NAIM 5SI Integrated Amplifier: Preferred by Prius Owners Everywhere

Interested in any of the gear after I'm done reviewing it? Visit my website.
2channellisten...
Items you see me using (I get a tiny commission from these)
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RODE GO Wireless Mics - amzn.to/2R13KFz
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Naim product link'
www.naimaudio....
Review Track Songs:
Damian Rice - 9 Crimes
music.amazon.c...
Hanz Zimmer - Time (Inception)
music.amazon.c...
Michael Hedges - The 2nd Law
music.amazon.c...
Incubus - Aqueous Transmission
music.amazon.c...
Regina Spektor - Cover of My Guitar Gently Weeps (Movie Soundtrack Kubo)
music.amazon.c...
Endless Fields Album; Alive in the Wilderness
music.amazon.c...
Bozzio, Levin, Stevens - Track; Duende
music.amazon.c...
Rachel Claudio - Track; Turbulent
music.amazon.c...
The System:
Peachtree Audio Decco125 SKY - Integrated Amp
Unison Research Unico P - Integrated Amp
Naim 5SI - Integrated Amp
Denon DVD3930CI (CD, DVD, SACD Player)
Marantz ND-8006 (Streaming, USB DAC)
Audience Ohno RCA cables
MIT Matrix 18 Speaker Cables
Thank You to intro music provided by
Bensound.com
"Rumble" composed by Ben Tissot

[@silviopimentel7247]

Stealy was one of the best musicians of the 70's so that analysis confuses! Cause good quality studios monitors actually sound bad. Anyway that's your view guess that's why there's so many different tones & prolifics out there for the taste of the listener. ✌

[@2ChannelListening]

I certainly think Steely Dan was very very good, however, they would not make my own personal list of "the best of the bunch", and that perhaps is where this comparison confused so many? With this comparison I gave leverage and respect to what the 5SI tries to accomplish, but this appeared lost on some dyed in the wool Naim acolytes. I appreciate your post. Many many tones indeed! Cheers Silvio.

[@Old_Sailor85]

OMG, an honest reviewer that doesn't sing the praises of a product. Keep up the good work.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you Blue!

[@rains00the]

Ya, confirming one's biases = honest.

[@spotshooter1]

The Nait is designed to work with Naim's NACA5 speaker cable. It's a system approach and there's a substantial difference in sound quality when compared to non-Naim cable. It's how Naim does it and there's solid engineering behind this approach. Bummer the dealer was not involved with the setup of this system as it would have performed better.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thanks for the feedback. I will share with my dealer.

[@DBravo29er]

Naim requires use of speaker cables that meet specific specifications for more inductive, very low capacitance cables. If your cables do not meet these specs, you lose a lot of what makes Naim amps work well. I've got a Naim SuperNait 3. Runs fine and sounds fine on Blue Jeans 10awg cable. Every aspect of amp performance got significantly better with proper speaker cables. Soundstage width and depth. That sense of hologram. Bass slam. Bass extension. Bass control. Air. It all got clearly and obviously better by simply using speaker cables that met the spec. Just a data point.

[@2ChannelListening]

Good data point, thank you. Don't tell that to the ASR group...there would be gnashing of teeth. I use MIT Matrix 18 for reference.

[@DBravo29er]

@@2ChannelListening I know right. That crowd would tell you to ignore your ears if the graph says it "should sound good". Thank Gawd they don't do TV reviews. 😂😂 Yeah, Naim uses the inherent inductance of the speaker cable (that meets their spec) and uses that to eliminate an in-line inductor in the output part of the amp circuit itself. It's actually quite elegant and efficient, while at the same time being a little peculiar. I get why they do it and I also get why virtually nobody else does. Still, there are technical reasons for doing so.

[@DBravo29er]

@@2ChannelListening Here's s post from a senior forum member over at Naim Forum: "Solid state amplifier output stages become unstable due to capacitive reactance. The effects can be audible distortion caused by low level ringing up to the output devises overheating and in some cases destroyed. To counter this all solid state power amplifiers have a Zobel network across the output stage to damp this oscillation; the conventional Zobel circuit consists of a series capacitor and resistor with values around 100nF and 10 Ohm. The capacitor begins to conduct as frequency rises and the 10 ohm resistor becomes the damping element shunting the circuit Q. With the variable capacitive reactance of the speaker load coupled to a length of speaker cable the Zobel circuit alone may not be enough. This is commonly solved by placing an inductor in series with the amplifier output downstream from the Zobel shunt circuit. The inductor value is set low enough to avoid high frequency roll-off in the audio range but high enough to provide the required damping at frequencies above that. Amplifiers with a series inductor can use any type of speaker cable, however with a high inductance or excessive length of cable added to the amplifiers internal inductor it risks some roll-off at high frequencies. Some manufacturers such as Naim do not have an internal inductor and choose instead to use only the speaker cable to provide inductance."

[@2ChannelListening]

I will say this, and it is not meant to be snarky toward you pointing this out, so please take it in the context of a manufacturer leaving something left on the table, still to make more money. Given the price point of Naim products and if setting up their amps and integrated's require some unique proprietary speaker cabling, they should be made part of the purchase equation - drop down menu add on of sorts... Is that fair? My dealer made no mention of this, didn't even ask what I was using the 5SI with. Next time I have a Naim amp, I'll have to track down some of their cables. Thanks.

