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Hello, I'm wondering if someone can help. I have very limited access to gear to audition where I live. I have an old Naim set up and would like to modernise. I will source via a NAS server.
I was thinking to get a Naim Superuniti or a Cambridge Audio Stream magic 6 v2 with an Azur 851 w power amp...
Does anyone have any opinions on the merits of either of these two systems?
My speakers are Sonus Faber.
Many thanks
Follow Ups:
pwood- what did you decide to purchase?
Hello all,
Well, I've had the Supernait 2 for a week now and it's slowly improving. At first it seemed the sound was very thin & toppy. Over the week it seems to have filled out a little and the sound is a little more relaxed. Sometimes it's hard to believe that a track isn't being played quicker than before.
Early on I left my Rel subwoofer out of the system, I wanted to hear the new amp on its own. However I wired it back in after a few days and am enjoying the music much more.
Am hoping to get subtle improvements to the sound as time goes on.
I do have a small problem with the amp; when adjusting the volume or balance controls I can feel an electrical buzz or vibration. Have checked earths etc, and the issue persists even if I unplug the CD player from the amp. Has anyone any thoughts? I will take it back to the dealer when I get a chance. ( the amp is really heavy compared to the nait3)
Excellent choice! pwood.
Keep your lovely Naim system and add a Superuniti.
As already said, Naim is true high-end, Cambridge is good value entry-level. Not to be snobbish or anything but... i've always found Naim appealing and Cambridge rather ... huh... "bleh". My own opinion of course...
I'd prefer Naim.
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Which Sonus Fabers are you running? Depending on the room and the volume levels (and the music you listen to), they do tend to like more rather than less power, don't they?
The Uniti is like 30wpc while the Cambridge probably would have a lot more authority at loud volumes. If used with a good preamp, that is. OTOH most listening happens at far lower power levels. Hard to know without trying out the combination.
For the longer term I would use a good integrated amplifier, like the 5i, and the Naim front end without the built in amp. Separating the digital circuitry from the amplification circuitry is a really good idea, while separate preamp/power amp units is not so important.
Give the Naim dealer in Wellington a call, see what they say.
Cheers
Cheers for that Tom. My S.Fabers are Grand Pianos.
I've been very interested in everyone's ideas, and it has helped me sort out the best road to take. I had a chance to get into my local Naim dealer today and am now the proud father of a new Supernait 2.
I just need to sort the front end when finances allow. The nd5 xs seems a logical choice?
Really looking forward to your review. Please post soon.
charles
Welcome! pwood-
Naim is the better product, especially, if you are going to keep it in your system for many years.
Think of what you need, how to control your music, connectivity, new technologies etc before deciding.
I bought and early uniti with the assurance that it would be upgradable so that it could be controlled with an iPad.... Well, 9 months later they announced that it was possible.
My model was upgradable via a board change as well as software updates for $1100.00. The naim help in England was great, the one here in U.S. not that good.
My stodgy McIntosh offered better service....
So think on connectivity and upgradeability....
Fair points. The reason the Cambridge attracted my attention was that it's a two box set up, thereby making the input side of things easy to change as technology moves forward.
However I do appreciate the combined wisdom of the replys being firmly in favour of Naim.
Quality of the product is very important.
One thing I would be wary of is commingling technologies. I know you want an all in one. But with the rapidly changing world of digital streaming media, you may not want to hedge your bet to heavily on one unit. It may not be the best thing to have your stereo bundled with something else. Kind of like having that all in one TV/VCR/DVD.
Buy a stereo and look into perhaps the Marantz NA7004.
charles
Charles I think that's a valid point. I've never been a fan of all in ones as such, and things are developing so fast that redundancy looms large, just like the world of computers.
Naim make a Naim Nait SuperNait 2 Integrated Amplifier which I believe is a very nice amp.
So the question is what front end? Will have a look at the Marantz, and any other alternative suggestions?
I found the Naim integrated amp to be very nice, easy to use as well.
Keep us posted.
I really enjoy the NAIM cd players. Very musical, easy on your ears listening. Until I can demo the more upper high-end spinners, this is my fave player for now. These guys build great gear. No games, no gimmicks. The way I like it...
I think the 'you have to use our speaker wire or our amplifiers aren't stable' (and yes, that's exactly what they've told me) is a raging gimmick.
If their speaker wire didn't suck so much it wouldn't matter that much, but it's stiff as garden hose.
"We are all in God's hands... and God is a malign thug."
-Mark Twain
Naim over Cambridge in a New York minute.
"We are all in God's hands... and God is a malign thug."
-Mark Twain
Thanks both for the information
Re retained value, I recall years ago getting fabulous back up from Naim when my CD player became ill. It was fixed free of charge even though the warranty had expired.
I will keep reading up on dacs, etc. One of the seeming advantages of the Superuniti is cost.
With seperate components costs seem to spiral ever upwards...
If you lived in the home country of both of these brands you wouldn't necessarily think of asking the question:
Cambridge = Good entry level equipment made in China and sold exclusively via discount retailers Richer Sounds in the UK. Low retained value
Naim = Real high end brand, made in England sold via specialist retailers. High retained value.
Does that help?
Both are pretty good. However I would do a little more research on the DAC and streaming end of both. If you start reading more and more about proprietary station selections - run! You want full internet access to stations.
I seem to be leaning towards the Naim. However I have not heard either unit. Just their older gear.
charles
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