Rega Brio to Naim NAIT 50

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

I’ve a Brio, effectively brand new in my office system……
But the recent?? NAIM NAIT 50 price drops have me curious…..
Is it worth selling the Brio and buying the NAIT 50 at its cut down price?
Is there that much real world difference in a 3rd home office system needed…..
Anyone got a NAIT 50?

 

[manicm]

The NAIT 50 may be a great buy at a reduced price. What sources will you be connecting?

 

[daytona600]

Nait was a very limited edition , but a very poor seller & now heavy price reductions

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

Wiim ultra via Qutest DAC into the NAIT 50….

 

[RTHerringbone]

Well is there anything specifically about the barely used Brio that allows you to isolate it as a weak link in a third-room system, or is this just a case of an itchy wallet finger?

On paper the Naim should be better as it costs multiples of the price of the Brio, but unless you can actually detect an issue with the system then it feels a bit pointless to upgrade.

 

[matthewpianist]

I doubt the Naim is multiples better than the Brio TBH. The Brio is a cracking little amp, in a different league to a lot of overpriced competitors under £1.5k, and would be more than fine for a first system let alone a third one. It's engaging and musical where other options are clinical and uninspiring. Your money, but that's my thought.

 

[Al ears]

Wiim ultra via Qutest DAC into the NAIT 50….

doesn't the Ultra have a DAC? The Qtest bit is pointless

 

[matthewpianist]

doesn't the Ultra have a DAC? The Qtest bit is pointless

Not only that, but the Ultra's DAC is very good.

 

[Roog]

You would have to try one to see if it is an improvement over your Brio in your system. who knows perhaps it is?
As a Naim owner myself I would not place any reliance on the additional cost of the Naim product being proportional to any improvement, if any. I think that in the world of Naim everything is expensive for what you get, including the nice aluminum case.

I note also that the quoted power output of the Nait 50 is quite a bit less than the Brio.

 

[Al ears]

Not only that, but the Ultra's DAC is very good.

I rest my case m'lud!

 

[Al ears]

You would have to try one to see if it is an improvement over your Brio in your system. who knows perhaps it is?
As a Naim owner myself I would not place any reliance on the additional cost of the Naim product being proportional to any improvement, if any. I think that in the world of Naim everything is expensive for what you get, including the nice aluminum case.

I note also that the quoted power output of the Nait 50 is quite a bit less than the Brio.

Agreed.
Improvement I doubt it, different, then yes.

 

[Jasonovich]

I’ve a Brio, effectively brand new in my office system……
But the recent?? NAIM NAIT 50 price drops have me curious…..
Is it worth selling the Brio and buying the NAIT 50 at its cut down price?
Is there that much real world difference in a 3rd home office system needed…..
Anyone got a NAIT 50?

It's a shame to get rid off the Brio, maybe you can move it across in another HiFi setup you have in your home? Or the very least, if you can listen to it before making your purchasing decision.

 

[daytona600]

£1499 Modern / Retro AMP

Musical Fidelity A1 Integrated Amplifier

First the Nu-Vista series, and now the iconic 'Class A' A1 integrated is reimagined by Musical Fidelity's new owners.

www.hifinews.com

 

[Al ears]

£1499 Modern / Retro AMP

Musical Fidelity A1 Integrated Amplifier

First the Nu-Vista series, and now the iconic 'Class A' A1 integrated is reimagined by Musical Fidelity's new owners.

www.hifinews.com

What the heck has that got to do with the OPs question?

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Anyone got a NAIT 50?

I've used a NAIT 50 over the last eighteen months. A pocket rocket with soul

 

[manicm]

A new Brio must be imminent, since the current one is not listed on Rega's site anymore.

 

[daytona600]

£900 off new £1000 used , they must be flying off the shelves

Naim fans, you can now save £900 on the special Nait 50 anniversary amplifier

Or more than £1000 if you don't mind a 'Nearly New' model (and are quick)

www.whathifi.com

 

[Al ears]

£900 off new £1000 used , they must be flying off the shelves

Naim fans, you can now save £900 on the special Nait 50 anniversary amplifier

Or more than £1000 if you don't mind a 'Nearly New' model (and are quick)

www.whathifi.com

Probably what it should have cost from the outset.
i doubt they are selling them now at a loss.
£2700 was a bit of a joke......

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

all valid points and great comments. indeed the MF A1 also attractive other than it's crazy power reserve and usage being Class A.

 

[matthewpianist]

A new Brio must be imminent, since the current one is not listed on Rega's site anymore.

Both that and the Apollo were discontinued last year. I don't think they are replacing the Apollo, and I haven't seen anything to suggest a new Brio either. It wouldn't surprise me if they leave a gap, so that those looking to upgrade from the io jump to the Elex IV.

 

[daytona600]

£2700 comedy price , think i paid £200 New & swapped out for a 42/110

 

[Al ears]

all valid points and great comments. indeed the MF A1 also attractive other than it's crazy power reserve and usage being Class A.

Some people will use nothing but Class A.....

 

[Hawkwind16]

I have the Naim Nait 50 - cracking little amp. I preferred it to the Naim Nait XS3 and the Supernait 3 (I think the WHF review is nonsense). I think the simple design somehow maximises its hifi qualities, it is punchy focused detailed and musical.

Over on the Naim Forum there is a long running thread from people who love it - some even prefer it to expensive high end Naim pre and Power combos.

So it is bound to be a lot better than the Rega Brio in my view (although i haven't heard the Brio).

Just make sure you are happy with the limited facilities / lack of remote and your speakers don't demand more power.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

I have the Naim Nait 50 - cracking little amp. I preferred it to the Naim Nait XS3 and the Supernait 3 (I think the WHF review is nonsense). I think the simple design somehow maximises its hifi qualities, it is punchy focused detailed and musical.

Over on the Naim Forum there is a long running thread from people who love it - some even prefer it to expensive high end Naim pre and Power combos.

So it is bound to be a lot better than the Rega Brio in my view (although i haven't heard the Brio).

Just make sure you are happy with the limited facilities / lack of remote and your speakers don't demand more power.

I’m considering new speakers too….Spendor A2 current front runners to match the amp….

 

[nopiano]

A new Brio must be imminent, since the current one is not listed on Rega's site anymore.

Yes, I’m very surprised they discontinued it without a replacement. Must have been the best seller aside from the turntables. The io is too weedy and the big ones can’t drive speakers below 6ohms, but then some of their circuits 1970s designs from Wireless World!