Naim Nait 5si vs Hegel H90. Which is the best affordable High End Integrated Amp?

We compare the Hegel H90 with the Naim Nait 5si. System was the Innuos ZenMini mk 3 server streaming Tidal with Roon. Speakers were Magnepan LRS.
Being the long winded audio fools that we are, we went too long and one of the cameras shut off, and we couldn't get it restarted.
For a list of our commonly used tracks please watch
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn6P0...
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Audio Excellence Inc. is a high end audio/video store in Markham, Ontario, Canada, a suburb of Toronto. We've been in business since 1991.
Check out our interviews with designers like Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio, Paul McGowan of PS Audio, Paolo Tezzon of Sonus faber, Wendell Diller of Magnepan and others.
Our website is www.audioexcellence.ca
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[@bluerev]

I absolutely love in-depth, comprehensive comparisons like this - with people just laying out their impressions and expanding on them in detail. Very helpful!

[@michaelrose4792]

Just found this channel and gotta say I love the long form discussion. Looking forward to some other comparison videos!

[@charlesclifton1006]

Forgot to thank you fellows. These vids the 3 of you produce are priceless and I am most grateful.

[@polymusegal]

I always look forward to watching your videos. Thanks for keeping these informative and real....

[@capelight52]

Very thoughtful discussion. I enjoy the the format as it is very different from others as you do comparisons and then discuss. Gives insight into your (3) personal preferences which is helpful. Very interesting, Good going guys. Thanks.

[@commane21]

Most useful, helpful conversation so far. Insightful. Thanks.

[@benoitdugas745]

You guys are great thank you for another great video!

[@gottrekk5798]

Great discussion guys. I would add that Exposure has similar PRaT to Naim but it's laid back like Hegel.

[@marquepadley2715]

Great episode guys, really enjoy them and the fact your in Canada, really helps for all of us wanting CDN pricing in these reviews. Are you going to do a comparison review of some integrated tube amps? Keep up the great work.

[@manardh7387]

I don't want an amp that will shut off all the time when I crank on it for a while. I like to just swap out a fuse on the back if things go crazy. Good job with this guys.

[@davefreeh2892]

I have owned the Naim Nait 5Si since 2018. I connected the amp to Focal Aria 906 speakers with the required 3.5 meters of Linn K20 cable. Linn is equivalent to Naim A4 cable. I contacted Naim to be sure this would work. This was a good match. Recently, I purchased Zu Omen Dirty Weekend ii speakers. Wow, the sound is amazing with the Nait. It’s going to be a long time and maybe never before I change the Naim. The low end is wonderful as you would expect over the Aria 906 speakers. The mids are full and the highs are just right. This a Goldilocks matchup.

[@jean-pierrethibaudeau7201]

Very nice and interesting interview. But I have two corrections to make about the Naim 5si: first, the manual does indeed specs the power output at 4 ohms: 95 watts per channel. Also, the remote control has two different volume control modes, a rough one and a fine incremental one by pressing the volume up or down on the remote for a few seconds. It's all in the user manual. Also, the actual tested power of the 5si is 76 watts at 8 ohms and 115 watts at 4 ohms before it starts clipping. I just might pull the trigger on the 5si for my Magnepan MG-1c. Thanks.

[@78sound]

Nice discussion panel, thank you

[@t.j.bennett6454]

Also ty fir this video we need more of these types of reviews. Please flood the internet with them.

[@craigcoughlin1834]

Always great insights from Vilip (I hope I spelled that correctly)

[@PMC607]

I love how deep you go into explaining the naim sound even from just the Nait 5Si with no naim source. I’m really enjoying your channel. I respect and agree with a lot of your opinions. I’ve owned Naim since my mid-twenties and have throughly enjoyed working my way up some of the naim ladder. Sadly a lot of these so called KZbin reviewers haven’t owned the product for long enough, or have the tools to tweak things to make a system sound just right. It’s great that you guys are actual dealers and have real firsthand knowledge. You don’t just get given a product for a week or something. Have you made a trip to Salisbury yet? It’s a great experience if you haven’t been already. Love from the UK 🇬🇧

[@roa5359]

Surely one of the best subjective audio comparisons ever. I could not detect any bias and anyone between choosing one of these two amplifiers should now get an idea on what to expect and what to partner it with. -

[@MatthieuMAZERA]

I agree !

