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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Thank you on your response. I decided to pass on it at this time, seemed like it was overpriced. Went with a townshend rock. What cart did you like with the 250 arm.

brownsanandy

What did you get your Horizon for, and what arm/cart was in it? I am very interested in this table too.

brownsanandy