Audio T Verdict
The Naim Fraim Tall-Height Level provides the greatest clearance of the three full Fraim shelf options. Its tall uprights create 254mm of nominal equipment space beneath the new platform, making it suitable for components that cannot be accommodated safely within standard or medium spacing.
This listing supplies one tall expansion level, not the multi-level rack shown in some product photographs. A Fraim Base or correctly assembled existing Fraim stack is required. The module includes its veneered platform, tall uprights, isolation hardware and 10mm toughened-glass support surface.
A tall level adds 324mm to the rack and Naim limits tall-upright configurations to two levels above a base. Its use should therefore be planned around the complete system rather than selected simply to provide spare space.
Naim Fraim Tall-Height Level
Fraim is Naim's reference modular equipment-support system. Each level connects to the structure beneath through three cup-and-cone interfaces, while its separate toughened-glass sub-shelf rests on three hardened-steel balls for an additional minimal-contact support stage.
The tall version provides 254mm of nominal available height and increases the assembled rack height by 324mm including glass. It is intended for equipment, cooling requirements or connection arrangements that need substantially more vertical space than the other Fraim levels provide.
Designed For
- Extending an existing full Naim Fraim rack
- Providing 254mm of nominal equipment clearance
- Tall components and products requiring generous ventilation
- Top-loading or top-access equipment where appropriate
- Naim and compatible third-party hi-fi components
- Matching four platform and two upright finishes
Important Limitations
- It cannot stand independently on the floor
- A Fraim Base or compatible existing stack is required
- Only one tall-height level is supplied
- It adds 324mm to the overall rack height
- Tall-upright configurations are limited to two levels
- Maximum shelf load is 50kg, evenly distributed
- Maximum load for one complete rack assembly is 90kg
One Tall Level, Not a Complete Rack
Photographs may show a Fraim Base and several levels assembled together to illustrate the finished system. This product supplies one tall-height level only. It does not include the Fraim Base, additional levels, floor spikes, floor protectors, hi-fi equipment or the optional glass safety kit.
Every independent Fraim stack begins with one double-layer base. Tall, medium and standard levels can then be combined only within Naim's configuration limits and after the height, weight and stability of the complete rack have been considered.
The Uprights Create Space Below
The three tall uprights connect the new platform to the structure beneath. They create 254mm of nominal space for the component immediately below the new platform, while the new glass surface supports another component above.
If another level is later fitted above the new glass, the height of that next level determines the overhead clearance for the component placed on this glass shelf.
254mm Available Height
Naim publishes 254mm as the available height for a tall Fraim level. The corresponding overall level height is 324mm including its glass support. These figures distinguish usable space from the amount by which the rack itself grows.
Measure the complete component, including feet and anything projecting from its upper surface. Allow additional room for cooling, opening lids, operating controls and removing media where relevant. Rear connectors, aerials and cable bends must also fit without being forced.
If the component fits safely within 180mm, a medium level may produce a more compact rack. The tall version should be chosen where its additional 74mm of clearance is genuinely required.
Two-Level Limit for Tall Uprights
Naim's published guidance limits a Fraim or FraimLite stack using tall uprights to two levels above the base. This is stricter than the six-level allowance applying to standard or medium uprights.
Do not exceed the tall-level limit or assume that adding a different upright height automatically makes a larger mixed stack acceptable. Ask Audio T to verify any mixed-height plan, particularly where heavy electronics or a top-mounted turntable are involved.
Plan the Finished Rack Height
One tall level adds 324mm above the existing support structure. Two tall levels plus the 155mm Fraim Base produce a substantial rack before equipment height and access are considered. Check sight lines, wall fittings and safe lifting access as well as the available floor space.
Decoupled Toughened-Glass Support
The supported component rests on a 452 x 340mm toughened-glass sub-shelf rather than directly on the veneered platform. Three chrome-plated hardened-steel balls support the glass at minimal contact points, with sockets and a locating pin keeping it correctly positioned.
Naim specifies 10mm toughened glass compliant with BS6206 Class A. Handle it carefully and use it only for its intended purpose. A chipped, cracked or broken glass component must be replaced with the correct Naim-specified part.
Cup-and-Cone Inter-Level Interface
Three tall extruded aluminium uprights connect the module to the structure below. Purpose-made cups, cones, clamping rings, studs and nuts form rigid minimal-contact interfaces between successive Fraim levels.
The shaped 19mm double-veneered composite platform and asymmetrical three-point support are designed to provide a stable reference plane while limiting mechanical-energy transmission. They form an engineered support system rather than a conventional furniture shelf.
Eight Current Finish Combinations
Audio T currently lists four platform finishes, each available with natural aluminium or black anodised uprights:
- Black platform with natural aluminium uprights
- Black platform with black anodised uprights
- Cherry platform with natural aluminium uprights
- Cherry platform with black anodised uprights
- Cherry Tint platform with natural aluminium uprights
- Cherry Tint platform with black anodised uprights
- Natural Ash platform with natural aluminium uprights
- Natural Ash platform with black anodised uprights
Cherry Tint has a darker treatment than the untinted Cherry option. Real wood veneer naturally varies in grain and tone, so a new level may not be visually identical to an older rack even when the named finish is the same.