[@DBravo29er]

@@2ChannelListening Your comment is received well. I actually agree with you. I was fortunate that my dealer is very knowledgeable and provided several official and unofficial options at very moderate cost to me prior to me even making my purchase decision. However, based on your experience, this lack of pertinent info from your dealer is a huge miss. Still, my SuperNait 3 clearly outclassed a Hegel H390 upon direct in-home comparison when I used the right cables for the SN3. I use Witch Hat Phantom cables. But regardless of which i used for the Hegel (BJC 10 white, Kimber 12TC, WH Phantom), it had less impact, less bass slam & extension, inferior soundstage width and depth, and had less air than the SN3. So, my only contention is that Naim can be worth the additional effort/ squeeze. But, again, I agree that it's not a huge ask that the proper cable (NACA A5) be included. Totally logical. 👍

[@LeoRousseau]

After many years of having NAD 316bee and 326bee amps, I've finally decided (because of several health reasons) to upgrade to a Musical Fidelity M2si integrated amp and try to enjoy as much as I can. I'm just waiting for it to come in. My source is Tidal - Bluesound Node 2i - Denafrips Ares ii. I almost reached out to you for your opinion on a pair of speakers like the Zu's but decided that I have spent enough for a little bit. Keep the videos coming bud.

[@2ChannelListening]

Leo, I won't pry, yet I understand what you mean completely. I had an unexpected retinal detachment a couple years, totally out of the blue and the Dr.'s were just as surprised given my age and physical health. Was a shock and made me reevaluate what's important. You can pm me anytime man.

[@LeoRousseau]

It's amazing how much we take for granted. Never realized it until 2018. Sorry to hear bud. It just goes to show you that you never know what people are going through. I have a muscle in my pelvis that has torn or disconnected and my pudendal nerve is being compromised. I've finally been granted disability as of January. So I have been dealing with severe pain and depression. I dropped all of my interests immediately when it happened, but now I'm trying to get back into it since I'm pretty much a prisoner in my own home now. You know, it is what it is. I'm trying to enjoy the best of it. You are one of my favorite channels that help me get through. You make a difference in my day when you throw up a video. I appreciate it bud! 🤜✌️

[@bruce1437]

I got second hand NAIM amp pre amp and power supply with kef 104.2's. I feel I've reached my end system. It's not about hifi but the music

[@2ChannelListening]

Fantastic speakers, love them! Glad you found sonic bliss and can sit back and enjoy endless rounds of music. Thanks for sharing and watching Jo Jo.

[@BasementBerean]

Steely Dan sold over 40 million albums because nothing made them exceptional? I was an FM hi-fi listening teen in the 1970's, and Steely Dan was everywhere. I got so sick of their hits that it took until just the last few years for me to want to listen to their albums as albums, and they are enjoyable from start to finish. But thanks for looking at Naim stuff. I've had Naim in my life since 1995 and am running a Name NAIT XS2 integrated amp right now.

[@AT-wl9yq]

I had one on these things. You don't have to use Naim's cables. They don't even sound that good. When I made a trip out to the store that sold Naim, I brought a couple of things with me for comparison, along with some cables. I just didn't know what they had in the store. Once I got set up and started to do some listening, the owner of the store asked me if he could take some of the Audioquest cables I brought with me to a different room and try them out. Of course I said yes. The store specialized in British gear, so all they were using for cables was Naim, Rega and Audio Note. No major brands. After about 30-45 minutes the owner came back to talk to me, and he just couldn't believe his ears. I was there on a Saturday, and he became an AQ dealer Monday morning. But once he came back, I went with him and showed him the differences between silver and copper because he wasn't familiar with the different models. But they did make a big difference. I can't say if you will like the differences because its subjective, but if I had to guess, I doubt anyone would ever buy the Naim cables after they compared them to the ones we used.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you for your story AT. The subject of cables is not something I am willing to tackle based on my own very mixed result. I believe in their ability to help specific applications, in others, their ROI is questionable. I appreciate your contribution to this discussion. Cheers.

[@AT-wl9yq]

@@2ChannelListening Over time, everyone gets mixed results. That's the point of it all. If everyone got great results, there wouldn't be a need for reviews. As long as you're being honest about what you hear, that's all anyone can ask.

[@rodkubo5679]

The new microphone is an improvement. Good review.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you so much for watching and posting Rod.

[@briancampbell7712]

yo yo Jason...hope all is going great!...thanks for another video😁

[@2ChannelListening]

You bet!

[@briancampbell7712]

@@2ChannelListening hey, hows the new work? I have the Dali Epicon 2 up for sale...I'm keeping my Rubicon 6 BE and playing with some Usher BE 718 dmd...probably sell the 718's...I'm looking at getting an Ayon intigrated tube amplier...

[@zacharysteed249]

Audio is soooo much better with the new mics! Keep up the work my good man, been enjoying your content 👌

[@2ChannelListening]

Thanks! Will do! Appreciate your post!

[@sndpds50]

Naim is naim. Its all my blood now. pectree its holy shit. I just listen 10 days and back to distributor.

[@2ChannelListening]

Which one goes back to the distributor?

[@sndpds50]

@@2ChannelListening pechtree nova

[@Maher_Alahdab]

Having owned 4 different Naim amps allow me to pitch in. - must use Naim speaker cable to hear the amp running properly - the Nait does not sound good to me. A bit too dry and bland. You need to go for the Supernait or higher separates to get pleasant results with Naim

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you for the contribution!

[@aleksandertrap-jensen8486]

If you want to experience the so-called "Naim sound" and "PRaT", then you should definitely try the Naim Nait XS (1, 2, or 3). The 5si is known by many to be the least favorable of the bunch. The Naim Nait XS costs a bit more but is also considerably better and more exciting in many ways. It's a great and exciting integrated amp.

