Naim Amps

Interesting thread. Maybe you should buy the used SN2 and tell us what you think....

Visit a Naim dealer?

Trunkmonkey,

I'm sure there's plenty that could be said, and probably quite a lot that has been said or written already (search is your friend here) on this subject.  However, such opinion is meaningless in the face of your own opinion, for that is the only one that really matters.  And that means taking a listen for your yourself.  Obviously that's not so easy if buying secondhand - but you could buy, say, a Supernait 2, safe in the knowledge that it's far from rubbish, and indeed considered to be an excellent amp by many, including a number of well respected reviewers who should know better than most, and certainly get to hear much more than most.  You could listen to it at leisure, compare, get to know it and know how to get the best from it.  And if it doesn't float your boat, let it go confident that you will be able to sell it fairly easily and for little if any loss. And that might just be one way of going about things.  

However, it takes a good dealer or a good friend who is deeply knowledgeable about getting the most from the kit to really ensure you are hearing the most it can give.  Little details like speaker plugs, speaker cable, being careful mixing SMPS kit with Naim kit (and herein can lay a problem with mixing Naim and Linn) are just two such things to take care over.   Something to consider.  Good luck.

Hello Guinnless. I was hoping to keep it low key to begin with. I didn't want any sales pressure. You can't even pop into a dealer these days and listen to something already setup. I passed a few dealers in recent years and they get quite funny. I suppose they think you're wasting their time, but I don't see why when the place is empty. You never know what might happen. 

I reckon I won't lose out much more than shipping and ebay costs if I buy second hand. I'd like to take my time as well.

Thanks Richard for the advise. Yes that's what I was planning, ref second hand. I do get what you're saying though that if things got serious then I'd need to find a dealer and look at the whole system.

Thanks Alba for wise words, in fact everyone for their understanding that we're all different. I I will check out the Nait 3 as well. 

I am happy but it's also an itch I've always wanted to scratch but just never got around to it. I thought it might be a bit of fun too. Something different for a change.

I mainly listen to an LP12 but have a Linn Sneaky streamer too but that doesn't see much in the way of action. The Arcam CD player is long gone now.

How does the older stuff differ? Was there more of a focus on something in particular?

On reflection, I think the Supernait 2 is a bit ambitious price wise.  I thought they were cheaper second hand. What about the Nait 5i - does that represent the modern Naim sound, or fall somewhere in between?

I only have Linn Majik entry level speakers which I think are easy enough to drive. I have some Arcam's too, if necessary.

Alba1320 posted:

Again, that's subjective; some (myself included) find the older stuff more musical/less Hi-Fi sounding, more focused on the music, less so on the superficial Hi-Fi stuff (soundstage, imaging etc.), resulting in a more engaging, involving listen; others, of course, disagree, finding modern Naim just as musical (maybe even more so), but also 'better' at the Hi-Fi stuff. Some find the modern equipment more 'polished' sounding, more listenable, and the older stuff more 'in your face', but one man's 'aggressive' is another's 'involving', I guess.

Then there are some who say that older Naim is better (more suitable?) for vinyl, while the modern stuff is better (more suitable?) with digital, but, again others disagree. Then there are some who find ALL Naim to be 'dreadful' (or something similar ).

As ever, unanimity in the world of Hi-Fi is rarely encountered, and ultimately, it's 'all in the ear of the beholder'.

Life would be boring if we were all the same!

Seems like I don't need to rule out the older gear what with my record player being at the forefront. The older gear intrigues me more, like it's more one man's vision. Polished sound doesn't really mean much to me. I just like to forget about the hifi tbh.

Probably drawn more to the Nait 3 as more of a contrast to what I have now. If I find something I've been missing all these years, and the Nait 3 is too aggressive, then I could always try the 5i. I guess the 3 is quite old now. Do I need to find one that's been serviced since new or not the end of the world?

Thanks again for sharing a balanced summary of views.

Thanks. Mine is already external so don't need to worry about that at least.

Alba1320 posted:

You will likely need an 'RCA (I'm guessing that's what you're current stage uses?) to 5 Pin DIN' lead for connection to the line level inputs of the Nait 3.

Yes, RCA. Thanks for this - didn't anticipate anything like that

I went from an end to end Linn system to Naim. I loved the performance of the Linn every day I had it. 

When getting back into music and buying a new system the wind blew in the Naim direction for me. The two sound very different but to this day I'm not sure I could tell you one was better. So much time had passed since my last Linn system, I had changed as much as the hifi. 

I also think the Naim Linn direct comparison means less these days. You're bound to gravitate to one general sound or another. If Naim is your thing, I'd be more likely to compare with brands that have a like minded design philosophy like Bryston. If Linn, then maybe Devialet. 

Over time I just went from being a Linny and woke up to find I was a Naimy and did so (and here's the important bit) on my dealer's sofa comparing two similar priced Linn and Naim systems.

If you want to be entertained, like finding music difficult to ignore, are a bit of a foot tapper, then you are likely to prefer Naim.

