Auditioned Naim 5si today

[chebby]

Oh I see its diss Naim day again is it,

I think that worldwide sales would suggest the oposite........

No, it's be realistic about Naim day. They make good equipment. I know they do. However, despite Naim's success in engineering mystique into their reputation, they cannot build it into hardware. No-one can.

The OP needs to get past the words like 'special' and 'iconic' and get past Naim's legacy and listen to their product as just another amplifier - within a price band that suits his budget - and compare it to others and decide what he actually likes. That might well be the Naim after all. So long as the decision isn't based on intangibles that aren't actually in the box and can't be heard, but - as we all know - are included in the price

 

[Kamikaze Bitter]

Been a long time since I listen to Naim kit. When I did I was initially blown away, but then less and less convinced when I listened to the music I really love (Choral/Opera/Orchestral). Found the sound fatiguing and a little uncontrolled. The thump bothers me as well - there is no excuse, well engineered kit shouldn't do that.

 

[lpv]

There's a load of good alternatives, unsure why the OP is persisting with Naim. He's not over keen on the Nait 5si, likewise the XS in the previous thread.

Along with Exposure I'd look at Creek, new Roksan K2 BT to name just a couple.

Naim is iconic, guess that's why I'm persisting, there must be something special.

I owned the Nait 5i and CD5i and NAT05 (tuner) for two years between 2009 and 2011. I can assure you there is nothing 'iconic' about them. Good system? Yes. (Especially the tuner.)

"Something special". Not so much. Lots of companies out there (some that are equally 'iconic') are making equipment that is just as good for the money. (Or less money.)

Try to separate the tradition and history and PR from your decisions and just deal with what's playing in front of you on the day you are listening.

I have even known people think that their own hearing must be wrong, rather than admit they didn't really like the Naim sound. After that they have spent ever increasing amounts of money - on more and more Naim upgrades - just trying to get that special Naim 'something' that always eludes them, but they know should be there if only they could hear it!

However, you are not the only one who has this view of Naim as special and iconic. For that reason your used Naim equipment will sell very well and very quickly if you ever decide to upgrade or change in the future. It does hold it's value better than most.

+ 1

 

[NHL]

The 5si is a better amp than 5i, NO doubt. It was anyway hard to get a correct ear picture only by reading reviews.

 

[BigH]

The 5si is a better amp than 5i, NO doubt. It was anyway hard to get a correct ear picture only by reading reviews.

Don't read them, use your ears and don't believe all that iconic rubbish, its called marketing.

 

[Vladimir]

NHL, I know how you feel mate. Buy that Naim, sooner than later.. Otherwise you will never sleep, eat, have sex or iron your NHL shirts. Worst thing you can do is buying another brand because it was deemed rationally better. Rationally? This hobby? There is no sanity in this hobby, its burning money. You might as well burn them with a smile.

You want the Naim heritage, the technology, the sound etc. You don't need our reassurance to feed your OCD. You only live once so treat yourself with a new toy that will give you joy in owning, playing, reading and talking about it.

Just do it man! :cheer:

 

[plastic penguin]

The 5si is a better amp than 5i, NO doubt. It was anyway hard to get a correct ear picture only by reading reviews.

But the 5si didn't thrill you though, did it? You also weren't bowled over by the XS, so how can you call them iconic?

My Naim CDP works very well with my amp but I would be hard pushed (or drunk) to purchase their amps.

 

[NHL]

The 5si is a better amp than 5i, NO doubt. It was anyway hard to get a correct ear picture only by reading reviews.

But the 5si didn't thrill you though, did it? You also weren't bowled over by the XS, so how can you call them iconic?

My Naim CDP works very well with my amp but I would be hard pushed (or drunk) to purchase their amps.

The Naim XS2+ was to my liking but the price is kind of high and WHF only gave it 4 stars.

 

[stevebrock]

I think for £900 there are better amps (Exposure, Creek etc)

 

[chebby]

I think for £900 there are better amps (Exposure, Creek etc)

£950 from April ...

Naim price list April 2014 (pdf)

 

[stevebrock]

I think for £900 there are better amps (Exposure, Creek etc)

£950 from April ...

Naim price list April 2014 (pdf)

Really think the Brio R is better value for money

 

[BigH]

I think for £900 there are better amps (Exposure, Creek etc)

£950 from April ...

Naim price list April 2014 (pdf)

Really think the Brio R is better value for money

But is it iconic?

 

[stevebrock]

I think for £900 there are better amps (Exposure, Creek etc)

£950 from April ...

Naim price list April 2014 (pdf)

Really think the Brio R is better value for money

But is it iconic?

Dunno - Im only interested in the sound and IMO the 5si is overated

 

[BigH]

I would try Creek and Exposure if you can.

 

[matthewpiano]

I would try Creek and Exposure if you can.

Agreed. Both excellent.

 

[NHL]

I would try Creek and Exposure if you can.

Agreed. Both excellent.

These players can not be found in my region. Once, I looked for a Leema amplifier, but they seem to have gone from great to good. I have the Leema elements phono RIAA and know the Leema capacity from hours of pleasant listening.

 

[chebby]

I would try Creek and Exposure if you can.

Agreed. Both excellent.

These players can not be found in my region. Once, I looked for a Leema amplifier, but they seem to have gone from great to good. I have the Leema elements phono RIAA and know the Leema capacity from hours of pleasant listening.

That makes it easy then. Just listen to what is available in your region and choose the one you like the best. (What is your 'region'?)

