I often read about the appeal of the older Nait 1, 2 or 3 which seemingly capture the energy and joie de vivre in music more than the current Naim integrateds (Nait 5is, XS, Supernait2 etc.). More recently, I read about the Nait 1 sounding close to the 552/500. For this reason, I have done a search on the Nait 1, 2 and 3 in an attempt to determine which unit sounds the "best". Apparently an old post in 2007 revealed that the Nait 3R is "better" than the rest of the Naits.
Now, few questions. Are these older Naits really much better than the current integrateds? As we all know, the term "better" is subjective as it can mean many things. Detail, resolution, bass, separation etc. To simplify things, which era of amps is better in giving the listener a more involving or emotional listen, a joie de vivre feel?
These older Naits are low in power in comparison to the Nait XS and Supernait2 which are significantly more powerful. More power usually equates to better sounding amps which is the case as shown in the Naim's methodological hierarchy of amplifiers. Assuming that power is not an issue as the loudspeakers are not a demanding load, a low-powered Nait can be very appealing if the sound quality is up there with the best.
Talking about power, my recent experience with the NAP 200 and NAP 250 DR suggests that even though the speakers are relatively easy, more power will give more in areas of detail across the frequency spectrum and increased texture and layering in the bass. I am not sure if the older Naits which are low in power will do all these things.
It is my aspiration to own a small little integrated in the near future. As some might known, I was looking at a high quality integrated from Naim several months ago. Instead of going for the Supernait 2 I went for the 282/HCDR/250DR instead. The talk about the Nait 1 capturing the sound of the 552/500 is certainly intriguing. As I do not have experience with any of these older Naits, I would like to draw the experience from folks who have listened and compared these older Naits 1, 2, 3 or 3R to the current crop of Nait 5is, Nait XS and Supernait2.
In summary, assuming that power is not an issue and the speakers are an easy load, which amp will give a more enjoyable listen? How do the Nait 1, 2, 3 and 3R compare to the current crop of integrateds? If these old Naits do sound more enjoyable, engaging or sonically superior than say the Nait 5si or XS2, why isn't there a current modern Naim integrated that matches if not surpass these older Naits?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Posted on: 07 October 2016 by Dev B
Our second system is an Olive Nait 2 (serviced) and late Ku Stone Kan 2, on phase 5 Mana.
It sounds very good.
BUT, not as good as the 552, 250, Sonus Faber Olympica 1 in the main system.
My view is that if you think the Nait 2 is better or as good as the 552, there is something wrong with the set up of the 552. The 552 should and does completely trounce the Nait. I invite any demonstration in my room.
My experience suggests that a Naim Nait XS and Hicap (only with Hicap and not on its own) into Kan is an excellent combination, and better than the Nait 2.
Regards Devraj
Posted on: 07 October 2016 by Massimo Bertola
I haven't heard a Nait (1) for too many years, I should probably avoid any comment on it; my recent experience is that of 42.5,SNAPS,140 into n-Sats as compared to SuperNait into n-Sats. I can only say that the CBs were really 'fun', while the SN was like a big but mannered man trying not to stumble into furniture at a party; but I can't help it, I'd take the SN vs older, smaller CBs any moment. As I once wrote, what would Naim have worked on, and for, over the last 35 years if I should prefer the CBs?
Posted on: 07 October 2016 by Massimo Bertola
Older Naits sound immediate and live. IMO, even Naim doesn't know exactly why it makes music that way but they have tried to make a more powerful Nait 2. Have they succeeded yet? I guess the answer is not that simple!
"We've tried making it more powerful. When I was away on holiday, some of our people cooked up a more powerful version and presented it to me on my return. It sounded awful."
That was Naim Audio's founder, the late Julian Vereker, MBE, talking to Sam Tellig about the 15Wpc Naim Nait 2 integrated amplifier, as reported in the April 1990 Stereophile (Vol.13 No.4).
Posted on: 08 October 2016 by Massimo Bertola
Anyway, since I'm always trying to keep an open mind about everything (and home audio, poor me, is something I love), I also want to keep an open mind about the recurrent idea of fun in home music reproduction.
Since that old sentence by Lennon&McCartney – fun is the one thing that money can't buy – cannot obviously apply here (albeit absurdly costly, a Nait can be bought for money), I invite everyone who personally experience fun in home audio reproduction to try and describe what that experience is.
I'll open a new thread about fun and Naim, trying to define something ineffable that could be called Faim.
Posted on: 08 October 2016 by Stephen Tate
I found this on the back end of a review comparing old v's new.
"Comparing the NAIT 5Si to the original 1983-vintage NAIT proves enlightening because the newer design reveals that in terms of musical communication the 30-year-old design comes worryingly close to its performance. The 5Si, however, operates with a noticeable ease and grace that eludes the original on some material and makes suspending one’s disbelief that much easier. In that respect its performance is convincingly superior and more persuasive, especially on challenging and demanding music. I would, for example, always choose the 5Si for listening to, say, Edgard Varèse’ taxing modernist orchestral compositions or to dub or contemporary jazz. It has the added poise and elan such music requires"
Posted on: 08 October 2016 by Bob Edwards
we speak of the Linn Kan 1 being an excellent pairing to rediscover the fun. But Lin Kans are getting rarer and more expensive.
what would be a modern day equivalent to Linn Kans to pair with a naim nait 5i-2 ?
something made for each other types...
That is, I think, part of the problem - there is no other speaker that any of the more recent Naits were specifically designed to drive. NB - I am fully aware that the 1 or 2 can brilliantly drive a number of other speakers. For example, I drove Linn Index 1 and 2 speakers with a Nait 1 (and, later, a 2). They worked very well; however, I'm sure no one will be surprised to read that substituting Kans (Mk. 2) instantly and hugely upgraded the system.
I had a Nait 5 recently, and it was . . . fine. Worked well, sounded good, etc., but it just didn't have the inner spark or fire that the 1 and 2 had. That said, it was obviously more neutral, extended, controlled, etc. - better, in other words, in many important areas. But it didn't make me want to play that essential one more track . . .
Posted on: 08 October 2016 by DrMark
My initial exposure to Naim was a Nait 3R, and I really liked it. I seem to like it more than many here when they look at the Nait line of integrated amps.
Years later I bought a Nait 5i, and was rather disappointed, which surprised me given all the love it receives on the Forum, but I found it "dry" and it just didn't involve me, so I only kept it a very short time. For whatever reason, it just wasn't the right piece of kit for me.
Then I had a SN for quite a while, and I think it is a very good amp - IMHO it is a completely different animal than the "little" Naits because of the power, and had a markedly different presentation but I liked it. If I hadn't come across the deal I got on my current system I would still happily be running it with no complaints.
I'd love to hear/have a Nait 2 or 3 for a second system.
