2. amps-preamps
  3. 1230384264

New Linn Majik-i or Naim Nait 5i with Linn Ninkas

Hi all, I'm looking to upgrade my current system which consists of Linn Ninka speakers with a Rotel RA-1062 and Sony DVP-NS9100ES.

I hear great things about the Naim Nait 5i, but not much about the new Linn Majik-I integrated. I would like to stick with an integrated for now. Has anyone heard both?

I'm interested in the Majik-I because it can be expanded with another 2 channel amp to drive my Linn speakers in an active mode which Linn people swear by. It's also a higher price point (doesn't necessarily mean anything) so you would think it would be a performance step above the Nait.

I'm also wondering if anyone can compare the Majik-I to the Majik seperate pre- and power amps. I understand that the integrated is based on these seperates but there must be some shortcuts somewhere.

Thanks for any inputs!
bmdduck
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,298 posts
 
If you don't need the other features, I would buy the Naim. I have heard no other integrated amp at that price point that I like as well as the Nait.

One question. Can you bring your Linn speakers to a dealer and try them with the Naim just to make sure they are a good match? Or try the Naim with your speakers in your home with option to return if for some reason it is a bad match? If you did the former, you could compare your speakers paired with the Nait against other options available at the dealer. Then again, maybe that is a bad idea...($$$)
bmdduck OP
99 posts
 
Well, I'm definitely leaning toward the Naim.

The local Linn and Naim dealers are different. I have a good relationship with the Linn dealer since I've purchased several things from him. I'm sure I could work out a good demo with him. The Naim dealer offered an in-home demo of the Nait and I've never spoken to him before so I guess he's fairly confident I would like it. I don't think they would be mismatched but either way a good demo is possible.

I just can't quite get past the Linn prices, even if their stuff works really well together. For the price of the Majik-i, I could buy the Naim plus a seriously good CDP. For the price of Linn seperates, I could buy the Naim, a CDP, a new 46 inch flatscreen and some Dali speakers!

I know you get what you pay for, but the Naim is a great integrated for the price. So thanks for the advice.
dpitone
10 posts
 
The Majik is not right to drive the Ninkas. The proper setup would for those speakers would be to go with a preamp and two amps with aktiv cards. The Magik is best suited for small to medium bookshelf speakers.
rugyboogie
178 posts
 
Im my opinion the Naim Nait5i is an outstanding bargain.
The cohesiveness from top to bottom is truly outstanding in this price range in SS integrated's. I did own Linn gear before but I have been converted to the Naim.
I am personally using the Nait5i with Totem The One, along with a Transporter as my source in my Living Room setup.
Good luck,
ausjoe
98 posts
 
Dpitone is right IMO. The Ninkas are listed as 4 ohm in passive mode which usually means 2 8 ohm mid woofers wired in parallel. In active you drive them with different amps so you see an easier load. The woofers are listed as 8 ohms in active to be clear in case you don't have the owners manual. Trying to drive a 4 ohm load with impedance drops to what 2.5 ohms (who knows as Linn doesn't say) requires an amp that at least comes close to doubling power output at 4 ohms IMHO. I doubt the worthy Magik does that. I tried a Pass Labs amp with Ninkas and they really drove them better than Linn gear did. Again this is my opinion after looking at what info is supplied by Linn and a bit of experimentation. They can sound pretty good once you power them right.
More to discover