Killer Two Channel (system 2)
System Price $13,960
Speakers:
B&W 804D $7500PR
The new
B&W 804D is B&W’s first 800 Series speaker to feature its renowned
surroundless (FST) midrange driver. It employs two 6.5” Rohacell woofers and of
course, B&W’s new DIAMOND tweeter. The speed, control and tautness of 804D are
remarkable for the size and price. It is also efficient enough that a high quality amp of
modest power- will fill the bill! Throwing this Naim gear in front of the 804D will give
you most of what they can do. If you want louder, sure, we can muscle up. But you’ll
be very impressed with this combination!
CD
Player: Naim CD5-XS $3350
Naim’s new CD5-XS is its matching, built like a
tank, CD player to go with the Nait XS-2 integrated amp. As with prior Naim models,
controlling mechanical vibrations intelligently is where top performance begins. The
drawer, for example, is a mechanical swing out design. Typically British, there’s no
extra gadgets. Naim is so serious about its sound that they even let you turn off the
unit’s display to eliminate any electronic interference that it might contribute. The
solidity of image and bass control are particularly remarkable! It also comes with a high
quality interconnect fitted with a DIN connector, in case you have good enough sense to
run it with a Naim integrated amp or preamp! It also has RCA outs for other electronics.
While CD5-XS stands on its own, there is a marvelous synergy with Naim’s integrated
amps!
Integrated
Amp: Naim Nait XS-2: $2750
Naim’s new XS integrated amp, 60 w/ch, is our
favorite sounding chunk of electronics in this price range. Don’t think of a 60 w/ch
receiver when you consider how much power this is. Think of a robust sounding integrated
that has enormous dynamic flavor and clarity. The bass body and kick of the Nait XS will
absolutely blow you away! I’m not lying, you won’t be prepared for how dynamic
and clear this guy is for its price. Toss it on to the gorgeous 805S above and you have a
system that competes with anything, at any price, sans sheer volume and earthquakes!
Interconnect
Cables: None!
Naim includes a DIN based interconnect with the CD5-XS
CD player that is outstanding!
Speaker Cables:
Kimber 4TC, $11 per foot, with Binary
banana plugs at the Nait XS end and WBT bananas at the B&W end. Kimber’s 4TC uses
a Teflon jacket and braided weave to eliminate RFI. The sound is clear, allowing great
detail and dynamic attack. Two terminated 8’ runs = $360.
