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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 OP go for it ! And no it is not a common pairing but one I have to some degree in all three of my systems to I believe great effect.
frankly I think you see the speaker pairings you see because non UK speakers are expensive and underrepresented in the UK, center of the NAIM universe.
there is IMO a bit more global perspective in the NAIM FB group...
i use a NAIM Unitiserve SSD with a Pardo LPS and HRS resonance control with a bunch of over gear including Vandersteen 7 in my Reference system

i am also blessed the Treo CT @mr_m mentions and has heard... redialing it in a bit for a new more resolving front end but musical - the Atom is a fantastic value and my wife uses it as much as me - she was streaming a Three Dog Night Live album from her youth when I woke this AM
Tidal from the phone...

certainly an older pair of 2 can be made to sing - the 2 requires an amp with viselike grip to low end to control the acoustic coupler - naim excellent in this area without loosing tone in the bass

as for @viridian most excellent questions about true north Reference... very astute.
i spend a significant part of my music centric life chasing down acoustic unamplified or minimalist processing music. For a reference.
i also went down a path of building out two microphone digital and analog ( 15 ips half track ) mobile recording racks and finally spending some quality time in studio w recording engineer producer and artist friends... I think I have a pretty decent idea what the chain sounds like and various weaknesses... 
but as Helmut Brinkmann says, it is all an elaborate illusion...

any of you you are welcome to stop by Seattle or Carlsbad, call first
bring music

fun
I did have an OMG moment late last eve where I remarked... that sounds like Royer microphone feeds.....

JJ Cale - Rewind Unreleased Recordings on Vinyl ( 30972-Z )

of course it could also have been the Knob Creek Rye.....
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