Audio system for minimalist apartment living room, Naim muso or better?

[seahug]

We got a small apartment in Barcelona. It's in a danish/nordic/minimalist look with matching modern cabinets, kitchen etc. The clutter free atmosphere seemed sparse at first but now we find it relaxing and really like it.

For the living room, am looking for an unobtrusive sound (and projector kinda focused on this xiaomi 4k ultra short throw laser, minimal wires, has sound built in) system. The room is about 30 sqm, 3.5 meter ceiling.

Am planning all digital (all digital in main house which I like a lot Mc352, schiit yggdrasil, chinese hifi tube amp - which am planning to upgrade, harbeth shl5+ speakers).

Has to sound reasonably good. I don't know how loud we can go, have never lived in an apartment as adult. Our walls are 1.5 to 2ft thick and no neighbors on our floor. I barely hear people in ceiling above and only occasionally.

My choices so far:

1) Naim muso - looks good. cheap. haven't auditioned but listening on youtube seems ok.

2) MHA100/150 - looks good, cute. my friend has one driving small harbeths and tbh (and i don't tell him) it's a bit underwhelming but am pretty sure it sounds better than the NAIM. Mcintosh is really expensive in Spain though.

3) Primaluna integrated and will look for speakers - looks cool, seems to sound good based on what i've heard on youtube. Also there's a dealer in spain.

Which to get? Honestly I'd prefer to get less expensive non-dialogue unit.

I'd prefer to spend around $5k max. Less is ok. More, well lost money last year and too early to tell this year. And I'm trying not to be a slave to possessions.

Thanks!

[doggiehowser]

Try the new Naim Uniti with a pair of small passive speakers

[seahug]

Thanks. Naim uniti atom? Looks nice.

Can I just connect it to a laptop/NUC w jriver and my digital files? From the brochure, I'd need a NAIM music server.

Does it sound better than the MHA150?

[PHC1]

Dynaudio active speakers. Less clutter, great sound.

[seahug]

Oh hey thanks that's sounds interesting. Sounds pretty good on YT.

I have dynaudio in bedroom and happy w them.

Hmm seems they have many diff models of active wireless

Focus 20xd is $6k. They have cheap blue tooth connector.

Specific suggestions? But thanks worth checking. At least there's a BCN dealer.

[bart]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Dynaudio active speakers. Less clutter, great sound.

Ha Serge, 2 Dynaudios is still a bit more clutter than 1 Naim MuSo.

But the Dynaudios are indeed very good. It's another category all together.

[Formerly YB-2]

KEF powered LS50 speakers. BT Apt-X is surprisingly good for wireless and makes placement a non-issue for casual listening.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by bart

Ha Serge, 2 Dynaudios is still a bit more clutter than 1 Naim MuSo.

But the Dynaudios are indeed very good. It's another category all together.

Bart, I meant less clutter by comparison to traditional setups.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by seahug

Oh hey thanks that's sounds interesting. Sounds pretty good on YT.

I have dynaudio in bedroom and happy w them.

Hmm seems they have many diff models of active wireless

Focus 20xd is $6k. They have cheap blue tooth connector.

Specific suggestions? But thanks worth checking. At least there's a BCN dealer.

I've listened briefly to the 60 and 20 XD and walked away very impressed for what those speakers can do. My dealer said they are selling beyond his expectations and many are choosing to go the active route for simplicity and clutter free approach these days.

I would think the 20 XD would be very appropriate for a smaller listening space. The XEO line has been favorably reviewed as well. https://youtu.be/Qt5dz1htr74

[seahug]

Thanks!

The 20xd sounds and looks good on YT. Wonder if it's worth the premium to the Xeo. In penny pinching mode, I'd probably get the Muso rather than the Xeo and then move it to another room if I upgrade.

Will audition in Barna in April. In the meantime will try to figure out the source (seems it has a dac) and if I can connect to a xiaomi projector.