Naim Nait Integrateds... Sound Quality Comparison, User Comments and Bang for the Buck


Have been considering a Naim Nait integrated. In doing so, I’d like to ask what for the user-lowdown on the following models when comparing to each other based on sound quality, characteristics and price. Everything I am considering is used. The reason I am not including the 5i (non-italic) is that I have owned this model in the past. I liked the sound a lot, but my only criticism is that I felt is lacked low bass response and punch. However, the dynamics were there, as well as the smooth, full mids that would not strain or get harsh when driven. Treble was neither bright nor veiled—just right. From my readings, it appears that the lack of bass concern was corrected on the 5i-2 model and onward? I’m planning on possibly getting a CD5x to mate with one of these Naits. My music flavors are pop/rock/prog (i.e. David Bowie, old-Def Leppard, Pink Floyd) and electronic (i.e. Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk).

 

Here are the models I am considering:

5i-2 (non-italic)

5si

XS

XS-2

 

For those who have owned all four model at one time or another, and/or, were able to compare any of these models at the same time, what are your comments on each regarding sound characteristics? Do they all have the basic foundation of the “Naim Sound?” Are there some that are punchy in bass vs others? Some that are brighter in the highs? Any more laidback in the mids than the others?

 

As for used pricing (according to ebay sales history) it appears the 5i-2’s are selling for an average of $575 shipped/paypal. The XS’s are averaging $975 shipped/paypal. I could not find much if any sales history of the 5si, but would assume around $775-$800 based on the other figures. XS-2’s appear to be listed on the used pages for around $2,000 used, but I wonder if any can be had for $1,500 shipped/papal or less? What’s interesting is that all the ebay sales pricing is before the 10% final value fee.  

 

As for sound for bang-for-the-buck, if a 5i-2 can be had for say $575-$650, it is worth another $200-$300 or so, to go to a 5si? Or, is it worth another $425 to get an XS? As for the XS, let’s say one can be had for $1,150. Is it worth another $600-$800 to get an XS-2? As for my specs, my room is 12x12 and using Vandy 2c’s. Cables are AQ CV-4 speaker cable and Mogami 2549 interconnects. I’ve read on another post that AQ sounds very nice with Naim’s current gear. When I had the 5i (non-italic), I tried the NACA5 cables, but didn’t like them. I felt the sound was dull. The DH Labs Q-10 I had at the time were much better, but were a little bright—since they are silver-coated copper. After that, I had sold the 5i at the time and moved on to other gear.


jsbach1685
What would be the problem with pairing Vandersteen with Naim? Respectfully.

I'm curious about that too?  Viridian? 
I think that I listed the speakers that those who post on the Naim forum use and have found to be a good match in my first post.

And BTW I did not say that there was any problem with the Vandy pairing, as I have not heard it. I did say that the pairing is not common, which I believe is factual in nature, having been on the Naim forum for many years and having seen many, many speakers recommended for use with Naim, Vandys never mentioned once. But I would defer to the Vandy experts like John Rutan of scenic Verona NJ.

That said, I found the Vandy reticent in the treble and I find Naim to be the same, a poor start IMHO. Vandies highlight soundstage, Naim counts it well down the list. Naim focuses on PRAT, not a particular Vandy virtue, IMHO. It’s just not a match that I would try, the two companies being somewhat philosophically divergent, but it may be great. I just don’t know. YMMV.
Viridian,
 I called it a problem for lack of a better term. You said "not sure that road would be for me, YMMV." Was just asking why, and said respectfully as in not being aggressive. Please don't generalize Vandy's as having a reticent treble. May have been true for some older models, but Vandersteen's latest speakers are anything but reticent in the treble. They are accurate. 

A friend of mine is running Vandersteen Treo Ct's, the same as mine. He is using a Naim Uniti Atom integrated (40 watts/Ch.) and the combination is absolutely stunning. I know this because I have heard Vandy's and own them. I'm sure if you heard this Naim/Vandy combo, you would most likely agree with me. IMO.
Yes, my apologies, as I should not have generalized. Thank you.

The OP has 2Cs I believe, and I had 2CE, and my take is that mine were reticent, in my room, with the gear that I was using at the time.

I do feel that one of the few benefits to Naim ownership is the large knowledge base, which makes matching components and speakers easy. Your match of Atom and Treo is the first I have heard, or read, of the two Marques being paired. But I have no doubt in what you say that I would enjoy the pairing very much, and now I would like, very much, to hear such a pairing. You have brought first hand experience to the conversation and I was merely speculating.

I would like to ask a question that may not be very bright. You said that you feel that the speakers are accurate. Interestingly, I misspent some of my youth hanging around Electric Lady Studios. But barring being in the studio, or being a home recordist, other than gross colorations, what is the yardstick used to determine the accuracy of one speaker versus another? It seems like an objective term that would require familiarity going back through the whole recording chain to the microphone to validate the veracity of an accurate speaker.
viridian,
I believe I was using the term "accurate" in a subjective manner. Specifically, the tweeter. It is a special carbon dome type which has a natural, extended, airy presentation. It is neither bright nor rolled off (dull) sounding. It's the type of treble that can help down into the frequencies of the midrange. Again this is all subjective on my part with no measurements to back up my claim. Just the way it sounds to me, so take it with a grain of salt.
Cheers!