Hi, I've had a chance recently to compare the new Chord Anthem interconnect with the Naim Hi Line, Vertex AQ Solofon and standard Naim interconnect. Firstly I have to say that the cable Naim give you in the box does a very reasonable job. There are no obvious faults and it's weaknesses are more those of ommission rather than adding any particular character of it's own. Having said that, it is quite amazing what potential sonic performance can be unlocked from any Naim player with a more sophisticated cable. Naim players in any context represent some of the best digital components available at each of their respective price points and there's a real treat waiting for you simply by changing the interconnect. Firstly the Chord Anthem offers a fantastic upgrade for £325 and is really a must for anyone with a Naim player who does not want to stretch to the Hi Line. As good as the Anthem is, I still believe that the Hi Line offers you more and if you're at CDX or CDX 2 level or above then this has to be your next upgrade before anything else. In line with classic Naim system topology, there is simply no point in maximising the quality of your source component only to then hold back it's performance with the standard wire. Trust me from the first bar the musical presentation takes on an unforced, natural and palpable quality that is simply seductive. If you haven't tried one, contact me for a free loan, so confident am I that once you've heard it, it won't be coming back. At £495 the Vertex AQ Solofon offers a fascinating alternative and in the context of a Vertex'd system offers even greater musical insights. Interestingly the Solofon is part of a much wider Vertex concept of controlling RFI and mechanical energy from entering and within a system, and before introducing the Solofon there are passive mains filters and leads, plus resonance control platforms that should be in place first, all of which I can happily demonstrate to you. I will expand on the incredible Vertex AQ concept in a later post, but in the mean time if I've sparked your thirst to really start to hear what your player can do, then contact me to hear any of these leads. Cheers
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