Some Naim Impressions and Questions
Posted by: AT on 28 March 2004
In a rather extraordinary attempt to downsize, simplify, and avoid tubes for a number of reasons I'm trying out a Naim system. I demo'ed Naim a couple of years ago and liked it, but went the tube route instead. Right now I have a NAIT 5i and CD5i in my system, the NAIT with only several hours on it and the CD5i with several days on it. Here are some impressions and related questions.
There is great presence with the Naim. It sounds very live. Coming from all tube system, including a tube DAC it sounds more electronic, but appears to be smoothing out over time. The CD5i has been great so far! Both Naims ahve good detail, not too much but enough to give a good view of the performance and still be musical.
First, at low volume the Naim seems to lose its luster. Will this improve over time? Low volume listening is very important to me.
Synergy. I'm using my old speaker cable, Audience Au24. I've read here that it does not go well with Naim, though the new NAIT 5i seems more flexible with other cables. I'm also using the stock DIN interconnects instead of my Au24. I really want to avoid having to explore new cables. Any recs? My old system was highly synergistic and it took a long time (and money) to get there. I'd like to short cut this time. My dealer recs Naim cable, but I've read too many negative things about it to consider it.
Speakers. my current speakers are Tannoy D500s and as I've said worked great with my larger system. What recs do you have for the Naim? I've read that the Spendor S5e, which fit perfectly into my downsize scheme, are great with Naim. Others? Would prefer floor standers instead of monitors that require stands.
I have them on Neuance platforms.
Finally, there is room left in my rack to include a seperate amp and preamp. If I like the NAIT 5i will I love Naim seperates? What will improve with seperates? I may consider an upgrade to the CDX2 if things pan out too.
One more thing: the design of the Naim components is fabulous and the fit'n'finish is tight. I love the styling!
Thanks!
There is great presence with the Naim. It sounds very live. Coming from all tube system, including a tube DAC it sounds more electronic, but appears to be smoothing out over time. The CD5i has been great so far! Both Naims ahve good detail, not too much but enough to give a good view of the performance and still be musical.
First, at low volume the Naim seems to lose its luster. Will this improve over time? Low volume listening is very important to me.
Synergy. I'm using my old speaker cable, Audience Au24. I've read here that it does not go well with Naim, though the new NAIT 5i seems more flexible with other cables. I'm also using the stock DIN interconnects instead of my Au24. I really want to avoid having to explore new cables. Any recs? My old system was highly synergistic and it took a long time (and money) to get there. I'd like to short cut this time. My dealer recs Naim cable, but I've read too many negative things about it to consider it.
Speakers. my current speakers are Tannoy D500s and as I've said worked great with my larger system. What recs do you have for the Naim? I've read that the Spendor S5e, which fit perfectly into my downsize scheme, are great with Naim. Others? Would prefer floor standers instead of monitors that require stands.
I have them on Neuance platforms.
Finally, there is room left in my rack to include a seperate amp and preamp. If I like the NAIT 5i will I love Naim seperates? What will improve with seperates? I may consider an upgrade to the CDX2 if things pan out too.
One more thing: the design of the Naim components is fabulous and the fit'n'finish is tight. I love the styling!
Thanks!
Ok, referee here 
The 5i system does in fact offer tremndous value! Yes, the tube components are expensive and they're not leaving without a fight! But with the bigger goal of simplifying combined with the impression that the Naim is making things look good for Naim.
If you care for an update here it is. The Naim system continues to improve. As I listened tonight I found myself forgetting about the system and simply being drawn into and enjoying the music. It's really fun. Lots of great to discover again on those CDs. I'm trying some classical right now to see how it fairs. It's the largest growing category of my CD collection right now with jazz following closely.
It's sounding better at low volume. There still is a sense that it is somewhat closed in, but this may be a speaker synergy issue because the Tannoys require a high current amp while being fairly efficient. Plus, hey it's still early.
Another looming question is my power conditioner which is a Blue Circle Music Ring. I know Naim is against any power filtering at all but 1) I need additional outlets and 2) the Music Ring has worked perfectly so far so why not try it out. But if in fact it does reduce dynamics (and in my experience the Music Ring does not) what the heck does one use as an outlet extension that does not cause problems in some other way? FWIW, I do have a dedicated circuit for the system.
The fact that the 5i components are essentially a new design intended to be more compatible with other brands of interconnects and speaker cables as well as components makes me wonder where the higher levels of Naim are heading. In other words, does one wait to see about this before upgrading?
Regarding NACA5, I've review after review and many comments that say it can easily be bettered. I've not tried it myself though I am using the stock gray DIN interconnects. While there is some snake oil in the cable market several cable companies have created some great cables. I would think that it would be challenging for Naim to keep up with this area while they focus on making their components top notch.
What else can I say; this is fun
The 5i system does in fact offer tremndous value! Yes, the tube components are expensive and they're not leaving without a fight! But with the bigger goal of simplifying combined with the impression that the Naim is making things look good for Naim. If you care for an update here it is. The Naim system continues to improve. As I listened tonight I found myself forgetting about the system and simply being drawn into and enjoying the music. It's really fun. Lots of great to discover again on those CDs. I'm trying some classical right now to see how it fairs. It's the largest growing category of my CD collection right now with jazz following closely.
It's sounding better at low volume. There still is a sense that it is somewhat closed in, but this may be a speaker synergy issue because the Tannoys require a high current amp while being fairly efficient. Plus, hey it's still early.
Another looming question is my power conditioner which is a Blue Circle Music Ring. I know Naim is against any power filtering at all but 1) I need additional outlets and 2) the Music Ring has worked perfectly so far so why not try it out. But if in fact it does reduce dynamics (and in my experience the Music Ring does not) what the heck does one use as an outlet extension that does not cause problems in some other way? FWIW, I do have a dedicated circuit for the system.
The fact that the 5i components are essentially a new design intended to be more compatible with other brands of interconnects and speaker cables as well as components makes me wonder where the higher levels of Naim are heading. In other words, does one wait to see about this before upgrading?
Regarding NACA5, I've review after review and many comments that say it can easily be bettered. I've not tried it myself though I am using the stock gray DIN interconnects. While there is some snake oil in the cable market several cable companies have created some great cables. I would think that it would be challenging for Naim to keep up with this area while they focus on making their components top notch.
What else can I say; this is fun
Welcome to sanity, AT
You remind me alot of myself about a year ago.
I was looking to downgrade, simplify things even at the expense of sound. I had a pair of Reference 3a Decapos coupled with an Atmasphere s30. Expensive cables, power cords,
and a bunch of isolation devices. I bought Cds that were recorded well even though the music was awful... your typical audiophile.
Go ahead, make a clean break and dont look back. You know its right
You remind me alot of myself about a year ago.
I was looking to downgrade, simplify things even at the expense of sound. I had a pair of Reference 3a Decapos coupled with an Atmasphere s30. Expensive cables, power cords,
and a bunch of isolation devices. I bought Cds that were recorded well even though the music was awful... your typical audiophile.
Go ahead, make a clean break and dont look back. You know its right