Even though decades have gone by, NAIT 5si has kept its originality, with the same traditional look and feel. This incredible amplifier has maintained the engineering challenge of offering maximum performance while keeping engineering efficiency.
The technology for amplifiers has gone a notch higher today. The NAIT 5si, however, holds the same position as the Naim line. You get the same configuration as with the original NAIT.
Its performance is quite recommendable. It may seem new to the modern generation, considering just how far amplifiers have come.
The 5si comes with four analog inputs and a 60watt per channel amp. There is also a new headphone amplifier in the box, with many other technologies borrowed from Naim’s wide range of products.
I have become quite a fan of the brand myself. Each product they bring on the market is aimed at providing maximum ability to communicate the fundamentals of the music industry.
And the NAIT 5si does not disappoint.
For those of us who want clarity, engaging dynamics, and engaging functionality is all music types; this amplifier performs beyond expectation.
Specifications of Naim Nait 5si integrated amplifier
The naim nait 5i amp comes with
- 60W per channel into 8ohm and 90W into 4ohm
- Four ability inputs in front panel
- ¼ inch from panel headphone output
- A toroidal power source with two windings
- A beautiful aluminum case with black power coating on products
- British construction and design in their products
- 6 35mm jack
- An original nait with remote control
- Proven track record of products
What makes the Naim NAIT 5si special
I would like to take you back to some history of amplifiers. A few of us may still remember the time when audio was divided into two major interests.
On the one hand, there was the NY world, where members believed “all amplifiers sound similar” in terms of harmony distortion. They also held on the belief that good speakers are the most important component of a sound system.
The other group – the flat-earthers claimed the turntable was the most crucial part of the playback chain. Tonearm cartridges were of secondary importance with preamps and amplifiers coming in last.
This theory, “front end first,” was the most outspread idea among audiophiles in the 1980s. Unsurprisingly, it was fueled by Ivor Tiefenbrun, the brain behind the turntable.
To flat earthers, the system’s ability to preserve and convey pace, rhythm, and timing (as described by Tiefenbrun) determined musical enjoyment level.
I never believed any of these ideas made sense. I have tried so much to learn proper listening skills and what to go for when choosing the right audio components for music production. Much of what I know came from Julian Vereker, the man behind Naim Audio.
The first person to bring up some sense into other audiophiles was Christ Frankland. He once declared that the Flat Response would not pull its punches. To him, it would remain a no-holds-barred, practical new idea in the market.
Competitors were too complicated for consumers. They talked in terms of treble, midrange, bass, and imagery coloration, terms that were too complex for most consumers.
Naim Audio held to this spirit and became one of the first producers to leave the “straight with wire gain” definition of the best stereo amplifier as brought up by Peter Walker. Naim Audio went further to abandon the race for power and vanishing volumes of full harming distortion.
And in 1983, after a decade of constructing separate parts, Naim introduced the Nait as their first integrated amplifier. The company believed that the character and quality of an amps’ power output were most famous for producing excellent sound than power rating.
For this reason, the original chrome-bumper NAIT was so good it changed the world of amplifiers. Today, the NAIT 5si offers that same importance.
Introducing the NAIT
Naim introduced three new NAITs in 2013 as part of celebrating the brand’s 40th birthday and the 30th for the NAIT. The three included the 5si, the XS 2, and the Classic SuperNAIT 2.
The NAIT 5si is the best example of the original product, installed with line-level integration and a discrete headphone amp. It does not have the phono stage, DAC, or Bluetooth capability, but sounds really good.
In Naimspeak, i means introductory, which makes the amplifier an essential part of its productions.
I like the look on the front panel as it appears strong and handsome. The volume control, in part, comes with pleasurable stability and assurance of motion.
It comes with a headphone socket and four source-selection buttons that feel wonderful under the fingers. It looks pretty basic from the outside, yet very powerful underneath.
The build and design
The aluminum front fascia on the naim amplifiers is nothing new, only that the volume control is situated to the left with little focus to detail. It has four input buttons to the right, which makes it look wonderfully vintage.
The real action comes under the hood for this naim amplifier. Unlike the previous version, the power output has been upgraded from 50W to 60W per channel int0 8 ohm for their headphone output. This power is attributed to an oversize toroidal transformer and a better power supply for the nait 5si integrated amplifier.
There is also an improvement on the circuit board and wiring loom. With Naim DAC-V1, you can enjoy a more seamless power supply.
The components in the power amp stage and all signal capacitors have also received all the important upgrades.
You may also like the inputs. It comes with traditional four stereo RCA ins and two DIN connectors. Unfortunately, the amp does not come with a screen. Instead, the selected input will show a green light around it.
Better performance
What would you expect from an amplifier that costs you close to $2000? Well, for me, I would want to get the ultimate power and drive.
And the Naim delivers.
There is genuine energy and focus behind the performance that will make you think of something more than 60 watts. I tried it out without “The Theme from Jurassic Park by John Williams, and the delivery was fulfilling. This is one of the most dynamic tracks, which proved 5si rises to the challenge. Every sound, including the weight of the crashing cymbals, came out perfectly.
Another thing I noted is that Naim does not sacrifice delicacy for authority. They have drawn a thin line between muscle and subtlety, something you don’t get every day.
Pros
- nait 5si integrated amplifier delivers strong dynamic and strong performance
- It comes with incredible details.
- You get powerful, yet highly refined sound
- The huge scale and large authority.
Cons
- I thought it could be smoother.
- The competition is tougher.
Alternatives
I have been hearing about the Rega Elex-R a lot over the past few years. I have not been able to get my hands on one, but it seems a pretty incredible choice. It offers more power at 72.5 WPC into 8 ohms. But it comes with relatively the same features price tag.
If you are looking for other high-end amplifiers in the same category, I would suggest you try out the NAD’s C388 instead of the nait 5si. You may also get more watts per channel and better remote control access for their front panel. It comes with additional forms of digital connectivity and a D-to-A connection using their 6 35mm jack as well. The three analog inputs – including one MM phono input – offer a wide range of applications. Also, it supports Bluetooth connectivity and BluOS wireless multiroom functionality and access through their remote control.
Verdict
If you want to invest in a high-quality amplifier, the nait 5si integrated amplifier could be an excellent choice. Normally, I wouldn’t pick any amp without a USB input, but the price-to-performance ratio of the Naim NAIT 5si is just something else. So, for those who need an all-analog hi-fi amplifier, you can absolutely trust the nait 5si integrated amplifier.
