Well. Rega sure can do it, so…
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Some might argue that there’s the CI-102, that’s the closest priced piece of gear made by Naim.
Unluckily I don’t think Naim will ever produce something that’s going to compete with the Brio, let alone the IO. It’s not their main target I suppose. However I hope they’ll make an integrated amp starting at £1,500. Maybe the more feasible thing to do for them would be polishing the CI-102 presentation (which is already very very good in my opinion), eliminating its streaming part and adding more compatibility with connections. This would ensure a longer lifespan for such a product.
Their integrated amp line up could be composed by 3 products: a small class D amp, something like the previous XS3 (but closer to the SN3) and a newer better version of the SN3, closer to the pre/amp they are currently selling.
Agreed, not their market niche.
I would not be surprised if they release a NC Supernait (which might already live on a test prototype) It won’t be cheap.
A cheaper entrylevel Nait could be a Chinese class D amp, we will see how Barco handle this scenario.
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FWIW Nait 1 was £675 in 1982 approximately £1,900 in 2021. (from Gemini)
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I’ve never heard the 5si, but I suspect a CI-102 would be a better value product all in all.
I think you are spot on, it’s my take as well. Let’s just hope it won’t cost an arm and a leg. But given the prices of the NC range I’m not that optimistic.
I am a huge fan of both companies (sitting here listening to a Rega P6 through RS3s), but I just don’t think Naim has ever played in the Brio/io super high VFM end of the market…and don’t think they should or will. Naim build quality is completely OTT and I hope that never changes. The io, on the other hand, to me looks and feels like something I built using a kit. They’re just different and I love them both.
I think the UK has a couple manufacturing traditions (among others) that come into play…if I draw an analogy to cars…you have RR, Bentley, the old fabulous posh companies like Alvis, then at the other hand all the much more rough and ready companies like Lotus and Morgan, which put out products that look a little like they came out of a garage (at least they used to). There’s a reason Naim went into Bentley - hard to imagine Rega doing that.
And to others please let us not suggest Naim and China…
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I think those Q Acoustic speakers look very nice
They are good looking and sound great when paired with Rega gear. However I wish they were slightly more compact, the cabinet seems too deep (especially on the bookshelf speakers). It’s a minor deail by the way and it’s totally fine.
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I don’t think there’s any better summary than this really. The Brio looks better on paper but it’s simply not as engaging as the io. I auditioned both when looking for a valve amp backup and the io is currently in daily use.
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The Nait 1 I had in the 80”s was £200. I think when first introduced,it may have been £180.
Seems remarkable now.
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Logically it would be placed price-wise around NC 222.
I understand very well your sentiments, however: Muso, Ci Uniti, sub-parts.
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Thanks for confirmation 
I can’t think of many valve amps to replace my IO, certainly none within IO price x3.
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Absolutely! Work, travel, and life in general have gotten in the way the past few weeks; once things settle down and return to a regular service I’ll be back on this.
Found a S/H Brio in the box near me, debating whether to pull the trigger or start with the io 
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What edition if I may ask ?
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The new one - MK7
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Well, the Brio has been sold. Maybe it’s a sign that I should start with an io. The hunt is back on.
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