakers in the early 2000's. Some years later I got into the classic Naim amps, & gradually upgraded to a 280/HiCap/250 amp with a CDS3 front end, and it worked really well.
I ended up downsizing that system, but still stuck with Naim, in the form of the Uniti Atom, but this time paired with Russell K Red 50 speakers. Thing is, now I'm wondering if I should have kept the Sonus Fabers...
Loved the comments about the NAD C316BEE.. I am new to the hobby and evaluated it the same. Love the sound, but after hearing better clarity in my Cambridge CXA61 it's hard to go back to it. But I miss it's punchy clean bass every time I switch it out.
For $449 USD I'm staggered at how good that amp is. I wish there was an AB offering from NAD that had the same overall character but with clearer highs. Is there? They've mostly moved to class D no?
Just love your videos.
I have a question.
I just bought a pair of Triangle Esprit Antal EZ and don’t know which integrated streamer amplifier to buy matching theses speakers.
I don’t want to spend several times the price of theses speakers.
Do you have some suggestions for me please?
Cheers
Hi John. Great shows. Good audio when playing music. However your voice recordings are awfull with deformation and oversteering in the recording. I don’t understand that givin this is all about sound and sound quality. Pity. I hope only it is not just me who has noticed this the last couple of months. Thanks and regards.
Hi John,
Sonus Fabre, “am I doing a mistake?” I asked myself as I haven’t seen you reviewing any of their speakers before… Recently I got a pair of Sonus Faber Sonetto II and something more :). This more is a sub Gravis I, also from Sonus Faber and that was only because of you pronounced a simple sentence in you review of KEF’ KC62 and that stroke me, “I couldn’t really locate the source of the bass”. For my whole life I Imagined a subwoofer with a black BMW and a vibrating license plate at the back (no offense to all BMW lovers:)). Now I am a happier electronic music listener. Why am I even saying all of it? John, get the sub right now and have a listen :)…
Would be nice if you could try a more price appropriate integrated amp or two. A lower line Rotel or audio lab perhaps. A $3,800 power source like the Naim is not something I would want to afford along with the lumina twos
Let me know If I missed out anything so this setup involves
Speakers: Sonus Fabre Lumina 2
Amplifier,DAC, Phonostage: Naim Atom 2
Very nice style of the video. I did go to a local shop nearby to try this setup, Sonus Faber + Naim and found the sound the be slightly troubling to my ears. SF did have a mesmerising air, super high frequencies, but 1-3 khz were a bit shouty at around 40-45 volume on Naim, mids were ok at best, base was very nice surprisingly. I found that setup great at super low levels of listening with exagarated highs that makes them clear and readable, but anything louder (40-45 volume on Naim Atom) makes it fall apart. It really shows that speakers are super small, and detail is forced with highs. I did try Lumina V, and did feel a bit more effortless but still felt like mids were lacking resolution and speakers were trying its best to mask it with shouty top end. Again, 5+ khz part is really nice, airy and energetic but with lifted ( to my ears ) 1-4 makes them feel shouty with vocals taking over.
Hi John, I just got the Sonetto 2 do you have any recommendations, I am looking to buy Ma252 but I’m still waiting to have more advice.
Given the onebox solution, the new NAD C399 with MDC2 BluOS-D Module is a more affordable suggestion and a nice product to review as well.
Great little video and conclusion. Will you be doing anything with the NAD M10 V2? Also what is the finish on the GIK panels?
Your ear is not my ear, nor your experiences or bias' as mine, but I understand the verbiage used to describe a near perfect hit with minimal outlay. Thanks for the GREAT explanation and footage. Production is above par, and I didn't really think you rambled.
I believe in one box solution for many reasons need less space,no need for many cables, you have DAC, Streaming ,Bluetooth and with NAD BluOs and can keep up to date with Module which in my opinion is important as the Audio technology is changing fast. For the money I safe not to have in 3 or 4 audio components and cables I spent on room acoustic treatments,power cleaner and buy music and roon software. Perhaps one box solution don't sound as good as traditional Audio units but to be honest the difference is not worth the extra money spend. I'm not looking for the last inch of music revelation I did that for the last 50 years and finally came to the conclusion that convinced and simplicity is a better deal.
I have a Naim CD5X and it started miss tracking I found on ebay a manufactures refurbished laser/ motor drive unit for £15 it was well worth the punt and fitted it my self, Naim are asking £360 for it , it completely opened up the sound stage and gives a wonderful rendition of female voice.
Thanks a lot John
Very interesting review.
There is a new DAC in town - IFI Pro IDSD Signature…
Will you check it in the future ?
I enjoyed being taken along on the journey of your discovery. The best argument for a one box solution I’ve heard / seen. As an Schiit Freya+ owner, and as someone dedicated to building a system from separate components, I was a little disappointed. But it is good to learn about alternative solutions. I hope that my attempt to find such synergy on a system that looks like it will cost me $20,000 if I do it right will be as successful. 🙂
Did you try it with evo 150?