On the other hand, if you listen for mids, crystal clear highs, imaging and so on you are likely to prefer Linn or a myriad of other brands.

Only one way to find out as others have said. For what it’s worth I compared Exposure, Linn and Naim back in the day. The rest is (my) history.

LP12 is good though... 

Stu

Alba1320 posted:

Nait 5i is modern.

But excellent

Give it a fair bit volume and you will understand.

Not the last word but fun and musically involving.

IMO Linn amplifiers sound polite and friendly allmost boring (generel speaking) 

Many users of Naim amplication succesfully use Linn source.

There are naysayers to any brand - Give it a try yourself, a Nait is an excellent start.

You would find that many of us have shared stepping into Naim with the Nait XS integrated.  Price should be reasonable for a five or six year old model, with price creeping up for a recent used XS2. 

Has many fans that are still using it.   Very flexible and can be upgraded and not too fussy. Has a lot of flavour taken from the Naim beef stock.   Going after esoteric vintage Naim could be a step too far perhaps at the moment 

Thanks for all your tales and tips.

I'm somewhat put off by Nait 3's ageing components and connectivity. The 5i is probably a better approach especially if I want more of the same - at least then I know what the current sound is like.

A used XS might be pushing the budget for now. No matter what happens I might keep the amp for a second system so the cheaper it is the better.

Perol posted:

Alba1320 posted:

Nait 5i is modern.

But excellent

Give it a fair bit volume and you will understand.

Not the last word but fun and musically involving.

IMO Linn amplifiers sound polite and friendly allmost boring (generel speaking) 

{{Many users of Naim amplication succesfully use Linn source.}}

There are naysayers to any brand - Give it a try yourself, a Nait is an excellent start.

Smart Cookies, back in da day, that's how it was done!

Linn, took care of the Front, and Naim Handled the Mid section!

I might be a little bias, but I think the 90's was a period, when Linn & Naim Saturated into Hi Fi World!

LP 12

The iconic 250

Even today, with all the modern advances in technology!

An Archaic 6 pack of Naim Amps and a beefed up LP 12 hooked up to a pair of Dibbles ain't bad!

Not to mention My Briks!LOL!

In da Mean time!

Enjoy The Why! 

The How will take care of itself!

Allante93!

Allante - good to see you back

Yeah good to see you back Allante - missed you of late and your unique angle......wishing you a fine weekend 

james n posted:

Allante - good to see you back

Just now wishing for that ALLANTE93 and PEDER exchange over a hot topic. That could provide some interesting angles 

Throwing my two cents in... To me: Linn is like Diana Krall, on pitch and plays the tune. Very nice. Naim is like Ella Fitzgerald. On pitch and plays the tune but the emotion and phrasing push you to the edge of your seat and you just can't ignore it. It sucks you in.

My nearest Linn / Naim dealer majors on the Linn side so when I have had upgrades on my LP12 I have auditioned them on all Linn kit.  There are very many positive things about Linn playback but to my ears they have always sounded analytically great but lacking a little in what I can best refer to as the "boogie factor". I became hooked on the Naim sound 30 years ago in Cathedral Street, Southwark on first hearing of an LP12/32.5/250/Kans set up. Now that's what I call "boogie factor"

???? BLUEDOG wrote ,...LP12/32.5/250/Kans set up. Now that's what I call "boogie factor" ???? 

Agree,Agree and Agree..!!!!

I usually say,if I have to choose a system to listen to the rest of life,so it is this.

Of course super optimized in every way ????.
This is a classic setup in Hifi history,glad you mentioned it Bluedog.

/Peder ????

bluedog posted:

There are very many positive things about Linn playback but to my ears they have always sounded analytically great but lacking a little in what I can best refer to as the "boogie factor". I became hooked on the Naim sound 30 years ago in Cathedral Street, Southwark on first hearing of an LP12/32.5/250/Kans set up. Now that's what I call "boogie factor"

What is it that makes good boogie factor? Or is it like the KFC secret recipe?

bluedog posted:

My nearest Linn / Naim dealer majors on the Linn side so when I have had upgrades on my LP12 I have auditioned them on all Linn kit.  There are very many positive things about Linn playback but to my ears they have always sounded analytically great but lacking a little in what I can best refer to as the "boogie factor". I became hooked on the Naim sound 30 years ago in Cathedral Street, Southwark on first hearing of an LP12/32.5/250/Kans set up. Now that's what I call "boogie factor"

Remember Hamish well at Sound Organization in Cathedral Street. Miss those days!

TOBYJUG posted:

james n posted:

Allante - good to see you back

Just now wishing for that ALLANTE93 and PEDER exchange over a hot topic. That could provide some interesting angles 

Trust me, I miss you guys to!

Sort of a calming affect, when one realizes he's not the only one investing thousands of dollars on Hi Fi Gear! LOL!!!

Enjoy Your Music, The Why!

Allante93!

PS. Remember your money may be long, but life is short, Enjoy The Moment!!!!

Just spent SC Money on that 93 Allante!

Too many Hobbies! LOL!!!