Naim Nait 2 vs. Rega Mira 3

My guess is that with your Apollo-Mira combination, you're having a hard time adjusting to a new level of detail. Your new equipment is not as forgiving as the old Nait and Planet.

I've owned both the Apollo and the Planet -- both are great, but the Planet is more rolled-off. It's not as accurate but with some (many?) CDs, it's easier on the ears.

I've also owned a Rega Mira 3 amp. I never really learned to love it. However, I replaced it with the lesser model in Rega's line, the Brio (the 2000 model, not the current Brio 3) -- and now I'm a lot happier with the sound. The Brio is not as convenient -- no remote control -- but it sounds (to my ears) more musical, less "electronic" than the Mira 3.

The Planet and Brio are in my current office system, driving a pair of Spendor S3/5s, usually at low levels -- very pleasing and musical, often so much so that I get distracted from my work.

So, I'd suggest you look for a used Brio -- if you can live without remote control, it might suit your taste more than the Mira. I'd keep the Apollo -- it partners nicely with the Brio. I'd also suggest you mate Rega with Rega rather than be tempted to mix-and-match Rega and Naim -- some have mixed the brands to their liking, but my experience suggests otherwise. My main system uses Naim (Nait 5i and CD5i) -- I hear audible brand synergy when you keep Naim with Naim and Rega with Rega.

If you do get a Brio but find you don't like it, you can re-sell it -- they rarely last too long on Audiogon.

I think it simply isn't what you're used to. Give yourself and your stereo some time to get to know each other before making snap judgements. The Naim and the Rega are very different amplifiers so you need to reacquainte yourself with your new sound. If in a month you don't like it, sell the Rega and get a 5i.

Arthur

I've heard the 5i and don't really like it. To me the Nait 2 sounds more natural and not as hi-fi. I do not want to admit that the Rega sounds more hi-fi because I like the company (I have a cdp and truntable/arm/cart from them) and their philosophy. The Nait 2 phono stage is just awesome for the money. I thought the same of the Rega when demoing it, but don't find it so great now. Crap.

That is the problem with demos.

If you find the 5i and Mira 3 to be hifi, then you need to look for something totally different. You might like a McIntosh MA6400. They can be hard to find but it sounds to me like the perfect candidate for you. It is all-natural with few hifi pretences, at least compared to modern components. And I am told the phono stage is quite good too.

But are you sure it isn't the Apollo you don't care for? It seems to me your description is that of the Apollo and not of the Mira. I find the Mira laid back but the Apollo is quite hifi-sounding...a good bit moreso than the original Planet even. You may simply need a different cd player.

Arthur

Arthur, I see what you are getting at, but I hear the same kind of character in the phono section as I do in the CD section. I am going to give it some more time, but my first instincts are almost always right on these things.