what to Buy : Naim Super Nait or Naim XS2

[vijwilso]

To the naim fans out there - I am thinking of getting one of this . Pls pour-in your suggestion

- Power comparison
Difference is 10 Watts . Does it make significant difference . I have lower sensitivity spendor , may go for Harbeth in future .


- DAC - Will it be comparable to new gen Naim CD players -
Considering most of my audio is in the the files and no CD player yet , i feel SuperNait is higher on value proposition.

- Any / All other aspect , your listening experience with these amplifiers

 

[panditji]

I am assuming you are comparing the older Supernait with DAC vis a vis the new XS-2...I am using the XS-2 (older one, not the new model) with the Compact 7 and I think it is a good all rounder considering I play all kinds of music.....
The Supernait with DAC would be better for you as you get a super amp with a very good DAC in one box which can simply be connected to your laptop/PC...

I am still struggling to buy a good DAC with the XS and I think you can save the trouble I am going through with a one box solution...

 

[vijwilso]

Thanks Panditji

Yes, it is old Super Nait vs the new XS-2 .

I am little confused whether to buy XS-2 now ( have a exposure CD player, so not in a hurry to upgrade the DAC )and later a Naim nDAC or V1 . I assume the standalone naimDAC should be better than the supernait DAC .
But for the amplification part XS2 is 10watts less , that is an advantage with the superNait.

 

[panditji]

The older XS that I have can easily drive the Harbeth Compact 7s...the new XS-2 has an additional 10 Watts than the older one so driving the Harbeths should never be any problem....

I too have looked at the V1 but it is too expensive for me ...So a Supernait with more power as well as a DAC would be perfect....I see used ones on sale in the Uk for 1600 GBP so it is a steal....

 

[vijwilso]

the Nait XS2 Auction was outbid by 20 pounds in the last few seconds . I think I need to get the SuperNait 'on buy it now'

 

[Dr.Bass]

Killerbrain, you could also consider this option:
Nait 5i + Naim DAC.

This will be better than a SuperNait. The XS is a decent amp but it is not as refined as either the 5i or the SuperNait. It is infact less powerful than a 5i. Where the XS is better is frequency extension. It has more top end air than a 5i and a tad more resolution too. But over all I always preferred the 5i for its more natural and powerful presentation. The Supernait sounds bigger than the 5i with deeper and more powerful bass punch. If you are getting a very sweet deal on a Supernait, go for it.

 

[vijwilso]

Thanks Bass . I just saw your post .

I bought the XS2 already , will be getting it here in couple of weeks .

We will be able to compare it with the Nait 5i also ( friend's amp ) . Will post it .

 

[panditji]

Congrats sir..is it the new one with improved power or the older one with the improved fascia?

 

[vijwilso]

I never know if there is a difference in xs2 , thanks for bringing it. I will ask the seller before he ships it

 

[panditji]

The new XS-2 which came out in July has 10 additional watts of power whereas the models before July,13 just have an improved fascia....since you are buying a used XS-2, I am assuming it is not the new one....do check with the seller..