[@labalo5]

Thanks for this. Been hoping someone would compare these two at any level.

[@locmanw1583]

Naim is fast detailed with black background but the sound you can cut glass with it😮

[@mag-wp6yt]

Love these comparison discussions.

[@TD402dd]

For those who don't know what an audiophile is, check out this man's equipment because he's an audiophile.

[@freekwo7772]

One more thing - about pot - there is a section in manual about "nudge" mode. Press fast volume twice and then you can move the volume slowly...

[@mallydraycott1870]

Hello guys,here in the UK it's always been known that if you want a system to get your feet tapping then its Naim..Always been known for their drive,pace and tempo.

[@marklawrence4116]

Very nicely done Best wishes

[@jimp1646]

Excellent review. Please do some reviews of amps by Moon, Roksan and the Naim Supernait 3.

[@user-zh7eo2ul2v]

No no!!! Forget about Naim! Naim amplifiers made marketers... England and Danimark every time thing only about money and total saving... Naim Super Nait 3 have very very high distortion!!! 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎If you need 100-120 w amplifiers, look to Magnus Audio MA-360 and Perreaux 100P! This amplifiers best! Today top Model Magnus Audio MA-500 absolutely unique amplifier, absolutely linear amplifier THD level 0.001 %!!!!

[@krazzyDiamond]

Sounds like I would prefer Naim. Anyways I'm happy with my Hegel hd30 DAC

[@holgersaal1738]

Very nice Video! I very much appreciate the passion that you guys have talking about amplifiers and music, this is really great! In fact, I myself think of buying one of the two amps for my System. I have Dynaudio Excite X38, which amp would You prefer for those? Greetings from Germany!

[@altabriziyehya4735]

Wow just wow , now that’s a Channel I want to subscribe to

[@PanAmStyle]

So the revelation at the end that Naim cables weren’t used was interesting. I wonder how that might change the opinions, especially regarding low frequency extension. Maybe do a three second follow up? LOL

[@johnsweda2999]

Do you know the metal construction of the name cable is it a mixture of metals

[@CinemaDemocratica]

I'm sure you guys will mention this at some point -- I'm only about three minutes in -- but if you flip the interconnects going into the Naim, which is much easier, you can connect the speakers conventionally and you don't have to cross speaker wires.

[@edshipe2555]

Great group evaluation. Which one would you likely perfer with the Buchardt S400s?

[@r423sdex]

The Cyrus 82 dac qxr is an amazing amp.

[@anechoicchamber3237]

Really appreciate the time you take to go into depth on your review discussions, and that between the three of you, the listener gets a more balanced set of responses. I recently bought the LRS and wanted an amp to replace my Pathos Logos Mk 1 (now around 20 years old I think). I thought the PrimaLuna EVO 400 integrated would work well, but it really wasn't a huge change from the Pathos. Based on your review discussions on the LRS, I home demoed the NAIM NAIT XS3, and the synergy with the LRS is very good. I've never liked the NAIM sound too much (a little 'hard' to my ears) but the XS3 is sweet and musical while retaining that pace and timing that makes your foot tap. Just lovely. Interesting what you say about imaging Vs. soundstage. Either way, the LRS sound great - I put tracks on to demo and end up listening to the whole album! THANK YOU :) Full system now is: Marantz TT15 with Virtuoso (Soon to be replaced by a HANA ML) AVID Pulsus Phono Stage Naim CD5XS Naim Nait XS3 ISOL-8 Cleanline2 Tellurium Black II Speaker Cables Gothic Audio (UK independent) Silver IC's MCRU (UK) DIY mains cables

[@holbroni]

Did you use the Hegel's Dac or the DAC in the Zen mini?

[@philipgardiner2003]

Guys, 🙏 for doing these and doing them so well. Looking forward to perhaps a comparison of Triangle Antal EZ speakers vs Amphion and Totem Element Fire V2 vs Salk Exotica. BTW, I bought a Hegel H90 to go with a pair of Focal Electra 1008 BE’s. Fantastic pairing for every kind of music. Keep up the great work... from NYC. Cheers.