[@aleksandertrap-jensen8486]

You mention that you like amps that have their own sound/character hence why you owe yourself to try out the Naim Nait XS! It is the most Naim you can get for the least money. A true bargain and the place to start if you want to have the "Naim experience"!

[@2ChannelListening]

Greetings Aleksander. Thank you for both of your posts. Please take my comments as directed toward a manufacturer ideology and business practice. You said, "The 5SI is known by many to be the least favorable of the bunch." I have a huge problem with this, if in practice Naim knows this and designs the 5SI this way as a cost cutting measure for folks to buy into the Naim brand. I will think positively (but not naively) that they attempted to engineer in some house sound. Most boutique brands and mainstream brands do this across their lines. To say a $1700 integrated is the least favorable because of performance, okay, I can accept that, but as I stated in my video, their price point is already getting well outside of not being competitive at all. I certainly would take the $999 Pearchtree Decco125 all day long over the 5SI for what it achieves at its price point. I have the Nova150 on hand now...it be will a few weeks, but again, on paper, Naim doesn't even describe any of its years of engineering trickle down technology bestowed on the 5SI - I was being nice on my video with Naim, since it is my first interaction with their product and not (as you say) a favorable start indeed. Thank you for taking the time to post, truly. Cheers.

[@toucheslapper]

@@aleksandertrap-jensen8486 - You are delusional. The 5si is the best bang for buck Naim and has tons of PRAT. This guy is biased and uses mediocre speakers so what more do you expect from his review? Every review on the net is glowing for the 5si....except this guys.

[@silviopimentel7247]

@@toucheslapper i totally agree with you. I just got one & was afraid at first cause it sounded muffeled but as it's burning in its getting better and better by the day. It's definitely a bang for the buck 👏

[@AleksanderKrawczyk]

5 si is great and exciting. Have no idea what went wrong with this YTer ;) It samo with ProAc. Not surprised that it is not singing with random speakers and sub par source. and who knows what cables. naim is mostly used as a system - and should be

[@billywindsock9597]

Naim equipment is excellent. If you have a Nait, it can still be serviced. The Uniti series is particularly good.

[@2ChannelListening]

As I am told, the SI line is not up to the snuff of the upper crust products. That's unfortunate because I'm not one to spend twice as much if the entry level product doesn't wow me. Thanks for watching.

[@billywindsock9597]

@@2ChannelListening Naim don’t make any poor products. At any level, their equipment will be as good or better than any competitor. They do have a family sound, which people may or may not like more than others.

[@tonydeniro284]

​@2ChannelListening it got great reviews everywhere else...u seem to be the only one who did not like it, that's not saying much. Herb Reichert must be deaf then, as he gave it a glowing review. I bought one for 50% off 😂

[@jonuiuc]

The best descriptor of Naim's amplification i've heard is that they make whatever speakers they are driving, sound the more like themselves. I'm assuming the 5si has a beefier power section than the naim uniti atom. I wonder if its more or less than the uniti star. The uniti star is the one I gravitate to, as it has that built in CD drive.

[@2ChannelListening]

The Uniti Star is a little beefier, looks more in line with the specs of the XS-2. Not sure how I can take that descriptor, the speakers are what they are fed to a large degree, good, bad or spectacularly engineered.

[@jonuiuc]

@@2ChannelListening I interpreted that discriptor as, naim makes bright speakers sound more bright, warm speakers warm, magnepans sound more like whatever that sound is, etc. I dunno if thats true or not.

[@2ChannelListening]

@@jonuiuc Fair enough with me. Thanks Jon

[@amitpatel-gy3tu]

That’s so useful to hear! So is the atom more in line with the sound of a s5i? I can’t decide whether I’d go for a flashy atom or an s5i plus external streamer ? Would appreciate your view!

[@michaelgreco8614]

Forgetting the amp is there sounds like a pretty good quality to have. Too often we hear the amp adding certain characteristics to whatever speakers are playing. Naim also isn’t known for having a wide/deep soundstage. I’ve owned the xs2 and SN 2 and to me the xs2 has the most PRAT of all of them. The 5si doesn’t give you the same sort of prat as the upper models but I agree with some of what you are saying. Herb Reicherts review in sterophile seems to be the most accurate of this amp and mirrors a lot of what I’ve experienced while listening to it. I also owned the 2017 Rega brio. I’d be curious to see what you think of that compare to the 5si.

[@2ChannelListening]

Hi Michael, yes, I have received a fair amount of feedback that the upper models are where that famous PRaT is at and due to the cult following of Naim, I have no doubt its there, just not with the 5SI and my collection of speakers. I just reviewed the Cyrus One HD, which is much stronger competition, I really like what it presented. As for a Rega comparison, I plan to bring in the Elex-R in the near future, it would be the exact priced competitor to the 5SI. Not sure the Brio would be fair at its lower price point. As to Herb's fun review - I think he was being very generous at the end. I bought mine as an open box demo, moreover, I didn't experience any break in shift in voicing or "timbre" as Herb exclaims. Certainly the Naim took the Hyppocratic oath, it does no harm, it just did not excite me personally. There's still the Cyrus 6, Rega Elex-R and Arcam SA20 to sample in this field. Thank you for your contribution and watching Michael.

[@hanskiiiid]

I had Naim 5Si and thought it had pretty good dynamism in bass region, also likeable warmth, but had some 'greyness" in midrange.. Now have Rega Brio and like it better overall.

