Naim Nait 5si plus Harbeth P3ESR or Stirling Broadcast BBC LS3/5a V2

You might want to listen to the combination first before spending money. My first thoughts, good as the 5Si is, is that both speakers you mention really deserve a better amplifier and a suitable source to get the best from them. 

Think about it from a system approach and audition as such rather than buying a component and then trying to find speakers etc to match. 

What do you want to do (play CD's, stream, vinyl etc) and what is your budget ?

James

The spendor s3/5r is similar to those speakers and does very well with a Nait 5i.  But understand that these are all near field speakers and the room is slightly on the large side for them.  They'll work as long as you stay close.  

My total budget is £3k for Amp, Speakers and stands. Source will be a combination of existing Sony CD player used as a transport, through Musical Fidelity V90 DAC and Spotify also through the V90 DAC. 

I am open to any suggested combinations, but limited by budget. I find the comment, that the speakers deserve a better amplifier a little confusing as everything I have read on the Nait 5si and its provenance, suggests it is a fine amplifier, albeit Naims entry level.  

Any help or advice most welcome.

Max

With the room dimensions you quoted I would also add the Proac Tablette 10 to your audition list, cheaper then the P3ESR and work great with Naim amps.

Also you can position them close to a wall as they are a sealed box speaker.

And Linn Kan mk1, Tannoy Autograph Mini, ATC SCM11. ????

Chag -

Why not max out the source first ?

Devore 3XL may be on your list:-)

I’d be wary of using the Harbeths with a £200 Musical Fidelity dac, and the Nait. I’d look at a Naim CD5si to use with the Nait, and speakers such as used Neat Motive 2s for around £600. Alternatively a Uniti Star would give CD, radio, streaming and Spotify. An ex dem with the Neats should be about on budget after selling the Sony and the dac. 

Some food for thought here, keep em coming.

Max

I ran LS3/5as for years. A lovely speaker especially with a Rogers E20a amplifier. But I'm sorry I don't have the direct experience you seek.

Did you audition the Nait 5si? If so, with what? Let that be your guide.

C.

If possible audition with a Totem Rainmaker or Totem Sky if your budget allows

For a new 5Si you can buy a used XS

If possible get the Harbeth,s used, easier to resell if needed later.

Buying new the Stirlings might be cheaper

No idea if large difference in sound between those speakers, again your source might need a breathe.

Update.

Had the opportunity yesterday to listen to the ATC SM-11, Harbeth P3ESR, Spendor A4 and some B&W 703.

I took in my existing CYRUS 2 (circa 1990) and listened to a selection of CD's through them via my Musical Fidelity V90-DAC. I did the same through the NAIM Uniti Atom and the NAIM Nait XS. I did want to hear the Nait 5si, but the dealer didn't have one in, but said the XS would give me a fairly good impression  of what to expect from the Nait 5si. The results were very interesting indeed. Listened to John Coltrane, Elvis, Prince, Paco de Lucia, Andres Segovia, Bach Piano suites amongst others.

Both the CYRUS 2 and NAIT XS sounded very detailed but shouty through the ATC SM-11, the Atom sounded very good with better bass and appeared quite suited to the speakers. I couldn't listen to the ATC's for long periods.

The Harbeths sounded good through each amplfier, but I felt they just wouldn't deliver in my room space, but talented they are, for a smaller room I guess, bass just wasn't there.

B&W 703, ok but not for me.

The big hit were the Spendor A4, which sounded great through each source. The Spendors seemed to have tamed both the CYRUS 2 and NAIT XS, both providing very detailed and muscial sound, in an even handed way, nothing was dominant. The harshness had gone, the sound warmer and fuller, but still with heaps of detail. Listening at lower volumes was also more enjoyable. This was more like it. As for the differences between the CYRUS and NAIT, I can't quite put my finger on it other than the CYRUS appeared slightly more in your face, with a not dissimilar but maybe slightly restrained presentation from the NAIT. Both highly impressive though.

It was worth the 120 mile round trip to the dealer, in Falkirk, the staff were excellent and I learned that my desire to buy a new Naim Nait 5si could be a mistake as the CYRUS 2 was not outclassed at all, despite its age, just different. It is clear to me that my existing speakers DALI Zensor 3 are the weak link in my existing set-up and that I need to hear more speakers, before considering jumping from CYRUS to NAIM. I have to say that I'm not done yet with this quest and although it is sorely tempting to order some Spendor A4 speakers, I really think I should audition some others, though on the way, I'll make sure I have a listen to the NAIT 5si, just to ease my conscience and hear the difference.

I'll keep you posted, thanks for all your help.

Now where did I put that Holy Grail? 

Max

I think you learned something valuable about the Spendor A4.

Was your Cyrus 2 used with a PSX?

No I don't have the PSX, put power seemed aplenty, in fact at similar volume settings (9 oclock position) the CYRUS appeared louder than the XS.

I’m running Spendor A4’s with my Nova and am well happy, they have a lovely combo of detailed mids and warmth, having said that I dident really audition much else bar b&w which don’t really do it for me, I just heard the A4’s in my dealers with an Atom and said right I’ll take them! They’re even better with the Nova. In my case I’m still curious to hear PMC 25.23’s and Dyna Special 40’s so you’re doing the right thing by taking your time and shopping around.

The old Cyrus amps were great