Rega Brio to Naim NAIT 50

[MUSICRAFT]

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

I'm currently using Monitor Audio's Studio 89's with the NAIT 50.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

I'm currently using Monitor Audio's Studio 89's with the NAIT 50.

I’m trying to maintain a low impact low volume footprint
Room not too big 3m x 3.5m and near field listening occasionally

 

[MUSICRAFT]

I’m trying to maintain a low impact low volume footprint
Room not too big 3m x 3.5m and near field listening occasionally

Same here, near field listening and in a similar sized room

 

[manicm]

I'm currently using Monitor Audio's Studio 89's with the NAIT 50.

Don't the 89s need a subwoofer? Or is the bass fine?

 

[Hawkwind16]

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

I had exceptional results with the old Focal Aria 906's. Currently using Stirling LS3/5a V3's - also great.

 

[matthewpianist]

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!

I believe it was connected with parts availability on both the Brio and the Apollo. I think Rega is rightly positioning itself as an analogue (vinyl) specialist rather than muddying the waters with digital tech, so I can't see there being an Apollo replacement. I suppose they may be quietly developing a Brio replacement, but they backed themselves into a corner in some ways with just how good the Brio was. It could certainly challenge the Nait 5si and similar at twice the price.

 

[matthewpianist]

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

Definitely audition. I had A1s and hated them - they needed to be played loud to open up properly, but even then they didn't impress or engage me enough to justify the cost. I sold them on quite quickly. Other people rave about them, so you might fall into either camp.

 

[nopiano]

I believe it was connected with parts availability on both the Brio and the Apollo. I think Rega is rightly positioning itself as an analogue (vinyl) specialist rather than muddying the waters with digital tech, so I can't see there being an Apollo replacement. I suppose they may be quietly developing a Brio replacement, but they backed themselves into a corner in some ways with just how good the Brio was. It could certainly challenge the Nait 5si and similar at twice the price.

I can readily believe that. Many products that get a ‘mark 2’ or similar badge isn’t because they are actually improved, but they had to be redesigned because parts were discontinued.

Rega were well placed to take advantage of the resurgence of interest in LPs, and were I a dealer I’d have loved to offer Rega amps alongside a turntable/cartridge setup. Interesting that Peter Tyson’s new Fell Audio brand offers an amp that could have taken the place of the Brio, albeit a very different look and design.

 

[manicm]

I can readily believe that. Many products that get a ‘mark 2’ or similar badge isn’t because they are actually improved, but they had to be redesigned because parts were discontinued.

Rega were well placed to take advantage of the resurgence of interest in LPs, and were I a dealer I’d have loved to offer Rega amps alongside a turntable/cartridge setup. Interesting that Peter Tyson’s new Fell Audio brand offers an amp that could have taken the place of the Brio, albeit a very different look and design.

The Fell Audio is a very good amp for the price, from what I read, it's class D and well specced.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

Naim NAIT 50 bought !
The price reduction and the deal offered unmissable

 

[Al ears]

Naim NAIT 50 bought !
The price reduction and the deal offered unmissable

Hope it brings you many years of enjoyment

 

[Hawkwind16]

Naim NAIT 50 bought !
The price reduction and the deal offered unmissable

Let us know how you get on

 

[Revolutions]

Cool! Great amp, hope you enjoy it.

Also really interested in how it compares to the Brio. I’d love a Nait 50 for a 2nd system, but in reality budget is Brio 😁

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Don't the 89s need a subwoofer? Or is the bass fine?

I'll bring a sub or two into play in due course In the meantime after a fair amount of dialling in NAIT 50 and Studio 89's are sounding sweet, fast, punchy and dynamic

 

[RoA]

Kudos to Naim for daring to make a real retro but at the same time, £1600 for 25 watts and no remote is perhaps daring too much.

Rega's Io seems like a bargain in comparison.

Still, they probably won't sound the same so the comparison is moot other than for perceived value. The Nait is also completely discrete internally so should something go puff in the future it's arguably easier to repair even though Naim will no doubt charge you handsomely for that privilege if you decide to go Salisbury way.

This is one for a bedroom system for those that grew up with the brand and probably already have bigger Naim systems. I can't see anyone else coughing up this sort of money for what's on offer but may be wrong.