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Submitted by
Kanishka
a Audio EnthusiastDate Reviewed: July 12, 2011
Bottom Line: Without a doubt, this is "The Best" integrated amplifier at it's price range. I used NAD C372 prior to buy this, which stated Stereophile class B recommended component. With this new amp, the change I am having is 100000 miles apart. Everything is same in my system except the amp and the NAIM speaker cables it use. I am still wondering if Stereophile class B is sounding that inferior to this amp, then what class this amp should get. Because as per Stereophile explanation, sound of Class B and A does not differ much from each other.
This classic amp has few faces initially. Out of the box, it will sound wonderful, vibrant and anyone would love it. Then it goes to a dip with more darker, shrilly presentation but after considerable hours of continuous power-on (or rather burn in), it will relay loosen up and become something out of the world. It will start producing every noun of the music with precise timing, weight and depth. Just music, pure heart pounding music. Unlike typical NAIM products I've heard, I would say this new amp is an all rounder because it plays almost all the music genres with flying colors. I heard almost every high-end brand available to date but the presentation this little amp gives is only comparable to few of mega systems out there. And those I heard through source and speakers that in the same league. But this little one I am running through much inferior my Dali Evidence 470's with a usual house class source nevertheless it is giving a serious challenge to those top of the range systems in terms of the music presentation. It is all music nothing else comes out of this small wonder. With impeccable timing, it is producing music top to bottom with no compromise to the recorded material it plays. You will hear each and every detail recorded with almost life like and natural form.
If you want a world class audio gear for a small budget, make sure that this amp be a part of that system. However, have patience for a while after you hook it up to judge it's sound. Highly recommend to use NAIM speaker cables to get the full potential of this nice little integrated. As well go with NAIM source if possible which will improve sound significantly than with other non-NAIM sources. This is usual with all the NAIM products and I witnessed it many times.
BTW don't get fooled with it's power rating. Anyone will get a pleasant surprise when play it for the first time loud. I am letting you know my experience by comparing it with earlier 150W NAD. NAIM presents power output in totally different way (not technically but the feeling) than every other product out there.
Last warning though, this amp will engage you with music than anything else and will become very addictive piece of equipment where you cannot left it without listening to it, at least few minutes a day even. No exception; I am very very serious about this warning.
Used product for: Less than 1 month
Duration Product Used: Audio Enthusiast
Product model year: 2010
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Submitted by
nadman
a Audio EnthusiastDate Reviewed: May 25, 2011
Bottom Line: This review is for the italic version 2. I replaced an Arcam integrated with the Naim Nait 5i-2 and wasn't really expecting too much difference. I was right except for two major areas. One, the music had more punch and was more dynamic. The first thing I noticed was the bass was stronger and tighter even though the power of the amp was less. Two, it sounded more "live" and less like an amplifier. Drum sections seemed like the drummers were in my living room and voices sounded natural and life-like. It still kept a lot of the good characteristics of the Arcam (detail, non fatiguing, not overly warm) but added what I felt I had been missing... dynamics and involvement in the music.
I've had quite a few integrated amps in the under $2000 but this one is definitely the best and a keeper. Now I understand why there are so many NAIM followers out there. My only gripe would be the lack of pre outs which I would expect at this price.
Used product for: Less than 1 month
Duration Product Used: Audio Enthusiast
Product model year: 2010
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Submitted by
mfm6
a Audio EnthusiastDate Reviewed: February 20, 2011
Bottom Line: This is the 5i "italic" (i.e. version 2) that has the front panel iPod input. The amp has the distinctive and very pleasing Naim "PRatT", or pace, rhythm, and timing, which makes for a very lively and punchy sound. The music remains very natural sounding, but just seems to have more impact than I've heard with other amps. I listen to various genres including jazz, rock, and classical. I find the Nait is especially good at adding excitement (buy not in an unnatural manner) to older CDs and vinyl LPs and radio. For example, before this amp, I would never have listened to certain FM radio shows that featured older 40's big band recordings. I used to find they sounded like a low quanlity AM broadcast. Not so with the Nait, where this music somehow sounds sharper and with lots of clarity and, again, impact.
The sound was definitely improved by switching to Naim's speaker cable--a bigger effect than I've heard with other amps after switching cables. My speakers are rather inefficient at 85 db, and the Nait's 50 watts are plenty.
The remote control, which also controls my (Naim) tuner and CD player, is quite nice. I should like to point out that it has a nice features for fine control of volume: If you double click and hold the up or down volume button it now changes the volume at a much reduced rate. Also, if you give a quick one-time click, it makes just a very small incremental change in the volume.
Used product for: More than 1 year
Duration Product Used: Audio Enthusiast
Product model year: 2007
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Submitted by
bladerunner
a AudioPhileDate Reviewed: September 25, 2010
Bottom Line: The best choice for the money. I m really happy with my amp&cd combo 5i and jamo d830 speakers. Sound is very transparent and detail, great timing and punch, amazing mids, Also, I was changed naim din cable for RCA acoustic zen matrix reference II. Soundstage is more wide, especially the impressive depth More than one year, always when I press the power, to experience something new, unique. The highest possible recommendation.
Used product for: More than 1 year
Duration Product Used: AudioPhile
Product model year: 2008
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Submitted by
deadsexy
a Audio EnthusiastDate Reviewed: May 9, 2008
Bottom Line: I've been listening to this Nait5i for less than a day; does this disqualify my opinion? hell no, as I've owned a complete 5 series kit in the past, that I regretably sold only to venture through audio hell. Now I'm back; in love with Naim that is.
This Nait is the little engine that could: it's got clout, vigor, moxy, and just plain has a musical pulse that grooves with the music. The Nait takes my Harbeth 7's by the Kujones and makes them their bee-och-es. Quite impressive, considering the Beths' are 87 db sensitive, albeit an easy resistive load.
This int-amp is very impressive, and honest sounding . Very groovy!
Dead sexy tells no lies; believe it !
Used product for: Less than 1 month
Duration Product Used: Audio Enthusiast
Product model year: 2003
Price Paid:
$895.00
Purchased At: Agon
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