I'm a fan of separates because I love trying gear and combinations. But the all in one solutions are going to be where the biggest gains in sound quality to consumer cost will be made in the future. Not just integrated amp streamer but full active speakers.
If you give competent engineers a controlled ecosystem front to back, they will find a synergy. Doing it on your own will be expensive and you may not get the right gear combo in the end. Or one better than the engineered system.
For my journey, I am sticking with separates partly because I learn quite a bit from the mismatches as i do when I get it right. I feel more invested in the process and can take more personal satisfaction from curating the components myself.
And for the more rare or esoteric combinations, I sometimes wonder if I'm the only person that has ever wired that gear together in that exact configuration.
Great review! Would a pairing of the Uniti Star work as well as the Uniti atom do you think? The Uniti Star has a a 75 watt as opposed to 40 watt output and was wondering if I should get a higher grade speaker as a match?
Can't wait for your Cambridge audio Evo 150 review, thanks again always interesting.
I loved this. The rambling lol Gonna look for the pairing with the EVO 150 now !
Loved this…am really going into the all in one direction (don’t care if I’m judged, I just enjoy the music more)
Have you try it with the gato amp 150? Maybe it could be a lot amplifier for the lumina but I'm really interest in your opinion about its synergy
Absolutely great as usual. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts after this , trying the Naim Nova , so yes a step up to the Peachtree in price , but to see if the extra cash delivers a easily hearable improvement, and the your back with the Nad masters M33 , but, your getting the full combo again for your money. Amp, streamer, dac, phono etc.
I had the opportunity to have a thorough listening session comparing the uniti atom and uniti nova. Not with songs fabers but with kef ls50's and b&w 706's. So, to answer your question, a nova is now on order and I am eagerly awaiting delivery!
One of my favorite videos from you. Love to take this up a notch or two to the Olympica Nova V and maxima amator. Would you step up to naim unity nova? Nad master series m33? Something different?
Useful pairing episode. Any appetite for testing out PMC speakers?
I've been looking at the uniti atom recently to replace my system, just not sure it would suit my wharfedale evo 4.4.
Thanks John, this is just what I’m looking for before I commit to the Naim Uniti Atom and the SF Lumina 2. Great!!
Hi John, would like to see a video where a sub is added to the system? Thanks and keep up the good work
Great great video. Thank you. Keep on the good work. Very useful.
Excellent piece John. Always enjoyable to watch and see you perspectives at audio. Thanks!
Rarely see review of Wilson Benesh speakers. Does anyone own one? How does it sound?
Excellent presentation John. Would you also consider important the choice of the cables between the amp and the speakers? If so do you know anything about a cable brand by the name Luna Cables?
Yes. Just subscribed =) tnx for yet another interesting video.
Does moving the duck’s eye make it out of whack or out of quack?
My wife and I have sold our home of 32 years and are building a great new home on. The same street as the old one 🤣
Hi John, just bought an innuos zenith, should I use it as a room core or just as a room player.
If anything is fun about the hobby part of this (as opposed to the straight enjoying music thing) it is playing around with equipment that does sound different, and does invite mixing and matching to find little Goldilocks (or EOTD) pairings.
Ordered the Luminas three months ago… Anxiously waiting!
Great video John 👍🏻 Any chance you could do a similar one for the KEF LS50 Metas (as you have them)?
Any reviews on new Sony phone audio capabilities?
Very nice dripping the RAMAR record brush. Would love to see an interview with him. Maybe even a visit at his workshop, since he’s located in Berlin as well if I remember correctly
great vid as usual, thx! how does this setup compare to the buchardt a500?
Just use the word nice instead of best As in this combination was really nice
Excellent vidéo
Great content as usual. Who makes the speaker stands and do you know if they're compatible with other SF mountable loudspeakers?
Hi Darko, first time I’m writing to you. Did you consider to add a subwoofer to the Sonus Faber?
I just added the Lumina Nova III’s to my 2-channel setup. I’m loving them. It’s my first entry to Sonus faber brand.
I can see see an upgrade methodology or path behind matching the peachy tree here…it could make sense short term 😉
Comes to show again that in the end it’s all about the electronics. Cheers.
I’d love to see uncle Roger review these reviews, Fuiyoo!
I enjoy how you review, try different equipment combinations and share your thoughts with us. Thumbs up, chap! 🎵
Nice review. And I'm liking the aesthetics of your room better with the sideboard back.
There's no denying the beauty of that combo John. Not a great lover of streaming, I like to handle my music as well as listen to it, so I would look elsewhere. Thanks for sharing.
Those ad intros are the most cringe thing ever. Great video otherwise
I do hope you won't be as disappointed about the Cambridge EVO 150 as I did.
In a 3 way comparison with the Atom and the NAD M10 it failed somewhat...
What didn't you like about it?
Ramble on, John. This is like a GCSE maths exam where they ask you to show your working out.
Most enjoyable.
I really miss making these types of comparisons at the local hi-fi dealer. Watching this video has spurred me on, I'm off to the dealer A.S.A.P. to upgrade my amp (which I have been putting off for the last 18 months). Thanks John - I think ;-)