Nait 5i vs Nait 5i 2

What are the main diferences? I have read that Nait 5i is more “old school” and Nait 5i 2 has a more modern sound, better for high resolution áudio files. However I wonder if the diferences are subtle, with the 5 i 2 beeing an improved version. I’m waiting a Nait 5i 2 delivery.

They both sound quite similar, the NAIT 5i just being an improved version of the original NAIT 5i, a little cleaner and also better able to play at higher levels. Oh yes, and with a 3.5mm input added to the front panel.

I think the question is quite interesting. The added front input shouldn’t be any sonic benefit for the whole and mostly unnecessary today. What’s actually the other differences in design and reasons to do it? :thinking:

IIRC the 5i (italic) had ceramic heatsinks for the output devices (for better efficiency and “lower capacitive coupling of the transistors to the chassis” ) and, if I quote here from a review “Restructured wiring improves the isolation of the PCBs, the overall feedback has been reduced to lower transient intermodulation distortion (improving stability into difficult loads) and, finally, the passive preamplifier stage now benefits from improved RF filtering.”

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The Nait arrived today. Magic is back, the amp has guts, attack but also smoothness when the music asks for it.It is playing with a Rega Apollo R and Scansonic HD M5.I´ve tried Marantz and a Nad but the Apollo/Nait is the best match.The sound is fueller and the Scansonic give a better bass.Also the treble sounds better, this Scansonic have a ribbon tweeter.This is a little great system, musical, it is all about synergies.

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Nice one.

I’ve got a Nait 5i in the bedroom with a pair of Royd Sapphires ii. A great little thing.

So true! :slightly_smiling_face: Enjoy your new purchase.

The Nait 5i (/5i) is a great amp! I had a 5i-2 back in 2008/2009 or so, with a CD5i-2 and Naim n-Sats. Simple, 100% synergy and just lovely.
(why I sold it then ?..uhh, don’t recall actually) :man_shrugging:

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