Thinking of an amp for my Bedroom where it would be used for movies.
I have an extra pair of unused Dynaudio Speakers, and thinking of replacing my trusty Yamaha DSP 757 SE (UK edition) amp used in 2 channel with a KEF subwoofer and 2005.2 eggs. I use a Chord 2qute DAC for decoding duties (from the TV optical out)
No real reason to replace it though, as it does the job just fine.
But movies do sound better through the full range Dynaudio speakers, and I have a Vertere Pulse X mini speaker cable.
I am tempted by the Nait 50, but the lack of remote puts me off, so has anyone heard or compared it to Arcam A15? Any thoughts please. I would rather have a Naim amplifier though, so also looking for a used Nait XS2…. but then not sure if the Pulse X mini would be useful with that amp
I haven’t heard the A15, but have a mate who had the predecessor the SA15 and it was a very flat and grey sounding amp. It ended up developing a known fault and was returned after about 18 months and replaced with an Audiolab, which sounds significantly more engaging.
Neither amp would be close in presentation or capabilities to the Nait 50 in my experience though.
The A15 would have to experienced a complete change in design approach from what I have heard to make it a dilemma when listening to both.
Don’t know either amp but for the Nait 50’s reputation which is almost 2nd to none. But having just looked at the Arcam website, they seem like chalk and cheese?
If you can accept a non-remote amp, the Nait50 is a great choice. If you end up with one, you can compare it with your 282/250DR and it may very well replace the separates since some owners found it to be superior to the 552/300.
If you can’t accept an amp without a remote, I would consider something else other than a Naim amp if I were you. I owned an Arcam Alpha 10, although it’s not an A15 the Arcam is generally flat and pale sounding in comparison to the Naim with reduced macro dynamics. You may consider something such as Exposure 3020S2, Rega Aethos just to name a few.
Personally I wouldn’t consider an amp which doesn’t come with a remote.
I’ve no idea how your bedroom is furnished but I’d have thought it would be easier to arrange to have the amp closer to where you listen than a typical lounge setup. Mine’s on a desk in a small bedroom used as a study, where it’s easy to operate. I know it ought not to matter, but the N50 is quite a looker and the volume control is beautifully weighted and a pleasure to use.
The 50 is a great little amplifier but if TVMovie duties come into it it would not be my first choice. No remote and pre/sub outs. I also have an Arcam SA20/Class G. it’s not the A15 but most Arcam’s are voiced similarly. I certainly would not call it grey or flat. No, it does not do macro dynamics like the little Nait at quiet to low/medium volume nor does it sound quite so engaging but once the going gets tough it has considerable dynamic push, both micro and macro. I would assume the A15 is not that far behind. It is also more full bodied than the Nait. Not quite as fast but not far behind and still good enough for Rock/Metal. Not sure if it has HDMI Arc.
In the specific use case scenario I don’t think the NN50 would cover you needs, specifically the absence of a remote.
Imaging laying in your bed late at night and having to get up to adjust the volume and back to bed again. If you can find a way to put it on your night stand with cables running to your speakers then it is another story, but then again you will have another cable running from where your Tv will be to the amp.
Fiddly me thinks.
Maybe an all in one Wiim amp or Eversolo with HDMI input would do the trick?