[@seedood]

Great review guys. Thanks!👍🏻

[@alvaroantonioocampogrey2823]

Great review! Would it be possible to drive the bigger 1.7i well with both or any of this amps at moderatly loud levels? I only have the budget for this models/wattages.

[@Mike82ARP]

Jay. At 24:00. You thinking of Trilok Gurtu as the drummer? BTW, you guys nailed the sound of each. Neither fit the bill for me and I ended up with the Rega Elicit-R (driving Dynaudio Focus 110).

[@thomasmoher9089]

I've been hearing good reviews on the new KLH 5. I wonder how these pairings would sound together.

[@NosTubes58]

And by all means........., try to hear Naim gear in general with the Witch Hat Audio n2 or Phantom speaker cables out of England, which were designed by a few guys that used to work at Naim, and built their cables to be spec’ed with said brand. As well as being more flexible then Naim’s NAC-A5, it’s more evenly balanced.

[@lapetitemortbis]

How do you think rega elex-r compares with these 2?

[@m.shanebridges2682]

If I'm using towers as my mains, with subs and a high pass filter on the towers, does power no longer play as big of a role, versus if I was running the mains with no filter? I would like to try the Hegel H95, but I'm concerned that maybe I'll miss the dynamics that something like a Hegel H160 would provide.

[@johnkristian]

so what was "the drum track"?!

[@varunu4176]

Please compare the Hegel H190 vs the Naim Supernait 3, I'd also appreciate if you could compare the phono and headphone out sections.

[@ryansudding667]

Would love this too

[@anjovandijk9797]

Aha interesting I came here to hear that quote again, I would love to see Vilip starts his own youtube channel, the way he can discribe the sound and character properties of a amplifier only Vilip can, I realy mis him,I hope he is well and wish him all the best

[@yannick930]

I wonder if one Omni directional mike in the center for everybody is possible ? It's really confusing earing the discussion with a resolving system. I wanted to feel like I was in the room with you guys :)

[@bshah4831]

How does the Naim compare to the Rega Elicit R?

[@saquibhussain6000]

Can you please give some perspective on how the H90 bass compares to a Class D (1k to 2k price range) amplifier bass? Just wanting to understand.

[@Nangaparba]

Have you had any shut down issues with the H120 or higher Hegel H series or the Ps Audio Stellar Strata?

[@anjovandijk9797]

Hi Vilip speaking of that haze distortion some amplifiers have in the background which gives a thickness to the sound, could you give an exemple of such an amplifier, I like that type of sound.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Niles lufgren use to be my go to for drum demos ! With Bass and drums sounds amazing on the Pioneer FS 52s yeah their cheap towers but their still awesome !

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

I'm assuming you're talking about Nils lofgren

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

@@crazyprayingmantis5596 Yes 😆

[@hirammarquez4489]

So which Nordost speaker cables did you use in this comparison?

[@reaality3860]

What amplifier available in the same price range best drives the Manapan LRS?

[@michaelgreco8614]

What sells me on the Naim gear is it’s the only amp I know that, when listening to live jazz, can make the people clapping the background actually sound real. Most other amps I know sound nasally and cannot provide the sense of realness. Hard to explain but I listen to a ton of live jazz where you can hear people singing or clapping in the background and the Naim just nails it. Spooky good but a bit overpriced imo

[@richardaston4752]

Really interesting.. have an H95 on order with Dali Oberon 7. Might be a bit laid back?

[@shahidyt]

Using the LRS and Hegel, listen to Migra by Santana. I love the drums at the start

[@lwwells]

I'm jealous of your setup. Enjoy it in good health.

[@AC-wl7ve]

do you guys have any thoughts on the anthem mca power amps?

[@gonzol46]

What a nice and gentle man ❤️👍 Thomas dk

[@johnsanders9688]

Thank you for your analysis. I own the Naim Nait 5si and I have it in combination with the Arcam Ir Dac using Kimber Silver Streak and inexpensive Elac speakers and its a killer system. Naim has a signature sound, you either like it or your don't! I can close my eyes and tell if I'm listening to a Naim amp or system and that is a credit to their design.