Match Both Finish Elements
Select both the platform finish and upright colour. A Natural Ash platform with black uprights is a different version from Natural Ash with natural aluminium uprights. Audio T can help identify an existing rack from clear photographs.
Load Limits and Structural Planning
Naim states a maximum safe load of 50kg on each Fraim shelf, evenly distributed, and a maximum load of 90kg for one complete Fraim or FraimLite assembly. Adding another level does not increase the permitted total load.
The tall level itself weighs 8.25kg. Include the base, every level and all electronics when checking that the floor and its supporting structure are suitable. A tall rack also raises equipment higher, so stability and safe access require particular attention.
Heavy components should be positioned low in the stack where practical, subject to ventilation and connection requirements. Where several large or heavy products are involved, two shorter stacks may be more suitable than one tall arrangement.
Ventilation and Top Access
The extra space can accommodate products with substantial ventilation requirements, valves, top-mounted controls or opening mechanisms. However, 254mm is a physical clearance measurement rather than a guarantee that every tall product is suitable.
Follow the equipment manufacturer's ventilation instructions and check that any lid or mechanism can complete its full movement without touching the level above. A turntable normally requires an unobstructed top position rather than installation beneath another shelf.
Cable Clearance and System Layout
Check cable lengths and plug dimensions before deciding the component order. DIN plugs, Burndy collars, mains connectors and network leads need adequate rear space, and none should be stretched or sharply bent to reach its socket.
The tall spacing improves vertical access but does not change the 442mm rack depth or the 340mm glass-shelf depth. Leave clear access to mains switches and arrange cables so that they do not pull on the equipment or rest against the glass.
Assembly and Installation
Remove all equipment before adding, removing or rearranging a level. Follow Naim's assembly sequence so that every cup, cone, ball, socket, stud and clamping component is fitted in the correct orientation. Protect the veneer and glass throughout the work.
Check that the complete rack is level and stable before reloading it. Do not drag a loaded rack, use it as a step or seat, or exceed the published limits. The size of tall-upright modules makes assistance during assembly particularly sensible.
Fraim and FraimLite Compatibility
This is a full Fraim level with a ball-supported glass sub-shelf. FraimLite uses a simpler structure and normally supports equipment directly on the veneered platform. The two systems share a modular footprint but are not identical.
Naim describes a level-by-level upgrade path and permits Fraim and FraimLite modules to be combined. Ask Audio T to confirm the necessary parts, appearance, two-level tall-upright limit and correct assembly before planning a mixed rack.
Care and Maintenance
Dust the platform and anodised uprights with a clean, soft cloth. Clean the glass using a damp cloth or chamois and a little washing-up liquid or soft soap where required. Do not use abrasive powders or cleaners.
Do not strike the glass with hard or pointed objects or expose it directly to very hot or cold items. Recheck the rack's level and stability after relocation or significant equipment changes.
Key Features
- One tall-height expansion level for full Naim Fraim
- Provides 254mm of nominal equipment clearance beneath the new platform
- Adds 324mm to the rack height including glass
- 10mm toughened-glass equipment support
- Glass supported on three hardened-steel ball decouplers
- Inter-level cup-and-cone isolation interface
- Four platform finishes and two upright colours
- 452 x 340mm glass support surface
- Two-level maximum for tall-upright configurations
- Requires a Fraim Base or compatible existing stack
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this tall level stand directly on the floor?
No. It is an expansion module without a floor interface. Install it above a Fraim Base or a compatible existing Fraim level.
Does the listing include the complete rack?
No. It includes one tall-height level only. The Fraim Base and every additional level are purchased separately.
What does 254mm available height mean?
It is the nominal vertical space created beneath the new tall platform. The component in that position must fit while retaining the required ventilation, control and connection clearances.
Does the tall level include its glass shelf?
Yes. A full Fraim level includes its 10mm toughened-glass sub-shelf and ball-supported isolation hardware. Check that every part is present before assembly.
Should I choose medium or tall height?
Choose tall only when the component, ventilation allowance, top access or connections need more than the medium level's 180mm clearance. Tall provides 254mm but increases the rack height by 324mm.
How many tall levels can one rack use?
Naim specifies a maximum of two levels above the base when tall uprights are used. Ask Audio T to confirm any rack that mixes tall uprights with standard or medium levels.
Which finish should I order?
Match both the platform veneer and the upright colour of the existing rack. Audio T currently lists four platform finishes with either natural aluminium or black uprights.
Can I put a turntable beneath another shelf?
Only if the complete turntable, lid movement, operating access and ventilation fit safely within the available space. In most systems, placing the turntable on the unobstructed top glass surface is more practical.
Can Audio T help plan and assemble the rack?
Yes. Audio T can check height, stability, loaded weight, finish matching, equipment order and cable dressing, then advise on safe assembly and levelling.
Why Buy From Audio T?
Tall Fraim levels have the greatest effect on the height and configuration limits of the finished rack. Audio T can confirm whether tall spacing is necessary, check the two-level restriction and plan a safer alternative using medium or multiple stacks where appropriate.
Your local store can also match finishes, verify equipment and cable clearances, calculate the loaded arrangement and provide careful assembly and levelling support.
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