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Naim recommendations

I am really curious about Naim gear, and I was thinking about getting a Nait 5 here to see what the fuss is all about. Nevertheless, I wonder if there are older models, as a preamp+amp combination that will give me a great taste to Naim sound, as well as a path to upgradability in the long run. I am interested in investing a good $1500-2000, for the pre and amp set up. What models have the following cosmetics:

OLD COSMETICS=I think they mean the classic Naim that is rectangular with two or one prominent knob, square cut.

what line is the one that has what is looks like HALF case size?

Finally, will the set up run a speaker combo that has 89db sensitivity but that needs at least a good 100watts to get it going....Pair of monitors on top of a pair of passive subs?
bemopti123
kasperhauser
10 posts
 
Much information about Naim models, cosmetics, etc., both past and present, can be found at the following site:

http://impulse7.com/naim/
theo's avatar
theo
2,680 posts
 
I have looked at the Naim gear and do own a phono stage and hi cap combo which I love. their amps are impeccably clean and true to detail. I have a local dealer that is a very knowledgable and also very close freinds with the regional Naim rep. who lives in the area. You might contact him with some mquestions he is a very helpfull person his e/m is sales@audioalternative.com his name is Rick and tell Ted referred you. My experience with Naim is through his store and I have really considered switchinh from Mcintosh to him if I can bring myself to take the loss on sellin the mac stuff. Good luck
ghunter's avatar
ghunter
164 posts
 
There are actually three different Naim "lines", and if you search ebay or visit the site mentioned above you'll definitely find pics of the older two.

The oldest units have a black face and chrome highlights. I believe they stopped making these in the late 80's.

In the 90's, Naim went to an olive/black theme, and as you've noticed some of these are half-width units. In this line, the 62 and 72 preamps are half-width, and the 102, 82, and 52 preamps are full-width. All but the 140 power amp (which is also available in old chrome/black style) are full-width amps. Some external power supplies, tuners, and crossovers also come in half-width.

Of course, you'll be able to see the newest line on the Naim site.

If you're just wanting to see what the Naim sound is all about, there are cheaper ways than the Nait5, although I've heard one and was quite impressed. The Nait2 and Nait3 can be had pretty cheaply, but a better (more upgradable) setup in your stated price range would be a 72/140, or 72/180.

Don't worry about the non-standard plugs, as you can buy an adapter interconnect from every Naim dealer. I use a Chord interconnect to hook up my non-Naim cd player, but my next upgrade will be to a Naim CD 3.5.

I believe that used Naim gear is an absolute bargain right now for the sound quality it produces.

Good luck!

Graham
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