[@roquesoprano913]

John Sanders what Elac speaks are you using ? Thnks

[@johnsanders9688]

@@roquesoprano913 Elac B6 2.0 but just recently introduced into the same system KEF Q150's, small speakers but big sound, a better match with my Naim and Arcam front end!

[@RejuvenateHopewithPulsors]

I would love for you to do a review on Moon SimAudio. I am interested in purchasing the 340i X, but there is not a lot of reviews out there and they are a Canadian company. I heard that they are a very good product but again, there is not much review out there. Please help. Ps love your video, Thank You!!

[@brianvportugal1155]

I enjoy your videos and wanted to listen to your test tracks but The link isnt Working.

[@photorolensoman8101]

Naim Supernait 3 is my dream amplifier, but I can't afford it. Now I am interested in the Nait 5Si as a more affordable option.

[@andrewbrazier9664]

I've listened to the 5 & "Supernait 2. Went with the NS2 ( now NS3) which came close enough with the speakers (Focal) I had the budget for 👍 Very detailed sound & PRAT Yes metal tweeter can sound harsh with poor recordings. I've recently heard a Hegal 120 & believe this would soften that effect

[@austinlibby7025]

GREA T Subject, Adrian, I believe speaking with the window off the record best size I could I believe his concept with the allies places and name electronics company English company. They have a great solution that makes the LRS plus is sparkle and I think if you can get some big boxes of those, get the word out on the three that help I’m on. I think he gets some real good interest go away because many of us not us but many of the customers looking at Maggie‘s first time and no concept of what power certain power makes the sound, and he said the details probably what they’re gonna listen for in the store and you have a recommendation like that and if you can get some big boxes and be doing audio file with mega bands, excellent choice

[@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

[@henriksrensen5958]

Can you guys recomend VTL amplifiers?

[@V00ify]

being in canada thought simaudio moon would be everywhere in your vids.

[@larryhoffman7471]

I don't believe they carry Moon Audio. They carry Naim and Hegel.

[@flotinaway7]

I'm from the UK and love my Moon 240i along with my Anthem AV amp

[@jimji2774]

I think the Unity Atom has a more open top end compared to the the nait which has more punchy mids. I love the top end and might go get the Atom I tried back as I am finding I am missing something with my Elac 403's. I'm also an older guy fyi.

[@javiertan90]

Can you compare it with Exposure amp ?

[@MrShaggy789]

I do enjoy these comparison videos where you each provide your personal take. As someone new to audiophile equipment I would be interested to hear your thoughts on sought-after tube amps (budget $3000 Canadian dollars). Just to get me started looking in the right direction. After going to showroom demonstrations my musical tastes seem to veer towards tubes. Want musical experience to be fun not analytical. Any thoughts would be appreciated by Audio Excellence.

[@MrShaggy789]

@@adrianlow2114 Thank you. Looking forward to the next video.

[@johnwhite2576]

I was a tuber aficionados for many years-mac, Cary , VTL, etc, esp on. Electrostatic speakers. Only solid state amp that was remotely good was Quads Own amp...but with the quality of todays better solid state amps, esp some of the better switching amps/class D’s like Purifi, NuCore NC400 and Pascal, or Hegels sound engine or THX AAA, even these hard to drive speakers musically and dynamically and loud, arent a problem with solid state . Stay away from tubes (which often require exotic cables as well) and spend the time and money you have on listening to music through a NAIM,Hegel, Technics, or Benchmark . Seriously. Ive never understood why anyone would like to mow their own lawns for 2 hours every saturday or fool around with the expense, reliability, Maintainence , heat of tube amp. Just ask any woman- they know not to date any guy who owns a cat or a tube amplifier (for real) ! !

[@MrJason9142002]

My top end is audiophile grade. My bottom is Best Buy clearance grade. The source is tidal streamed on my tv thru a dac. When I play test music for “audiophile tracks” it’s fine. When I play rock or electronic I can hear it get messy. Not muddy bass just messy. Help!!