[@2ChannelListening]

@@hanskiiiid thank you for sharing your experience with the Naim and Rega Brio.

[@Chordrider]

That Steely Dan analogy…😵‍💫

[@2ChannelListening]

I stick by my statement. Thanks for watching :-)

[@Chordrider]

@@2ChannelListening I can respect that 😎 Btw your reviews are informed as well as informative 👍

[@paganrythyms]

If you're making fun of Tee-Jay I will fight you! 🤣👊

[@2ChannelListening]

ME??? :-)

[@LeoRousseau]

What's up bud! Always look forward to your videos!

[@2ChannelListening]

Leo! Thanks for coming back, happy to see you post!

[@silviopimentel7247]

I was going to get it for just around 2 grand Canadian dollars. But I think I should wait. But it sucks with covit not being able to listen to what u like. But thank u brother

[@2ChannelListening]

Sorry Silvio, good luck in your hunt for an integrated! Thanks for watching.

[@treyhorn5645]

That was a great review ! Thanks for doing the research on name that was very interesting I am going to go to the website I want to see that monster amplifier I have to put my eyes on that. 👍

[@2ChannelListening]

Glad it was helpful! You need to watch the KZbin video on the Naim Statement, what a beast.

[@SuperAudionut]

Play vinyl with the Naim. The best comparison of vinyl vs digital was Naim stack connected to Proac Resolution 2 bookshelf speakers. Linn LP12 vs then new flagship Naim CD player. Vinyl was superior. You need better front end to detect difference.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thanks Al. Sounds like you have a really well sorted kit.

[@hanspeterlillese2225]

It's a mystery to me... Used a Rega Elicit-r with PMC 20-23, volume visually at 12 o'clock before the music seemed loud. Then tried the Naim 5si, supposedly about half the power, and volume is visually about 8 o'clock when it feels loud! Now, it has to be said that the Rega has diodes that light up, but still, they have to go the same distance, so to speak... 🤔

[@2ChannelListening]

Have not had a Rega yet, that is an interesting observation. My Unison Research Unico P was similar, at 50 watts, I only needed 1/3 volume with the multitude of speakers used. Volume was never the issue for me with the Naim, as I said, it was a solid performer, just on the boring (safe) side for me compared to the Unison, Cyrus and Peachtree competitors.

[@hanspeterlillese2225]

@@2ChannelListening Thanks for replying. To me, it's amazing how different they seem (in general.) After all, they all strive for a neutral, flat frequency response, right? The trick is marrying them with the right speakers, I guess.

[@2ChannelListening]

@@hanspeterlillese2225 I know what you mean, both UK brands appear to chase the same audience and goals, but there is something always different under the hood that is a little more opaque. The input sensitivities are close enough, the Elicit-R is actually 80 watts at 8ohms per their manual, so again, not exactly a big jump from the Naim. Even more strange is the high gain of the Rega at 31.6 db versus the usual 29db in most amplifiers. *shoulder shrug* Thanks for watching Hans.

[@hanspeterlillese2225]

@@2ChannelListening Okay thanks. I heard someone say 110 W for the Rega, so that must have been for 4 Ohm perhaps. Never bothered to read the manual. And the Naim was second hand, so no manual 😁

[@michaelmusto3805]

Fantastic, informative review...Thanks!

[@2ChannelListening]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelmusto3805]

@@2ChannelListening I'm still considering this amplifier...and don't drive a Prius!

[@2ChannelListening]

@@michaelmusto3805 lol, you might change your mind after you buy the Naim 5SI, find a drab grey Prius to match! I'm joking with you of course....

[@michaelmusto3805]

@@2ChannelListening How about a drab gray Mercedes?

[@2ChannelListening]

@@michaelmusto3805 That sounds about right, :-) Cheers Michael, good luck with your search.

[@srijithview]

really liked your honest review..

[@2ChannelListening]

Glad you liked it, thank you for the feedback.

[@rfry200]

Not sure what you were using for the source. A mantra you could use is garbage in garbage out. The source is so important. I heard the peachtree amp and agree with you and I agree with you about these two amps being very similar even sonically. If the peachtree has a preamp out, plug it into the Naim then listen. Not critical but, the inner connections have an effect on sound PRAT. I do not own the 5si but I do have the unitiqute 2 and the nap100 with Harbeth speakers and my unit is similar to the 5si but the 5si is better. As a quick source use Spotify and choose your favourite songs. With Naim you get enough detail you can here identify for example manufacture of the musical instruments and you can even tell who made the guitar strings and etc. In a sense the Naim actually is a musical instrument as the table, cables, and stacking of the Naim on your table or stand influence the sound. Not night and day but it does. Need to burn it in for 6 months, amp and cables too, Hopefully you have listened to other KZbin channels where just played music on their systems. Agree with you, I bought my combo and glad I did as I use the streamer daily. These days it integrates with Spotify perfectly. The source now is Spotify via internet to router to Naim. The weak link to my system is the cables, but worked that out. In regards to no PRAT, I had listened to the NAD amps, the music was clear and detailed but it was dead to my ears, no rhythm, not sure why, very reputable stereo store, they sold Naim too. I had my Naim at the time so they were not trying to sell me anything so it me it was an unbiased listen. Macintosh is excellent lots of rhythm. Linn excellent.