 

[plastic penguin]

The 5si is a better amp than 5i, NO doubt. It was anyway hard to get a correct ear picture only by reading reviews.

But the 5si didn't thrill you though, did it? You also weren't bowled over by the XS, so how can you call them iconic?

My Naim CDP works very well with my amp but I would be hard pushed (or drunk) to purchase their amps.

and WHF only gave it 4 stars.

(Shakes head in dismay)

Right if the XS2 gave you the sound but can't pay the full retail price, how about this.

And they operate a 14 day returns and he'll "ship worldwide". Win, win, win...

 

[shep1968]

The 5si is a better amp than 5i, NO doubt. It was anyway hard to get a correct ear picture only by reading reviews.

But the 5si didn't thrill you though, did it? You also weren't bowled over by the XS, so how can you call them iconic?

My Naim CDP works very well with my amp but I would be hard pushed (or drunk) to purchase their amps.

I've got a Naim 5si amp along with the 5 cd player. I demoed cyrus which i found flat, Roksan Kandy which i thought was totally dreadul and the audiolab which was good but not as good as the naim. I've been listening to a little Harry Chapin tonight just to make sure i didnt waste a couple of grand. I didn't. It sounds like the dogs with my kudos. So i have the best of both worlds, a sound i adore and an iconic amp.

 

[plastic penguin]

The 5si is a better amp than 5i, NO doubt. It was anyway hard to get a correct ear picture only by reading reviews.

But the 5si didn't thrill you though, did it? You also weren't bowled over by the XS, so how can you call them iconic?

My Naim CDP works very well with my amp but I would be hard pushed (or drunk) to purchase their amps.

I've got a Naim 5si amp along with the 5 cd player. I demoed cyrus which i found flat, Roksan Kandy which i thought was totally dreadul and the audiolab which was good but not as good as the naim. I've been listening to a little Harry Chapin tonight just to make sure i didnt waste a couple of grand. I didn't. It sounds like the dogs with my kudos. So i have the best of both worlds, a sound i adore and an iconic amp.

Great stuff.

I'm a little puzzled that OP has called them "iconic" yet he's still faffing.

 

[NHL]

The 5si is a better amp than 5i, NO doubt. It was anyway hard to get a correct ear picture only by reading reviews.

But the 5si didn't thrill you though, did it? You also weren't bowled over by the XS, so how can you call them iconic?

My Naim CDP works very well with my amp but I would be hard pushed (or drunk) to purchase their amps.

I've got a Naim 5si amp along with the 5 cd player. I demoed cyrus which i found flat, Roksan Kandy which i thought was totally dreadul and the audiolab which was good but not as good as the naim. I've been listening to a little Harry Chapin tonight just to make sure i didnt waste a couple of grand. I didn't. It sounds like the dogs with my kudos. So i have the best of both worlds, a sound i adore and an iconic amp.

Great stuff.

I'm a little puzzled that OP has called them "iconic" yet he's still faffing.

Faffing saves money! Faffing also means a good excuse to post on this forum :doh:

 

[plastic penguin]

The 5si is a better amp than 5i, NO doubt. It was anyway hard to get a correct ear picture only by reading reviews.

But the 5si didn't thrill you though, did it? You also weren't bowled over by the XS, so how can you call them iconic?

My Naim CDP works very well with my amp but I would be hard pushed (or drunk) to purchase their amps.

I've got a Naim 5si amp along with the 5 cd player. I demoed cyrus which i found flat, Roksan Kandy which i thought was totally dreadul and the audiolab which was good but not as good as the naim. I've been listening to a little Harry Chapin tonight just to make sure i didnt waste a couple of grand. I didn't. It sounds like the dogs with my kudos. So i have the best of both worlds, a sound i adore and an iconic amp.

Great stuff.

I'm a little puzzled that OP has called them "iconic" yet he's still faffing.

Faffing saves money! Faffing also means a good excuse to post on this forum :doh:

Clearly you're not buying. Clearly wasted my time in searching for a suitable amp, within a reasonable budget (see post 12). Cheers.

 

[NHL]

The 5si is a better amp than 5i, NO doubt. It was anyway hard to get a correct ear picture only by reading reviews.

But the 5si didn't thrill you though, did it? You also weren't bowled over by the XS, so how can you call them iconic?

My Naim CDP works very well with my amp but I would be hard pushed (or drunk) to purchase their amps.

I've got a Naim 5si amp along with the 5 cd player. I demoed cyrus which i found flat, Roksan Kandy which i thought was totally dreadul and the audiolab which was good but not as good as the naim. I've been listening to a little Harry Chapin tonight just to make sure i didnt waste a couple of grand. I didn't. It sounds like the dogs with my kudos. So i have the best of both worlds, a sound i adore and an iconic amp.

Great stuff.

I'm a little puzzled that OP has called them "iconic" yet he's still faffing.

Faffing saves money! Faffing also means a good excuse to post on this forum :doh:

Clearly you're not buying. Clearly wasted my time in searching for a suitable amp, within a reasonable budget (see post 12). Cheers.

I will continue my search for a new amp, which probably most forum members also do. It takes a great deal of fun magazine reading, some forum interaction and a small amout of actually listening.

 

[floyd droid]

and a small amout of actually listening.

:doh: This normally leads to.......................

Help needed I've bought a crock of sh**e.

 

[NHL]

and a small amout of actually listening.

:doh: This normally leads to.......................

Help needed I've bought a crock of sh**e.

:rofl:

Probably, I just can not spend hours on end at the dealers. It is always difficult to leave, after some hours of listening, without actually having bought nothing at all.