NaimAudio Dilemma - NAP 150X + NAC 122X vs Nait 5i

[clubter]

Hi,

I'm currently wondering what should I do facing the following situation:

I found for sale (2nd hand) a combo pream/amp NAP 150X + NAC 122X at about $1000 as well as an integrated amp Nait 5i (about $800).

As buying both of them is not an option, I was wondering which one would be the best deal, given that I own a pair of KEF LS50 and that the main audio source I use is a Musical Fidelity DAC.

My main questions are:

(i) would the Nait 5i drive the LS50 properly ? (according to a thread on this forum I would say yes);

(ii) could I properly connect my DAC (RCA output) to the NAC 122x (DIN input) ?

(iii) would the Nait 5i be an improvement compared to my Marantz pm6004 ?

Thanks for your input !

CT

 

[Frank Harvey]

(i) would the Nait 5i drive the LS50 properly ? (according to a thread on this forum I would say yes)

It'll do an ok job, but the 122/150 will be better.

(ii) could I properly connect my DAC (RCA output) to the NAC 122x (DIN input) ?

With a two phono to 5 Pin DIN cable, yes.

(iii) would the Nait 5i be an improvement compared to my Marantz pm6004 ?

Yes.

 

[clubter]

Thanks a lot for you input David !

Now it's even harder to decide which one should I buy...

 

[spiny norman]

(ii) could I properly connect my DAC (RCA output) to the NAC 122x (DIN input) ?

With a two phono to 5 Pin DIN cable, yes.

NAC 122X also has two sets of inputs on RCA phonos, which will make things even easier.

Agree with David that the pre/power will do a better job of driving the speakers: the Naim intergrated will be an improvement over the Marantz, but the pre/power will be even better.

 

[clubter]

Good point Norman, thanks ! I should go for the 122/150 combo !

Now the final decision maybe depends on my negociation skills...

 

[Juzzie Wuzzie]

FWIW - I'm now running my Uniti Lite into a 175 (3 channel equivalent of the 15) and it sounds far better. Put another way, I'm a massive fan of the pre/power now rather than integrated. I had a 5i, can can say it sounds better IMHO.

 

[clubter]

Thanks for your advice guys. I finally go for the combo 150x/122x for a decent price ! Delivery's tomorrow !