[@tahsinguneysu2313]

I bought Magnat Quantum Signature speakers and then tried Naim Si and Hegel H90 . I bought Naim.

[@glencooper2295]

How does the Naim Nait 5Si sound with Monitor Audio RS6?

[@ping2dk]

I bought the HEGEL 2.th. hand for only 932 $ §;-) and use it with the 3000 $ DAC: Audio Alchemy DDP 1 and PS 5 Power Supply and the TRITON TWO + speakers, which takes over the bass with its 1200 watt bass amp down to 24 hz - so I get the best of all worlds.

[@charlesclifton1006]

Hmmmm. I've heard the Hegel with the small Harbeths and thought "These 2 would make the ultimate desk-top system". I love orchestrated/movie sound tracks, piano etc. BUT,,, I also want the amp to run my larger (to be) LRS "room" system. As well, I also love Jazz/Fusion and well recorded anything if it is musical (subjective). Okay so now I am thinking why not have both the Hegel and the Naim. I was thinking about the H190 but perhaps the H90 would suffice along with the Naim. I've never quite thought this way before but my love of music is so deep that given my age (retired) I just might become a 2 amp kinda-guy. Does this make any sense? Should fun make sense?

[@FrankySilverFace]

Charles Clifton why stop at 2. I have 4 complete systems including CD player, tuner and 4 speakers/system. Systems from the 70's 90's 2000's. Now I'm moving into recently released products but I don't have super hi end stuff because of cost. I'm a music fan not necessarily an audiophile.

[@williamgiovannettone5935]

Thanks guys 😁

[@cliffordcostley9798]

Jay. Would you say that the Parasound NewClassic 200 is a budget conscious alternative to the Naim Nate? Also, have you heard the drum intro to the soundtrack of "The Abyss," movie?

[@ManiVaas]

Hi end means hi priced? Just my question for long time

[@armanddimeo6575]

The Rega Elex-R also has great PRaT and includes a phono stage. At less than $1,800, it is a better value than either of the above amps, especially if you have an analog based system.

[@t.j.bennett6454]

I personally very much dislike metal dome tweeters and for sure would not like the naim with a metal dome but possibly with the hegel. Flip side of that is that while I prefer soft dome over metal they seem to lack engagement and natural timbre in the upper frequencies so the naim might be better with them. I live a beautiful airy and forward sound but room acoustics play a big role. If room was treated properly I would probably enjoy the naim a bit with something like a folded motion or ribbon tweeter

[@yeohcheeseong]

Hi, from Malaysia, would appreciate if you could do Mcintosh MA7200 with Naim Supernait 3. Thank you in advance.

[@Romulus980]

I use to have a Naim Pre& Power set up, on band music such as The Pogues , Santana and Rhythm driven music Naim for me was in it's element but on different genres such as classical music there was something lacking for me maybe it was the limited soundstage...?

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

It is interesting that you compare a pure analog integrated amp with an integrated amp that is both a bit cheaper and contains a DAC and a network streamer which is a substantial part of the cost of the piece.

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

Adrian Low the naim lacks pre output as far as i can see.

[@leonarddaneman810]

Hegel's big brother uses MOSFET . . . most amps use BJT. What about NAIM? Makes a difference in sound.

[@dbronx347]

I was going towards the Hegel until the mention of it shutting. That's a deal breaker for me. Does anyone know if the Naim is a good fit for the Dynaudio Excite and Evoke?

[@Rene_Christensen]

Did not watch the whole thing so could you elaborate ?

[@sergeyp6465]

What about H190 vs Supernait 3 comparison?

[@57luciano]

hegel nul

[@brianvportugal1155]

I agree with Phillip, the H120 would be a better comparison. You need to equalize for component costs. How does that compare with the Naim si?

[@afaiz288]

What speaker wires do Naim recommend??? I have QED Anniversary edition??

[@byeck63]

Naim NAC A5 for one. That’s what I use. (I also have QED Silver Anniversary XT for my surround sound AV system!)

[@jeffinnh76]

Will the H190 drive the 1.7i's?