[@2ChannelListening]

Hello Robert, the source I used across all these integrated amps was my Marantz ND8006. Its DAC section and streaming capability performs at a higher level than any of the built in DAC sections of the Peachtree or Cyrus, not that they were poor performers. Using the Marantz ensured each unit was listened to specifically for its preamp and power amp capability. I used CD's and HD tracks for the critical listening. Each amp, at these price points, have a flavor, but one that gave marginal differences hooked to the same speaker. I hope to hear a higher level Supernait 3 one of these days. Thank you for taking the time to post your thoughtful comments. Have not sampled a Linn yet either. Glad you are happy with your system and have a recipe for success. Enjoy those tunes.

[@johnsweda2999]

Try and get the naim nac 52 probably the best they've made I seen them go as a pair less than 1000 grand and upgraded power supplied by a different company they are very good. The naim is fussy on speaker cable prefers short low inductance. You've got to have a separate power supply they work so much better

[@2ChannelListening]

Thanks for the advice John S.

[@genaishivatov1737]

Up to 2000-2500 dollars he has no competitors, the same Hegel 90/120 boring. Only Rega Elex-R can argue with him in emotionality.

[@2ChannelListening]

Hello Gena, are you saying the 5SI has no competitors to $2,500??? So you've heard several integrated amps up to the $2.5K mark and only the Rega and Naim exist for you? Very interesting response, thanks for watching and contributing.

[@capwkidd]

I’m glad the mic worked out! See, I told you ;)! May I suggest a light next?

[@2ChannelListening]

Yes! Thank you! I have no less than 5 lights at different temps, windows covered up...damn it...lol

[@capwkidd]

@@2ChannelListening Can we PM on KZbin?

[@2ChannelListening]

@@capwkidd note on your page

[@ChaiBearProductions]

How would the synergy with the LS50 Meta be? I heard a demo of this combination on KZbin and it sounded wonderfully refined.

[@2ChannelListening]

Brit on Brit usually works well together, neither will offend, both will hit most of the audio spectrum. Good for small to medium space, will struggle to fill a large space.

[@jctai100]

Yes! I never got what they meant by PRaT either. It delivers high transient currents on demand??? There's a good clock in the DAC??? There's other amps that do those too.

[@2ChannelListening]

Indeed this is true. I love the "high current on demand", I get what they are trying to say, a bad designed amp would have issue with low impedance dips, but it would have to be a really cheap, poorly made amp, or totally mismatched to large electro stats. Thanks JC.

[@rfry200]

Prat, How to test? Go listen to some live music. Think metronome, listen to the vocalist, pianist guitarist, drummer or what ever, as a team do they play together or is it a mishmash of sound? Do they keep time with each other? Do your toes tap when listening to that catchy tune that they are playing? Now take that home and listen to the same or similar piece of music on your stereo. You should have a similar experience. Listening to music is like hearing poetry being read to you. The reader knows which words to emphasize and others not. No monotone here. Then there is cadence. If the live band is good prat is obvious, same on a stereo too. Toe tapping is a good indicator of prat. Note, not all music played well is toe tap worthy.

[@Audiorevue]

I take issue with your insinuation that all amps sound the same or there is minimal difference between them sonically. I used to have a hi-fi reviewing channel on KZbin and my equalizer was that I always use the same speakers and source when testing out the various sonic attributes of an amplifier. During my almost 2 years of reviewing I had an opportunity to listen extensively to about 90% of the integrated amps on the market under 2000 bucks and I can definitely say without a doubt that they sounded different to one another. I do agree that different speakers have a more immediate sonic difference to one another then sometimes amplifiers do but perhaps you're not listening as well as you should. My thoughts on the naim is it is sort of how you say the only thing I would add to it that I didn't really hear you talk about is the naim very much in my opinion has a way with tone. Quite a few integrated amps under 2000 Kinda have this sense of sameness to the sound maybe even monotonal in a way. For me as a listener what I've found I enjoy the most isn't a big soundstage or even a flat frequency response but that sense of tone and that sense that what I'm listening to is exactly how those instruments sounds in real life. The naim delivers that and from what I've heard very few others at its price point do. As far as the pace rhythm and timing goes you are correct in your insinuation that their more expensive products exhibit that classic naim attribute more prominently however if you really wanted to experience it you should've went for the rega elex r.

[@2ChannelListening]

"Horses of courses" Thanks for watching and taking issue. I stand by my experiences. While I am not a musician, I have dozens of live venues and genres under my belt. I've walked out of concerts due to bad sound.

[@Audiorevue]

@@2ChannelListening Now I'm quite serious if you really want to experience that pace rhythm and timing at that lower budget level I suggest you check out the rega. The first time I ever heard one of their amplifiers and it was something I didn't really like but it made everything sound fast and I didn't like it at first. But upon closer inspection I realized that it more is a sense of some amplifiers playing ahead of the beat and some playing behind the beat. Regas amps are insidious in a way because once you listen to it long enough the more you like it and the more you like it the more you realize that all other amps sound slow and incorrect.

[@joesmith4642]

I fell in love with Naim nait 2 and the original nait 5 i upgraded to the 112x and nap150 and had the same experience. (boring) I believe the 112x was discontinued. With the 112x i was able to use my own interconnects... maybe that was the problem?

[@2ChannelListening]

I've been told by the dyed in the wool users that the only way to listen to Naim products is with Naim cables....I'm really having a hard time buying this (pun intended) line of reasoning. What manufacturer would knowingly allow the open sale of their products if other 'non-Naim' cables could color or negatively influence the sound that much? I understand special ambilocal cords for power supplies to preamps, etc., but those proprietary cables are included with such kits. I don't know. I'm still looking for another upper end Naim to sample.

