After a few years changing system like a mad men. Meyer Tonapparate, Stenheim, Voxativ… silly expensive ones. But I’ve always ended coming back to Harbeth or Devore, until I found Tannoy! Those Turnberry are something to behold.
I have come to many choices: SPEC, Soulnote, Luxman and Accuphase from Japan, McIntosh, Lavardin, Sugden (this one was grotesque with Harbeth), Exposure, Pass Labs… But would love to build a 100% Brit system.
I’d love to keep things simple, and that’s why the all in ones or the little NAIT, which one would be better sounding? another option contemplated is the EAR 869 (or Leben, Line Magnetic, Trafomatic, Brunoco…) but not sure if I wanna mess with tubes again. Seems to be that people like to match with McIntosh again but no point here.
Hi, you mention numerous options. Here in the Naim Forum, you can find detailed information about the Naim Unities or the Nait50 using the keyword search in the top right-hand corner.
I previously had a Uniti Atom, now I have a system with Nait50 and ND5XS2/NDAC/XPS, which sounds much better than the Atom. The decision between all-in-one or separate devices should always be carefully considered. Both have advantages and disadvantages. There are several detailed threads on the Nait50 and its possible combinations (streamer, turntable, loudspeakers) (Click here)and (Click here). There are also numerous satisfied users who combine the Nait50 with Harbeth or Tannoy. It would certainly be worth giving it a listen. A few limited edition Nait50s are still available, often at favourable prices.
I’ve had Turnberry GR-OW with my former 500/552/NDS system. So you have found the greatness with big coax speakers and Tannoy too then
I use Tannoy Legacy Eaton and found them having better match with my room than Turnberry which added bit too much low end for me. I think Nait 50 is a very good match with Tannoy and would highly recommend it Put the rest of your money in a very good source and you will have a wonderful system
Thanks so much! does it worth the DAC V1 or DAC against ND5 XS 2 and save some cash? Also I like little boxes, take less space in our mid century console.
EDIT: Forgot to mention, my amplifier is the Moonriver 404 Reference, is a serious funny stuff.
While I don’t know your Tannoy model, I tried some vintage Tannoys with Olive Naim combo, it was decades ago with little success.
Demo first is recommended, Uniti’s is streaming based, more forgiving while Nait 50 is more transparent and revealing, best with first class turntable IMO. You can try Atom HE if you like to use a separate poweramp.
You mention a lot of Brands, maybe a top source would be a more ideal change ?
There is no general answer to this question. The ND5XS2 is a streamer/DAC that also works well on its own in combination with the Nait 50. The DAC V1 and Ndac are pure digital-to-analogue converters that require a separate streamer, CD transport or other digital source. The Ndac is known to offer a significant improvement when combined with the ND5XS2 (see the relevant thread - click here). I have no experience with the Dac1. However, it is below the Ndac and I fear that it will not bring such a big improvement compared to the ND5XS2 alone. NDacs are quite cheap to buy second-hand. If you want to spend more and limit yourself to one box, the NSS333 is a very good choice in combination with the Nait50. @Blackbird (who has already commented above) uses this combination with success. The NSS333 streamer/Dac also be an option for me in the future if I can get a cheap used device. Then I will sell my ND5XS2/Nadac/XPS combination and can reduce the number of boxes again.
Put the rest of your money in a very good source and you will have a wonderful system