Hello,
unfortunately, for various reasons I am considering a downgrade from Nac72/Nap180/HiCap to Nait 2 (all olive). I will keep with me the rest of the system: Sonus Faber Concertino first series and Thorens TD125.
I ask those who have already had a similar experience: what does such a downgrade entail in terms of quality? Will the difference be decisive or will the Naim footprint remain similar?
Thanks for your time
Much as i really dig what a cute little nait 2 can do, it canât really compensate for the ability of a 72 separate system; the most noticeable being music requiring more volume and depth of organic spaciousness.
My advice is not to take the 72 system for granted, it is the heart of soul of a fabulous budget system, a keeper, and also adaptable with more amp wattage later if/when conditions allow.
I have a Nait 2 (CD) in my second system which has identical speakers to my primary system.
My primary system is ND5xs2/nDAC/PS555DR into 72/HC/250 (recapâd)
Sometimes for fun Iâll swap the Nait 2 into my primary system, and I can say up to volume setting before 8 oâclock I can vaguely hear a difference, none of my audio buddies can detect it. On higher volumes the 72/HC/250 is much better.
Just to be clear, to me the Nait 2 is a satisfactory smaller and lesser sounding version of my 72/HC/250, and the Nait 2 still very musical and enjoyable, and you will be happy with the downgrade.
The ND5xs2/nDAC/PS555DR sounds amazing in the Nait 2.
The Nait 2 communicates the fundamental meaning of the music better to my ears but if it wonât properly drive those speakers then the music will also sound kind of weak or tired - I find it hard to adequately describe. The Nait will have a thinner sound too but should be a bit more transparent.
Iâd likely prefer a budget amp and speaker pairing that work well together and drive your room rather than a struggling Nait, if thatâs what happens, but try it first as the little amp can surprise.
The Nait 2 is a wonderful little amp that does have its shortcomings but musicality is not one of them. It will convey the essence of the music to you. It will not have the authority of your current setup especially at volume but how loud do you go and how often? Many live with the Nait 2 as the heart of their main system and are happy but you will only know when you try it. Will it drive the Concertino speakers? I donât know. Itâs a gutsy little thing. Give it a try! And, do not forget, your ears will adjust to the new setup and it will become the new ânormâ.
Standby with what??
My 140 is currently undergoing service with the Z foil gain resistors on the amp stage and voltage conversion by Naim guru, Christ West of AV Options.
So you will be keeping the 72/140 presumably after a costly service/conversion. You will be fine! And you neglected to say that the Nait 2 was CB which is the best sounding one 
.
And you kindly omitted the fact that the CB Nait 2 is the rarest 
IIRC SF Concertinos need a fair bit of power to work well. Iâm not sure a NAIT 2 would be the best match.
As I imagined all your answers are very useful tools for reflections.
Actually, and I say this with much regret, I listen a little less to music, and often at low volume in the evening.
The idea was to try to save some money by selling 72/180/hicap and buy something else.
Also I donât seem to feel that magic I remember coming from this system anymore.
Even after the recap of the 72 and 180 I often find myself not satisfied, but maybe itâs also ears that change over time.
Listening to other options would be nice, but where I live I donât have that possibilityâŚ
Thanks for your replies
If you could make the sums work, then sell the 180 and hicap. Replace them with an Olive 140. My experience is that this combination will sound better than the Nait 2.
Just stick the little Nait on, sit back, let your mind go and enjoy the music. 
The best budget amp Iâve heard is Rega IO.
Not powerfull and transparent but very engaging and sweet.
On easy driven loudspeakers its a peach.
Need more power next up is Brio.
Both should come in a lot cheaper than a fresh serviced Nait 2.
Whilst I believe the Nait 2 is suitable in your plan.
Maybe itâs the speakers that are less satisfying to you now.
The Harbeths would be great consideration for your combination of either
72/HC/180 or Nait2
There are hearing test apps for smartphones/tablets, which would give an idea if your ears might need need a service or assistance (and several threads on here giving experiences of others)
Otherwise if music is not satisfying then downgrading in itself doesnât suggest itself to me, rather change something for a more appealing/satisfying sound: speakers perhaps, or maybe the fabled âNaim soundâ is no longer to your taste, in which case maybe look at NC range or a different brand amp.
If recently serviced they may need a bit more time to burn-in.
Was it an official service, either Naim or Naim-approved?
Iâm not sure these various third parties can obtain the exact same components as Naim due to the bulk quantities Naim purchase and/or the quantity that get rejected as part of their component matching process.
By the time youâve sold the existing setup and bought a NAIT 2, I donât think youâll find it worthwhile, financially and you will take a hit on sound quality. Now, if you need to get rid of 3 boxes and replace them with one, well, that a different matter.