[@pennfootball71]

NAIM 5SI is a dead sounding midfi low rent amp you got to go to a Supernait 3 or separate amp and preamp

[@2ChannelListening]

I wouldn't characterize it as dead, just a middle of the road integrated that doesn't do anything particular special, kind of a "do no harm" first amp. Thanks for watching and posting. Cheers.

[@pennfootball71]

@@2ChannelListening Try a Uniti Nova if you can demo one

[@pennfootball71]

@@2ChannelListening Another way to go to beat this is a Rega Elix-R that's 1695...I think in this price range they beat the Naim. It's kind of their CLA class Mercedes or BMW 1 series. The Rega is more like a hopped up VW Golf type R.

[@2ChannelListening]

@@pennfootball71 Now you are talking my language, although I do own a BMW M240i :-) You are right and the Rega Elix-R is an integrated I plan to get sooner rather than later. Thanks again Penn.

[@steveee2511]

i ordered these naim online day before xmas hope it comes soon when i pay the 3 first rates i may order the marantz nd8006 to use us cd player dac and streaming and later i may get sonus faber sonetto 2

[@2ChannelListening]

Sounds like you are going to have one heck of a nice set up! Enjoy the break in period, don't judge it until you have a good month of playing on them, that's a big change all at once. Happy New Year.

[@steveee2511]

@@2ChannelListening thanks i guess speakers may first come in sommer 2022 like i must save for a Las Vegas trip in case trip gets cancelled because covid i may upgrate the system to sonetto 3 and get a rel sub

[@redstarwraith]

Aesthetics are subjective, of course. To my eyes, the Naim gear curb-stomps everything you've got there in the looks department.

[@2ChannelListening]

Indeed, aesthetics are subjective and different for each individuals tastes. For instance, why did so many manufacturers shy away from using big VU meters, yet are the trademark of MAC gear? Aesthetics versus cost expectations?

[@redstarwraith]

@@2ChannelListening true that!

[@marcoluca6552]

Great video, I have an Arcam A32 (old 2002 model). I am considering to upgrade it for a (used) Naim Supernait 2. I wanted to ask if the tonal balance of the Arcam and Naim amps are equivalent and if it is worth going from an Arcam A32 to a Naim Supernait 2 in terms of detail, soundstage etc .... Thanks.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you Marco. Regarding the Arcam, they employ a unique class G amplification and, unlike the Naim, doesn't require special cables and extra power supplies to ensure it sounds its best. My bias would lean on the Arcam. The Naim will get the job done, not saying it wouldn't, I like the extra headroom of the Arcam.

[@rains00the]

I owned both Arcam and Naim. A Naim half the power of an Arcam will still sound way gutsier. I like Arcam a lot, but it's "pipe and slippers" compared to a Naim. Just make sure you get at least 3.5m runs of Naca5 speaker cable or, even better, Witchhat Phantoms (still 3.5m pairs, even if you don't need the length).

[@hansbakker8742]

You draw conclusions on a test with speakers that are not broken in?

[@ouslander1]

5:38 Holy Grail of Clips. Missed the shirt. Lmao

[@2ChannelListening]

Ha ha, that's KZbin for you...I had a 14 second clip from the Bridge of Death scene and it was flagged. It took KZbin 47 minutes to edit out 14 seconds and they managed to let a half second through...priceless. Basically I was trying to add some humor about picking a favorite color for Naim.

[@ouslander1]

@@2ChannelListening worked for me. Ty

[@FlyGuy457]

What are the metallic cylinder things placed on top of the DAC and some other equipment you have?

[@2ChannelListening]

Hello Jon, please see this post kzbin.info/door/c-HPMUI2zdIpjqacyOIJ0Qcommunity Believe it or not, those are not DAC's, they are integrated amplifiers. Thanks for watching and posting.

[@anjovandijk9797]

Please a review of the Kinki studio EX-M1+ From We come from China

[@2ChannelListening]

I would love to. Outside my budget right now.

[@anjovandijk9797]

@@2ChannelListening I can understand that, it is not cheap by $ standards but from what I Read it's a killer performer

[@martynj-c4965]

I am looking for an amplifier to run some Focal Chorus Jm Lab 726 S speakers 🔊. I am new to audiophile equipment etc and in groups I'm in everyone is right... I don't know if you know these speakers ..if you do any recommendations? I'm not rich yet either 😕 lol I looked at this video because of Focal's pairing with Naim but some have said its not the best marriage .... thanks

[@2ChannelListening]

Hello Martyn, while I do not have first hand experience with Focal speakers, I've read and heard many accounts of the Focal top end. Given my experience with Naim, I would have the opposite viewpoint, being the Naim is on the polite side and would work with Focal. However, you may want to start with a Marantz PM8005 or NAD 375BEE. You should be able to find either for under $900, both work well with hotter top end focused speakers. Good luck.

[@martynj-c4965]

@@2ChannelListening thank you. Naim are out of my price range so i will look up the others. I did look at the Marantz PM8006 but slightly out of price in the 🇬🇧 so will look for the 8005. I will look at the NAD too. Thank you Happy New Year 🎆

[@silviopimentel7247]

Gotta yeah ✌

[@2ChannelListening]

Thx.

[@reinhartfrais2434]

Hi, thank you for your good honest reviews, I use Rogers ls3/5a 15 Ohm speakers listening mainly chamber music , vocals and jazz what amp with not sharp or Silbentrennung highs very good mids and ok bass du you reccomand and how much is it ? Thank you reinhart

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you for watching. If you like moderate levels, not too loud, a decent equal lateral triangle, you may find a KT88 tube amp to punch those Rogers up nicely. I do not know your budget, so that's always the limiting factor.

