Naim/Focal

This system consisted of the Naim Statement NAC S1 preamp and NAP S1 mono power amps driving the Focal Grande Utopia EM speakers in a large, untreated room.  This is the same system used at NYAS2014 in New York (see my  comments on the system at NYAS2014 here).

The sound was excellent, with great resolution, tone and power in a large soundstage.  It was was better than in New York, where I had found the dynamic impact somewhat lacking.

Neat Acoustics

Neat Acoustics demonstrated their Motive SX1 and Momentum SX3i speakers with Naim electronics.

In the small, untreated room the small SX1 floorstanders threw a large soundstage and delivered plenty of deep, controlled bass, far more than their size would have lead me to expect.  The sound from the stand-mounted SX3i was very similar, with somewhat less bass depth and power.

The Neat speakers were really a revelation, providing so much superb sound in a small package.

Pure Audio Project

Grant Fidelity presented a range of products, including the Reference 3A Grand Veena BE and Pure Audio Project Triode15TB speakers, solid state amplification in the form of the Jungson JA10 preamp and JA200 monoblock power amps, and the Psvane tube preamp and power amps.  I didn't get to hear the Grand Veena BEs or the Psvane tube amps, but the Triode15TBs driven by the Jungson amps were very interesting.

The Triode15TB are open baffle speakers featuring a pair of Eminence Alpha15a 15″ woofers with a Tang Band W8-1808 8″ full range driver between them.  The Triode15TB is also available in kit form.

The sound from the Triode15TB was full range with good imaging in a big soundstage.

R2R Audio

The R2R Audio speaker is an active design with a full range 15" driver mounted on an open baffle.  The speakers were positioned in the corners of a small untreated room with a near-field listening position.  The source used was a Denon professional CD player.

The R2Rs were indeed full range, with a clean, clear sound that was perhaps a bit lean.  It was interesting to hear highs being produced by such a large driver.

TAVES 2014 Show Report

Page 1:     Intrduction, Arcam, Audio Note, Bowhead

Page 2:     Bryston, Estellon, Gershman/Berkeley/PS Audio/Pass Labs/Entreq, Harbeth/Accuphase/Kuzma

Page 3:     Kudos/Norma, Lawrence Audio, MBL, Meridian Audio

Page 4:     Naim/Focal, Neat, Pure Audio Project, R2R Audio

Page 5:    Raidho, Sony, SVS, Tannoy

Page 6:    Tidal Audio/Reimyo, Wilson Audio/ Dan D'Agostino, Woo Audio

Page 7:    Wrap up, Additional pictures

 © Wayne Butcher