SBL Amplifier and Strimer

Posted by: Ivelin on 29 April 2017

Hello! This is my first post in this forum. There is the following system at the moment. Naim Nait 5i and CA Dacmagic Azur and SBL mk2, NACa5. I use JRiver as a player through my computer and my whole collection is from digital music to an external drive. What I like most about my system is SBL. I have a budget of 1500 pounds. I think of improvement is the replacement of Nait 5i:

1.Supernait1

2.Superuniti

3.Nac72 / days / 140 / unitiqute MK1

The room I listen to is a little 3/5 meters, and the music you listen to is pop, rock, jazz, and I prefer to listen to lower levels. What would you advise me about my options. He just heard nac72 / 140 with Allae and I liked the live sound. On the other hand, Supernait 1 or Superuniti may be more comfortable for me, but I do not know how they sound, and if that would be a good combination with SBL. I said things will be second hand. Please excuse me for my bad English. Thanks in advance for your time.

Greetings!

Posted on: 29 April 2017 by Ardbeg10y

Hi,

Welcome on the forum.

I can only comment on the SuperNait 1. It is a very good amp, but ... it loves to work. For some reason, when I turn up the volume to lets say 10 o'clock, it feels optimal. Sure, it can work also very well on lower levels, but in a room of about 15 square meters, I would think twice. Ive used my SuperNait 1 in my home office which is 12 square meters and I felt a rivalty between the Amp and myself. Either the Amp is in the room, or I, but not both of us.

Amp / Speaker pairing is most important here and I dont know how the Supernait pairs with the SBLs.

Posted on: 29 April 2017 by Adam Zielinski

I would go for neither.  
If you like the sound of your Nait, why change it now?

I would focus on getting the best streamer you can afford - with a budget of GBP 1500 you should be looking at an ex-demo or a slightly pre-loved ND5XS. It will match your Nait perfectly.

An advantage of this solution is that it can grow with your system - eitehr nDAC or a power supply (or both) can be added.
SuperUniti cannot be upgraded.

Posted on: 29 April 2017 by ChrisSU

Your problem is that your speakers would benefit from a better amp, but then your source would be a real weak point. So I would upgrade the source first. Adam's suggestion of an ND5XS is a good one. Alternatively, look for a used 172, which is cheaper, but you would then need to sell the Nait and buy a separate power amp too. 

Posted on: 29 April 2017 by Ivelin

Thanks! I like Nait 5i and i think it keeps SBL ok. But I want to understand more than SBL, so I thought Superuniti would be the cheapest option for me but I can not hear it. If ND5xs really did things, it's good for me. Maybe later I add Nait XS?

Posted on: 29 April 2017 by hungryhalibut

The SBL is really too good for the Nait 5i, but you can get away with it if you use a really good source. I'd look for a used NDX. Maybe later get a Supernait 2.

The name 'Ivelin' is interesting. One of my relatives is a dominatrix and uses the name 'Mistress Evilyn'. 

Posted on: 29 April 2017 by ChrisSU
Ivelin posted:

Thanks! I like Nait 5i and i think it keeps SBL ok. But I want to understand more than SBL, so I thought Superuniti would be the cheapest option for me but I can not hear it. If ND5xs really did things, it's good for me. Maybe later I add Nait XS?

The Superuniti is good if you just want one box, and you don't want to keep making changes, but if you can find a streamer such as the ND5XS, then upgrade your amp at a later date, you will then be in a better place.

Posted on: 01 May 2017 by Ivelin

What I understand from reading such topics in the forum and the recommendations from you, I think I can afford a maximum of two boxes in which to restrict, because first I do not have enough space and secondly I do not have enough budget for more. I think to exclude Superuniti from the list Because I can not hear it and I did not like the comments about it. I think I will not suffer from this for an additional upgrade. What I think is a Nac 172 / Nap200 and the one I like most is Supernait1 + SB Classic, like At a later stage, add ND5XS when the price will be lower. Cheers!

Posted on: 17 May 2017 by Ivelin
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Thank you very much for all the valuable tips. I am a little confused after I was lucky to do the demo at home of Supernait 1 + SBLs and Nait 5i + Dac V1 + SBLs.
The first day I was listening to Supernait. What I heard was a lot of improvement on the resolution, control and power over SBLs. More, but somehow I missed a bit of the emotion and excitement I get with Nait 5i. I heard them about 2 hours and maybe Is a little to figure out possible. I went to the local dealer to ask for the ND5xs demo, but he was not available and offered me a Dac V1a demo at home.
Today I listened to them with Nait 5i + Dac V1 and SBLs and I was fascinated by the combination. More bass with a very beautiful timbre and exciting but with less scale and control, but I seem to like more from Supernait1. Now I think I stop on Dac V1 + Jriver or ND5xs will be much better? Thank you!
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