Hi,

Having listened to the Naim Nait 5i system (cd plus amp), I am planning to purchase it, but I can't decide which speakers to demo to match it. My friend has ProAc Studio 100, so I can check this combination, what do you think of these speakers working with Naim? Do you have other suggestions?

I listen to rock, hard rock, sometimes jazz and classical music. Previously I used cheap Rotel and B&W stuff (cheap equipment, cheap sound), then I switched to Cyrus (ok, but it sounded too lean), and now I am looking for a more rock'n roll sound again, but a bit more refined than the one offered by NAD or Rotel. The room is around 18 square meters.

By the way, so far I have listened to old Naim 5i, I have plans to demo 5i-2. Is there a substantial difference between the old 5i and the new one (cd plus amp)?

thanks in advance

thanks a lot for that thread.

One of the speakers mentioned there is Epos. There are Epos m12i. But I read in the specification of those speakers that the recommended power of the amp is from 50 to 150 W. Isn't Nait 5i too weak for these speakers?

I would recommend you go for the Nait 5i-2 rather than the older model, good though that is. Both work well with the ProAc Studio 100 which is fairly easy to drive.

It depends the original 5i is more rock and roll the 5i-2, a more reserved and refined sound. I happen to prefer the original, but like they say different strokes for different folks!!!!!!!!

I use PMC TB2+'s with my CD5i/Nait5i and I can safely say these sound absolutely superb with well-recorded CD's of any genre.

Mine are fed with the ubiquitous NACA5 and sit on PMC Tube60 stands with Linn Skeet floor-protectors. My room is acoustically treated with RealTraps panels.

There's another useful thread on this exact topic here and this includes a pic of my set-up.

That's quite a small room you have there - I'd have some concerns that you can place them in an optimum position. Are you flexible with this or are they going to be stuck in a corner or up against a wall or something?

I've not heard the ProAc's for a good few years but my local dealer stocks them and says if he wasn't already a Pro-Ac dealer he'd definitely stock PMC's.

James, I wasn't precise when it comes to the room size, my room is 23 square meters, the listening area is around 18 meters. I think there is enough space for studio 100.

But let's leave the speakers for a while. I have another question: how big is the difference between 5i and 5i-2? I listened to 5i a lot and I was very impressed with its performance, but I have difficulty with getting 5i-2 to demo it in my hometown. Is buying 5i-2 without listening to it knowing that I know 5i well and that I haven't bought speakers yet a great risk?

thanks again for help

quote:

Is buying 5i-2 without listening to it knowing that I know 5i well and that I haven't bought speakers yet a great risk?

No it's not. Get the CD and amp and then worry about speakers. Have a listen to Naim's nsats too.

Nigel

ok thanks.

please tell me one more thing, what do you think about linking Naim with Monitor Audio. I know that they are far from being neutral, but I am not looking for a neutral sound. After owning Cyrus, I am looking for more musicality and warmth

quote:

what do you think about linking Naim with Monitor Audio

For warmth, I'd try some small Spendors, which are very nice if you want that sort of thing. For 'musicality' (if by that you mean something that sucks you into the music) I'd get nSats. But they are what I have, so I'm biased. PMC GB1 is another good choice with the Nait. Listening in your own home is the ideal, which may be hard in Poland, but maybe not. Any Naim dealer should be willing to lend you some speakers to try.

Nigel

spendors - I've been thinking about them, too. PMC - they are not popular in Poland, I would have to check if they are distributed here.

let me precise my preferences when it comes the sound - I listen to rock and hard rock mainly, sometimes jazz and classical music (usually orchestral works). But rock n roll is no 1 music genre for me.

So, the speakers should be dynamic, should have good bass, and should be musical - by musical I meant pleasant to listen to (without harsh treble etc) but ideally they should be detailed, too. So great expectations given the price, I guess

One more thing, my room brightenes up the sound a little bit.

hungryhalibut, thanks a lot for your contribution, You do help me a lot.

quote:

So, the speakers should be dynamic, should have good bass, and should be musical

Another speaker that may be ideal for you is Naim's Ariva. It is no longer made, but your dealer may be able to get his hands on a pair. They certainly have good bass, and are a very good match for the Nait.

If I were you, I'd get the CD player and amp, run it with your existing speakers and then take your time in choosing new ones. Speakers are very personal, and you must take your time. Choosing CD players and amps is easy; finding a speaker you like is much, much, harder.

Nigel

A friend of mine runs Monitor Audio Silver RS600 on the end of his Nait5i.
They sound very nice around £600 a pair.
Munch

quote:

They sound very nice around £600 a pair

I've always had a soft spot for Monitor Audio. My first proper speakers was a pair of MA7s in about 1975.

Nigel

thanks for your advice. Indeed, once I buy Naim, I will take my time selecting good speakers.

I have one more question, a trivial one, but I haven't had Naim yet, so I don't know: is Naim IC (DIN cable) attached to CD or amp or do I have to buy it seperately?

Hi Zentaur,

A Naim IC is included with the CD player. So you will be all set.

I started with a CD5i and Nait5i. Excellent choice! Just upgraded to a CD5x last year.

Regards,
Pat

great! so I I don't have to worry about IC.

thanks for help.