[@reinhartfrais8549]

Thank you for your reply,i live in asia and its hot very hot so tube amps are not ideal. Budget is 2 to 3000 us .thanks for your help

[@2ChannelListening]

@@reinhartfrais8549 What brands do you have access to? You may like something with classic A/B solid state power.

[@reinhartfrais2434]

@@2ChannelListening hi, thank you, I can get Denton ,Marantz, Quad,Nad,Audiolab,Cambridgeaudio, the most important is a warm relaxing sound for long listening no sharp sib-lent highs. Thanks for your help.

[@2ChannelListening]

@@reinhartfrais2434 good to know, have you considered Audiolab, Arcam and Cambridge Audio? The CXA81 integrated may be a nice place for you to start, or Audiolab 8300a.

[@mallydraycott1870]

I've always understood an amplifier ideal to be basically a straight wire with gain,nothing added or taken away just a volume control.

[@2ChannelListening]

While that would truly be ideal, that has not been my experience, especially with all in one integrated amplifiers.

[@andrehendrik]

man you are so so far ff the mark when dismissing Steely Dan as a "middle of the road classic rock band" -- you undermined your own credibility with that analogy

[@2ChannelListening]

I'm prepared to take some heat for it - comes down to a preference thing I guess. I'm not dissing their musicianship, no more than I am dismissing the engineering prowess at Naim. To me, both are not that exciting.

[@andrehendrik]

@@2ChannelListening no worries -- horses for courses

[@2ChannelListening]

Yes sir indeed.

[@janulik9535]

Hello, ....exactly two ampliafiers I am triing to decide between :D:D, unico and naim. So I want to ask, does unico give better rhythm than naim?

[@2ChannelListening]

I would not say its rhythm which sets the Unico apart, it is lighter on its feet at lower listening levels, the mid-range has a bit more body and its more interesting to listen to, albeit, understanding its not about neutrality. The Naim is more neutral and basically pleasant. The Naim is safe.

[@janulik9535]

I know unico has other atributes to shine, but would like to know if it can keep up with naim as per accuracy in low frequency ranges. Checking this video on hadphones rotel clearly wins over roksan in delivering low frequency rhydm (roksan k3 vs rotell some). Of course I am refering to video sound in reality maybee roksan is better but I would not bet on it. So how is roksan and unico in this manner. @@2ChannelListening

[@2ChannelListening]

Roksan is not a widely adopted brand in the US. Never heard one yet, so I have no comparison to share.

[@janulik9535]

@@2ChannelListening got it, thank you for reviewing thos amps I have some better imagination about them both

[@janulik9535]

@@2ChannelListening Hi Jason, how is it going there? , I return here I just want to share my experience, I purchased naim xs2 which is supposed to be somewhat better than 5si, to me this thing plays realy well and exactly like you described and like I want to, dispite one think, I do experience what is also reviewed by otheres that there is a bass emphasis somwere in this amp. Actually I find PRAT but it seems nothing special, as my understanding is that neither to you, so I was wondering the same like really what they are talking about, I have cambridge cxa81 for comparison but realized "oh this think is timing expert"(sad by what hifi) it also has that "PRAT" :D:D:D,...seems like I have to check for something without prat in order to apreciate this atribute of those amps :), I was watching this review again to see what speakers did you add and sierra acustics are nice,...now, let me check your review of philharmonics again beacouse I do not remamber if you did try to pair those, did you?.....I am fighting a bit this thick base of naim, everybody is reporting "superb quality of bass of naims, ...hmm here I am a bit confused by those revievs because I was expecting somthing else, for example 'british audiophile" says about 5si that this is class best base, or somthing like that, I do not agree but will see .. remains I have to try different speakers and then...

[@meletisstavridis3125]

Hi, nice video! I would like some help. I have found a second hand Naim nait 5i-2(italic) at 500$. Currently own a rotel Ra 1520 paired with kefs r300 book shelf speakers. What do you think, 1. worth the update? Room 45cm2. Music preferences Rock, Metal, electronic music. (Mostly with vinyl). 2. Would the naim match with kef speakers? Thank you in advance Mel

[@2ChannelListening]

Greetings Mel, The Naim would be just fine with the KEF R300's, great monitors. Regarding trading the Rotel for the Naim, you may only experience a slight shift in the mid-range with the Naim, little less treble energy, and more balance versus the Rotel. Probably a good thing for your music genre of choice. Should sound good together. Good luck.

[@meletisstavridis3125]

@@2ChannelListening so i will not have any drawbacks? Like bass for a example. I am asking cause i read that nait 5i is suitable for Vocal or jazz. I am listening various genres, from indie to prog rock to hard Metal and from jazz to hip hop.

[@2ChannelListening]

The Naim 5is does a fine job with all genres. Just slightly polite, which is great for those old, not so well recorded prog rock bands. I didn't notice any real drawbacks with the bass while I was using it. The Peachtree might have had only a smidgen more bass punch, but nothing you would notice song to song.

[@keithwalker8090]

Maybe if you hook the naim up to some totems you might get it.

[@2ChannelListening]

I would get the Totems yes because they have PRaT on their own. I had a set of Fires 🔥.

