Naim 5si integrated?? The reviews are good but is it still current in performance


I am downsizing from separates to an integrated amp. I have read  several very good reviews of the Naim 5si,over the years, but its power seems low considering some of the power requirements of even medium size room, 

Need to get some feedback from current or previous owners about its sound quality. Often reviewers mention the  "PRAT" factor of its sound , that is, rhythm and timing. I am not sure what the "P:" and "A" indicate.

I have also considered the Bel Canto 300i  which is  older in design (2009) but is more power and less inputs which I don't need.

 

Thank you

sunnyjim

 

sunnyjim

I heard the 5si and briefly owned the Supernait 3. Wasn't impressed given the competition at better price points. For just a little bit more, Kinki Studio EX-M1 runs circles around both Naim models I mentioned.

AFAIK, PRaT stands for pace, rhythm, and timing.

  Thank you the info and the tip about the Kinki Studio EX M-1  I will check out their website.

To arafig,  

I checked out the website of the Kinki Studio EM I integrated amp. and according to you can run circle around Naim 5si  I looks very nice, But there some problems of ownership ( whether or used) . The company is mainland China and the question is who would do warranty on this unit should it require.service. In warranty or out of, shipping  back to the factory and  return would be astronomical. which would not be the case with Naim products, or other American/ British based products. Reviews of the product are good, but  it could be a gamble to own one without possibly buyer's remorse 

@sunnyjim i suggest you reach out to @alvin1118 for any concerns about servicing. He is also the distributor for Denafrips which provided servicing in TX. Maybe they can handle Kinki as well, worth asking. 
 

if you get a chance read Steve Huff’s review … he was mighty impressed with it. 
 

BTW, I have zero financial or any other interest in Kinki Studio :)

Thanks for the call out @arafiq .

 

Sorry to hijack this thread but I thought I should mention that we have a Kinki Studio products dealer in Texas, USA. Servicing of the products can be done within the stateside. I just like to clarify this point. Peace :)

 

Best,

Alvin Chee @ Vinshine Audio (Singapore)

 

One never knows until one has heard a given component in one's  listening room paired with intended ancillary components.  

Period.

To arafiq and Alvin 1118,

Thank you for the information. It is good to know there is a  Kinki Studio audio dealer.in the USA. It might made a decision a bit easier

However,member "PS" has some words of wisdom regarding buying before listening  I have done this once or twice, and luckily never got burned

Cheers, 

S.J

 

@sunnyjim Completely agree with the ’listen before you buy’ mantra. Although, it is getting very difficult, if not impossible, in today’s environment.

Either way, I was offering my experience having compared Naim and Kinki in my own system. IMO, Kinki sounds better and offers better value than Naim 5si and Supernait 3. Of course, it is not the only game in town. If you can audition in your own system before you buy, there’s nothing like it.

To arafig, 

I really appreciated comments especially in regards to these two particular brands. I always thought that the accolades for the Naim 5s and then the 5i seemed a bit  over the top, especially since their power rating  was only 60 RMS 

I learned over the last 50 years I have been involved in audio, that finesse is great, but power and high damping factor can produce better sound even with higher efficiency speakers

Regards, 

Jim

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