Description

This system has seen numerous changes. I used to own CEC gear (3300r Amplifier and CD player), a Musical Fidelity X-LP phonostage, a NAD C325BEE amp, and a Music Hall MMF 2.1 turntable with an entry level Grado cartridge.

I am very happy with what I now have, particularly considering that I am in on a tight budget (Nottingham and Naim front ends bought on consignment, phonostage was a floor model, and I got my speakers for half price from my Uncle who owned a pair).

Once I heard Naim gear I knew I had to have it. The turntable sounds wonderful as well. In terms of tweaks the tonearm has a Clear Audio Turbo counterweight on it, and I use Herbie's Way Excellent Turntable Mat, a Clear Audio Clever Clamp, and the Nitty Gritty Record Doctor III record cleaning machine with the three-step Audio Intelligent fluid. I also got rid of the stock tubes on the phonostage and added reissue Tung Sol 12ax7s. I suggest you try them out if you tube roll. I use the Tara Labs interconnect for the phonostage and DVD player and the Naim DIN standard connector for the CD player. Almost a decade ago my father and I made my equipment stand using popular wood.

If I were to upgrade in the future I would target the turntable, arm, cartridge, and/or phonostage. In terms of the table I am thinking along the lines of Rega or something else that might sound good through the Naim integrated. I think I could get a lot of mileage (with less cash) out of upgrading the arm or cartridge, and when necessary the phonostage. I welcome your comments or suggestions.
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Components Toggle details

    • Nottingham Horizon SE
    Wonderful sounding table. Motor is in a separate pod from the plinth like in the more expensive Nottingham models. Has the sound of a Nottingham Interspace Jr. without the hum and other headaches.
    • Rega RB-250
    With Clear Audio Turbo counterweight.
    • Benz Micro MC Gold
    Awesome for the price.
    • Naim Audio CD-5
    Analogue-like sound from this CD player, particularly when paired with my Naim Nait XS integrated.
    • Cambridge Audio DVD89
    Good sound and picture for the price.
    • Sony TC-WE435
    Dual cassette deck. It gets the job done at least.
    • Project Tube Box SE Phonostage
    Sounds wonderful in my system with a pair of reissue Tung Sol 12AX7s.
    • Naim Audio NAIT XS
    Incredible integrated amplifier. Naim makes the best solid state equipment I have ever heard.
    • Sound Dynamics 300ti
    Praised by Harry Pearson in the 1990s. Can drive 35-150 watts RMS into 4 ohms, 3/4" titanium tweeter, 4 1/2" mid, 8" woofer; 87 db sensitivity; Crossover points/slopes: 800 Hz, 6db/oct and 2.5kHz, 12/18 db/oct; range: 35Hz-25khz.
    • Tara Labs Custom made speaker cable
    10', made from Tara Labs cable with banana plugs.
    • Naim Standard Interconnect
    This is the standard grey interconnect with DIN connectors.
    • Tara Labs RSC Prime Gen 2
    Great for the price. Open and airy.
    • Omnimount Speaker Stand
    24", very heavy and improve the sound of the speakers tremendously.

Comments 9

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Hello Onip
Seems to me you'd have to take a very large step up the Rega ladder to improve on your Horizon SE. I use the same one with a Dynavector DV20XL cartridge. I had the Benz mc gold on it before, and the DV is definately better. The entire range seems more vibrant. The Benz is a little warmer but the DV is very neutral and a lot more accurate. The bass comes to life and the upper end is smooth and very easy on the ears. I was using a Rega Planar 2 and a Planar 3.(both with the RB300 arm) and the Horizon with the RB250 is a much better table in my opinion, once you've replaced the plastic end stub and stock weight.I went with the Technoweight, but I've heard some others may be even better) I think a cartridge upgrade may be the most cost effective way to go.The RB250 is a very good arm, especially with a wire upgrade. I also own a Thorens TD 160 that's all tricked out with an RB300, tungston weight, and my Benz mc gold, custom built solid oak plinth. Although this Thorens is no slouch, my Horizon is still a better sounding table.

guystp