[@paulk9534]

I’ve gotta wonder how good your DaC actually is…. If the source don’t deliver it the amps cannot find it

[@2ChannelListening]

I have an $1,100 Dac connected to a (then) $1,600 integrated amp, are you actually intimating the Marantz ND8006 DAC is the inferior part of the chain? What about the Cyrus HD and Peachtree Nova150 integrated amps I tested against the Naim, both with their own internal dacs? I leveled that playing field by ensuring I used the same DAC across all amps. I never said the Naim was a bad or even mediocre product, it just does have the so called PRaT as preached about from higher model Naim owners. Simple. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@paulk9534]

Hi…I can only offer my opinion. It seems all products used in the test are ‘integrated’ and therefore many factors / components come into play. You are right in that you levelled the playing field somewhat so the test was quite fair however maybe the source streamer could not find the nuances within the music file and therefore the amp could not use its ‘skills’ to enhance it. Maybe try the ND5 XS2 and the amp as they would be ‘matched’ product and it is a dedicated streamer. Everyone’s ears are different so I do appreciate your review and opinion 👍

[@2ChannelListening]

@@paulk9534 You may very well be right Paul, however, I hope you can also see the new challenge and I would say discrepancy issue with such a suggestion. In the US, as of this typing, now the Nait 5SI cost $2K and the ND5 X2 costs $4,000. I know I've covered some crazy speaker to amp cost ratios, but who buys a $4K streamer with a $2K integrated amp? Maybe the prices in the UK are drastically lower and I can see the variables changing. $6,000 puts this combo in very competitive crosshairs. However, I will also admit I have not heard the ND5 X2, so maybe it is the magic bullet. I'm still wrapping my head around what inflation is doing to our hobby. I do thank you for the conversation 👍

[@paulk9534]

@@2ChannelListening yes you are definitely right, the numbers are out of control. I guess where we can also agree is that spending (dollars) on a dedicated streamer to ‘find’ the music and then amplifying at the level you can afford is the best way to get most from the source material. Better to spend more on the source and build up your amps as you go along rather than the other way around, compromised source is hard to improve with amplification imo.

[@photorolensoman8101]

How does Nait 5si compares with the Audiolab 9000a?

[@2ChannelListening]

Couldn't tell you.

[@steveee2511]

i was consederin buying these naim but after your rewiew im not so sure anymore maybe i get a atoll,does anybody knows if i can conect a dvd player and play cd,s from there into it

[@2ChannelListening]

Atoll build quality looks pretty impressive - I've had them on my short list for future demos...as long as your DVD player has analog audio out, you can play 2.1 via an Atoll IN series integrated.

[@steveee2511]

@@2ChannelListening thanks for reply yes seems atoll is a hiden gem hegel woud be a other top amp but don,t like the looks,i meaned if the naim coud conect to dvd my dvd is a micromega from france

[@2ChannelListening]

@@steveee2511 yes, Micromega is a product line of France.

[@freeindeed1426]

Hi, enjoy your vids, I have a dayens memuetto amp paid 600 gb might be an interesting review for you had mines for about a year it has seen off a few much more expensive amps that I have had as they say "a keeper"

[@2ChannelListening]

I'll check it out, thank you for the suggestion and thanks for watching!

[@simonirvine1628]

I have a chap I know who has a stack of Naim, some of the earlier so called good shit and he would be running it with a set of 3 way ProAc with ATC Dome Mid's and I have to say it was (OKAY) but nothing amazing It Has Zero character. Somewhat a Wee Bit Boring.....

[@2ChannelListening]

Similar experience here. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment Simon!

[@sbwlearning1372]

That's why NAIM invented the Prat stuff. To these ears ridiculously overpriced and underpowered equipment

[@ford1546]

Hello. Has anyone seen the inside of the Naim nait CD5Si ?? It is an extremely poor and super cheep and simply built CD player with no quality! Almost nothing inside! Almost looks like my cheap DVD player inside! If you buy these two Naim products, you've just done something really stupid. You have bought low quality components!!!! I never really liked NAIM.

[@2ChannelListening]

Yes, I would agree that I have seen $100 DVD players with about as much air space and pcb, save for the decent sized toroid power supply. I would never call anyone stupid for buying it, that's not going to win any friends or arguments. There are far superior choices from Marantz for less money.

[@ariekanarie6660]

If you want to go the naim route you have to do some homework man. By that I don't mean some historical notes but the way it is supposed to be used, even on entry level. You need to get informed by an expert. If you just plunge it into a system, it says nothing and makes reviews and comparisons like this worthless.

[@2ChannelListening]

You will need to add more than just calling my review worthless Arie. Do you think all of the 3rd party distributors pushing Naim products are experts? What would an expert have told me about this $1,700 unit that would have steered me away from it? Let me guess, all the speakers I used are just wrong for this unit? I would love "expert" advice on why I went about this wrong. Thank you. I look forward to your reply.

[@toucheslapper]

@@2ChannelListening - Where you went wrong was going into the review with highly biased expectations for this mythical “prat”, simply because that’s what you heard about the brand, and then diminished the many great attributes of the amplifier because you expected something else from what you heard on the internet. I can tell you the 5si has prat. It’ll get you toe tapping for sure. Do you always base your expectations of a product based on what Internet forums tell you a brand sounds like? Seems unfair to me.

[@2ChannelListening]

You say I diminished the 5SI, I say I compared the 5SI to the other integrated amplifiers I have on hand and found the Naim to be less competitive at its price, still enjoying the others more for what they bring to the table. You love your Naim, great, enjoy it for all the attributes that give you a smile. I called it like I heard it and for $1,700, there are much better matches for my preferred listening qualities.

[@fuckinellitsraymo]

What a yawnfest.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thanks!