Phantom vs XXX

[Damon]

Hi guys,
....
Secondly, compared to my measly DynAudio Dm2/7 paired with Naim 5i, I find that the phantoms sound much fuller I Guess it's due to the lower frequencies. However, for the vocals and mid range, strangely I find that my DynAudio entry level DM2/7 strangely sounds much sweeter and the soundstage also feels much wider. The phantoms also sound very centralised. Is there a possibility of this even happening?

Is there a problem with my setup ? Do I need to get the TREE stand ? Currently it's sitting on the same ISOAcoustic Aperta as my DynAudio bookshelves. Any tips on how to improve the performance of the Phantoms?

NI88,

I don't have Phantoms, but I did also have a Naim Nait previously (a Nait3) and I used ProAc Tabletts for quite a while. I wanted to offer a thought about the character of the sound. The Naim amps do have, in my opinion, a slight 'darkness' that can give the lower midrange a bit of a warmth, or a slightly seductive air. I think that the Naim amps also tend to slightly subdue the top end of the treble range. Not a lot, but I found that the top end was pleasing but slightly ... muted. The combination of the two aspects can emphasize the mids.

The other thought is that a mid/ woofer of 10 - 15 cm or so can work magic with vocals. The tablets certainly did have a vocal presence that was often remarkable. So, a warm-ish, mid-forward amp and a mid-capable speaker would certainly have a specific sonic presentation. Shy on the bottom but rich in the mids. 

The Phantoms have a very extended frequency response, and so will give you probably a more honest and complete reproduction. Not just in the bass but top to bottom. Inevitably the mids will seem less pronounced with the fuller range of reproduction. 

I would also say to give them 50 or 60 hours of time before sitting down to do serious listening. My D120 absolutely did change after about 50 hours. The change was all in the top end, which became less metallic, by a small but discernible degree. I can't recall if others found their Phantoms changed over time, but it is certainly worth keeping in mind.