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Naim Nait Integrateds... Sound Quality Comparison, User Comments and Bang for the Buck

Have been considering a Naim Nait integrated. In doing so, I’d like to ask what for the user-lowdown on the following models when comparing to each other based on sound quality, characteristics and price. Everything I am considering is used. The reason I am not including the 5i (non-italic) is that I have owned this model in the past. I liked the sound a lot, but my only criticism is that I felt is lacked low bass response and punch. However, the dynamics were there, as well as the smooth, full mids that would not strain or get harsh when driven. Treble was neither bright nor veiled—just right. From my readings, it appears that the lack of bass concern was corrected on the 5i-2 model and onward? I’m planning on possibly getting a CD5x to mate with one of these Naits. My music flavors are pop/rock/prog (i.e. David Bowie, old-Def Leppard, Pink Floyd) and electronic (i.e. Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk).

 

Here are the models I am considering:

5i-2 (non-italic)

5si

XS

XS-2

 

For those who have owned all four model at one time or another, and/or, were able to compare any of these models at the same time, what are your comments on each regarding sound characteristics? Do they all have the basic foundation of the “Naim Sound?” Are there some that are punchy in bass vs others? Some that are brighter in the highs? Any more laidback in the mids than the others?

 

As for used pricing (according to ebay sales history) it appears the 5i-2’s are selling for an average of $575 shipped/paypal. The XS’s are averaging $975 shipped/paypal. I could not find much if any sales history of the 5si, but would assume around $775-$800 based on the other figures. XS-2’s appear to be listed on the used pages for around $2,000 used, but I wonder if any can be had for $1,500 shipped/papal or less? What’s interesting is that all the ebay sales pricing is before the 10% final value fee.  

 

As for sound for bang-for-the-buck, if a 5i-2 can be had for say $575-$650, it is worth another $200-$300 or so, to go to a 5si? Or, is it worth another $425 to get an XS? As for the XS, let’s say one can be had for $1,150. Is it worth another $600-$800 to get an XS-2? As for my specs, my room is 12x12 and using Vandy 2c’s. Cables are AQ CV-4 speaker cable and Mogami 2549 interconnects. I’ve read on another post that AQ sounds very nice with Naim’s current gear. When I had the 5i (non-italic), I tried the NACA5 cables, but didn’t like them. I felt the sound was dull. The DH Labs Q-10 I had at the time were much better, but were a little bright—since they are silver-coated copper. After that, I had sold the 5i at the time and moved on to other gear.


jsbach1685
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mr_m
1,900 posts
 
viridian,
I believe I was using the term "accurate" in a subjective manner. Specifically, the tweeter. It is a special carbon dome type which has a natural, extended, airy presentation. It is neither bright nor rolled off (dull) sounding. It's the type of treble that can help down into the frequencies of the midrange. Again this is all subjective on my part with no measurements to back up my claim. Just the way it sounds to me, so take it with a grain of salt.
Cheers!
jsbach1685 OP
145 posts
 
mr_m & viridian,

I agree with both of you on parts of your comments. Yes, I have 2C’s. Depending on what gear and cabling you use, they can sound rounded on the frequency extremes. Case in point: When I mentioned in my initial post of using a Naim 5i (non-italic) with a Naim CD3.5, the sound was still dynamic and full, but treble and bass seems rolled off on each of these extremes. When I say rolled off, it doesn’t mean as if I am taking a treble knob and turning it down. The word "veiled" comes to mind when doing something like this. Same with the bass knob, but in that case, it would cause perhaps a thinness to the sound. I guess perhaps the correct word to describe the naim pairings is: Flat?

I’ve read that the 2CE’s are can sound a little brighter in the highs vs. 2C’s due to using a metal dome tweeter?

Another piece of info to provide is that one of the best gear pairings I ever had on these 2C’s consisted of the Naim CD3.5, but with a Creek 4330SE integrated. Cabling was DH Labs Q10 speaker and custom DIN to RCA Air Matrix interconnects.

Perhaps in my scenario, a Naim amp and source pairing is not the best? However, from what I read out there regarding the sound characteristics of XS, vs. past naim integrateds (i.e. much better bass and highs, more transparent and open with better resolution) I am very intrigued to try one anyway. My budget though will get slightly blown in picking up an XS and CD5x. Either way, I think I should pick up the CD5x. It’s an excellent source to start with. If an XS is just not doable right now, I would nee to find a suitable integrated that will mate with the CD5x. If that is the case, I am thinking Simaudio i3 for the time being.

This is a crazy hobby, but I love it, and love listening to music. Music is very much a part of my everyday life. It’s sometimes even medicinal after a hard day at the office. Another aspect of this is each persons ears and what THEY hear vs. the next guy... or gal. Once person can walk into my room and say I need more bass and less treble. The next could say the opposite....
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