[@jonuiuc]

I had heard the Naims have mostly very low damping factor, in contrast to the famously high damping factor of the Hagels. Seems like for planar speakers the high damping factor has the effect of deepening or increasing the perceived bass. But in contrast, I've seen statements that on drivers that are naturally very damped, a low damping factor helps them have a little more life and bass. I guess depending on the nature of the drivers in the speakers used, there would be different outcomes. Edit: punctuation.

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

so for some speakers the Hegel will be the best, and for some others the Naim will be the best.

[@cliffordcostley9798]

I think that you have to use Naim type cables to get the proper interfacing between their amplifier and most loudspeakers.

[@infn]

So the use of the LRS in this comparison was more of a test of the two amplifiers' ability to output power down to 4 ohms, since it is a hard to drive loudspeaker. It's also the entry level Magnepan at around $600 though, so would it be a valid test of resolution and fine details? If someone was spending $2000+ on an integrated amp, it would only make sense if their speakers were at least at the $2500 level of refinement.

[@ufarkingicehole]

Tell me a more refined speaker that's $2500 than the LRS?

[@infn]

@@ufarkingicehole The 1.7i for starters

[@ufarkingicehole]

@@infn the point is that magnepans are pretty difficult to drive compared to q ton of other speakers thus is a pretty legit example to use.

[@infn]

@@ufarkingicehole Which I stated in the first place. But it's the wrong Maggie. It should be at least the also hard to drive Magnepan 1.7i at $2000+ or 3.7i at $5000+. No one spends $2000 on amplification to drive $650 speakers. If they are, they're doing it wrong. There are bigger gains to be had with upgrading speakers, than upgrading amplification beyond the speaker price. Even if the use of the LRS's is just to prove a point, it's not a real world example and not 100% relevant.

[@borlach321]

The Hegel shut down? Why?

[@spvlinn9009]

Linn sounds should sit between these two brands.

[@yannick930]

I wanted to ask how does the Naim compare to the Atoll In30 or In50 Signature ? Thanks in advance.

[@yantrussart6584]

They're in whole different league : NAIM's sound is fleshier, is better at handling PRaT and keeps vos composure at higher volume. I vas an Atoll IN80 and the sound, while dynamic and detailed, was thin, cold and shouty as soon as I neared the 70db mark. Needless to say I don't have fond memories of this amp.

[@brianvportugal1155]

Any update for naim 5si? They updated. Super sit and XX.

[@brianvportugal1155]

(Autocorrect) supernait and XS

[@dudiflug3804]

Naim nait 5si VS parasound 275 v2?

[@alexanderscott3790]

Is the naim or hegel more dynamic? Does one have an active preamp gain stage, while one is Passive??? That matters! Im supposing the Hegel is passive pre section

[@rakyatbiasa702]

Alexander Scott naim is the one with passive preamp

[@alexanderscott3790]

@@rakyatbiasa702 interesting. Passive pre amps baffle me. Yeah i get the clean clear detailed sound. But dynamics??? Schheeeeayeahh not so much! I prefer active gain, historically

[@alexanderscott3790]

@@adrianlow2114 great. I'll be the judge of that! I'll try

[@robh9079]

@@alexanderscott3790 Have owned a Nait 5i - they are very dynamic imo, a bit noisy though...

[@janulik9535]

there it is key moment in this video 25:35 + ,:D:D, ...any recomendation in between those two amps (which wil have good transformer size and not worm sound)? I mean seriosley I would apreciate if sombody gives me a hand with this because I cant find. Any advice very much apeciated

[@emanon321]

So, "organic" is your audiophile four-letter word? I thought perhaps "musical" might be. :) I'm also seriously considering a Hegel to use strictly with my Maggie .7's and not my SF's paired with tubes, during hot weather. The tube gear functions as a space heater.

[@losriosprofundos2113]

I’ve never heard a Hegel, but audiophiles seems to love them. However, you almost never see Hegel amps on best integrated lists. Any theories on why?

[@LeoRousseau]

I'm very Hegel curious myself. 🇺🇦🇺🇸👊

[@moriart13]

The trick of naim 5i is not too look under the bonnet😂😂😂