Help needed with using Naim Nait 5i with turntable

[Hugh Roberts]

I have just bought a Naim Nait 5i second hand and being a novice I thought that the Nait range was an integrated amp and did not need a preamp but after a little more research it appears that the 1, 2 and 3 have phone inputs but not the 5 which has two tape inputs??? Do I need to buy a preamp to use this, I rearlly only listen to vinyl so should I have gone for a 1, 2 or 3 or can I get a preamp for a reasonable price. Secondly on arrival the amp appears to have a wobbly front which was not mentioned by the seller, I have emailed him and he said yes he knew and had been advised it was not a problem [ thanks for not telling me]. He has said I am welcome to send it back. Any advice welcomed, I have a sitting room full of packaging, cables etc and I cant even put a record on and open a beer My turntable is a rega planer 3 if that helps.

[struth]

i'd send it back if your not happy. it shouldnt have an unknown to you wobbly bit. if you keep it then you need a phono amp. depending on your cartridge, either a mm or a mc or both if your thinking of changing carts. The inputs are all line level so a TT needs to be amplified to line level.

[Hugh Roberts]

Thanks for reply, as I said I am a hifi novice so didnt understand all of your answer. I probably will send it back because of the wobbly front but if not what sort of cost is a phono amp and I am right that the Nait 1, 2 and 3 dont need this.

[struth]

On second point I don't know. You would need to check specs.

On first well how longs a piece of string. You get them all prices but I'd think a minimum of £150. Might be better getting one with a stage built in this time

[walpurgis]

I'd send it back too.

Why did you opt for a Naim Nait 5i Hugh?

If you are putting a starter record playing system there are other options. Probably at less cost. It would be helpful to know what you are aiming to achieve.

What speakers will you be using or are you having a headphone system?

Phono stages (amps) start at around £80 and the sky is the limit upwards pricewise. Some amps come equipped with built in phono stages.

[Hugh Roberts]

Someone recommended the Nait 3 as a good integrated amp, I reviewed a bit and came back with great reviews so was looking for a 3 but also review said that the 5 was an updated improved model and I saw one on ebay and bid. It seems very strange to me why the earlier models have turntable inputs and the 5 does not but it retains the tape input. If I do buy a preamp where should I start or if I send it back am I right that the Nait 1 2 or 3 do not need the preamp? I have a rega planer 3 and B&W DM4 speakers and I listen mostly to vinyl but not on headphones. Thanks for help. Hugh

[walpurgis]

I can't advise you on the other Naits, not having tried them. Mainly because I steadfastly refuse to use Naim equipment.

Reviews by the way, are very deceptive. Try and find a bad one of any amp or other bit of Hi-Fi. There aren't many.

There are many amps that will work well with the DM4 speakers and give you a very decent sound. What is your budget?

[pjdowns]

Get yourself one of these:

http://www.rega.co.uk/fono-mini-a2d.html

They're remarkably good considering their low price.

[Hugh Roberts]

Any reason why you refuse to use Naim, lots of people seem to rearlly like them. I paid £410 for the amp so around that price.
Cheers

[walpurgis]

Get yourself one of these:

http://www.rega.co.uk/fono-mini-a2d.html

They're remarkably good considering their low price.

Probably as good as any at the price. :)

[walpurgis]

Any reason why you refuse to use Naim, lots of people seem to rearlly like them. I paid £410 for the amp so around that price.
Cheers

There are happy Naim users, but I've listened to plenty of Naim equipment and not heard anything I'd like to live with. Only my opinion, but I regard Naim gear as overpriced and overrated.

There are decent second hand amplifiers available that would drive your B&W speakers well and sound remarkably good at a fifth of the price you paid.

[Hugh Roberts]

Looks reasonable and presumably compatible with everything else I have.

[Hugh Roberts]

What would you suggest I look at Walpurgis?

[walpurgis]

What would you suggest I look at Walpurgis?

A rega Brio R perhaps. A decent, well built amp with good built in phono stage and probably available for around £300 in mint condition. Rega make good value products.

Or if you want to save money, my usual budget recommendation. The Denon PMA-350SE. Very good sound quality, plenty of power and reliable. Normally under £100 in top condition. Can occasionally be found with built in phono stage, but not often. A bargain for the sound on offer.

Both the above will work fine with the DM4's.

[petrat]

Hi Hugh.

Yes, unfortunately the modern Nait 5 series does not have an input for a turntable. They also do not have wobbly front panels! (wobbly sockets, yes, .. they are designed that way). I suspect the bargain price reflected that problem. However, I'd send it back or take it to Naim, who are in just up in Salisbury, and might sort it for you while you wait.

If you decide to keep it, you can buy a cheap phonostage (see post 8), which you plug into the Aux socket on the Naim and then plug your turntable into it. This is a common thing, and any dealer can advise.

As people suggest, if you do send it back, try to find a Rega Brio, which will work well with your turntable ... it's a simpler solution.

A lot of the 'old-timers' haven't heard modern Naim amps, and are basing their comments on older models, which could be a little 'strident' in their sound. That is not the case with current models. I have owned both current Nait 5si and the 'previous generation' Rega Brio R, and the Naim is marginally the better amplifier, but the Rega is better value.

Hope that helps :D

[struth]

Hi Hugh.

Yes, unfortunately the modern Nait 5 series does not have an input for a turntable. They also do not have wobbly front panels! (wobbly sockets, yes, .. they are designed that way). I suspect the bargain price reflected that problem. However, I'd send it back or take it to Naim, who are in just up in Salisbury, and might sort it for you while you wait.

If you decide to keep it, you can buy a cheap phonostage (see post 8), which you plug into the Aux socket on the Naim and then plug your turntable into it. This is a common thing, and any dealer can advise.

As people suggest, if you do send it back, try to find a Rega Brio, which will work well with your turntable ... it's a simpler solution.

A lot of the 'old-timers' haven't heard modern Naim amps, and are basing their comments on older models, which could be a little 'strident' in their sound. That is not the case with current models. I have owned both current Nait 5si and the 'previous generation' Rega Brio R, and the Naim is marginally the better amplifier, but the Rega is better value.

Hope that helps :D

your feeling brave today Peter :D

[petrat]

I'm one meself :(

[narabdela]

A lot of the 'old-timers' haven't heard modern Naim amps, and are basing their comments on older models, which could be a little 'strident' in their sound. That is not the case with current models.

Well, I'm certainly an 'old-timer' and I'll admit to not having listened to a Naim amp for a couple of decades, possibly more. The sound that you describe as 'a little strident' had me heading for the hills clutching my ears. Maybe I ought to cut them some slack and try again.

Either way, I wouldn't bother faffing around your wobbly-panelled Naim. Send it back and get a Brio. You won't regret it.

[hifi_dave]

What would you suggest I look at Walpurgis?

If you haven't already done so, you need to return that Nait because it shouldn't have a 'wobbly' front panel.

If you are spending £400 or so and then another £150 for a phono stage, I would strongly suggest you investigate the new Rega Brio. This is a great integrated amp, far better than the Nait to my ears and it has an excellent phono stage built in.