I have just replaced my Nait 5i (2) with the Superuniti, and my initial impressions it has a noticeably flatter sound. I notice this on CD and vinyl. I was expecting an upgrade as well as getting the digital and streaming functions.
I have a CD5i and a Technics 1200GR via Rega Fono.
Any thoughts?
Much appreciated…
Peter
What’s the servicing history?
Which speaker cables are you using?
Hi, the same cables as I had with the Nait 5i, it is Chord Rumour 2. Speakers are Spendor S6E. Just bought from someone locally. Not sure of the service history. Previous owner never used the analogue inputs ever. Bought from HiFi Corner in Edinburgh
Are you saying that you’ve changed the speakers at the same time as getting the SU? Did you try the SU using the same speakers as the Nait? If by flat you mean a bit dull and uninteresting that’s perhaps to be expected; the SU has quite a fulsome sound and the old Spendors are hardly what you’d call exciting.
No, same speakers too. I feel the top end has lost some sparkle. Maybe the Nait was a brighter amp?
Given the age of the SU, you might want to ask Naim whether they have any service history for it’s serial number. The old classic range should be able to go about 15 years between servicing/recap periods.
But one thing is difficult is understanding how “flat” is “flat”? Are we talking about something that is clearly working fine but not living up to expectation or something that sounds definitely “wrong”?
I have twice bought second-hand SuperUnitis, one was ex-demo from a Naim dealer and one was a customer trade-in with another Naim dealer. In both cases the unit took about 24 hours to sound as I expected. Prior to that, in each case it sounded a bit muffled and chesty.
You may find that your SuperUniti sounds ok once it’s warmed up enough. Leave it switched on all the time.
I had the CD stacked, now put side by side. The CD is now sounding much better. It has more weight and I wonder if that extra weight and low end is making me think it is flat.
Yes, I think you are right. It is coming good. I probably need new ears too!!
OK, so I am still not sure about the sound quality from vinyl. The iRadio is fine at volume 27, but the phono which is on analogue 2 is up to 48, and it doesn’t sound as clear as I think it should. CD on analogue 3 is great.
Yes, flat may have been an exaggeration but I felt it had lost a bit of sparkle at top end. I have rejigged things, CD on the DIN(1) now, phono on A2, I am sure it is better, plus chance to better arrange connections. Yes, I am much happier. No turning back as I have sold the Nait5i in under 24 hours, must have been too cheap!
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