Naim Nait 2 vs. Rega Mira 3

That is the problem with demos.

If you find the 5i and Mira 3 to be hifi, then you need to look for something totally different. You might like a McIntosh MA6400. They can be hard to find but it sounds to me like the perfect candidate for you. It is all-natural with few hifi pretences, at least compared to modern components. And I am told the phono stage is quite good too.

But are you sure it isn't the Apollo you don't care for? It seems to me your description is that of the Apollo and not of the Mira. I find the Mira laid back but the Apollo is quite hifi-sounding...a good bit moreso than the original Planet even. You may simply need a different cd player.

Arthur

Arthur, I see what you are getting at, but I hear the same kind of character in the phono section as I do in the CD section. I am going to give it some more time, but my first instincts are almost always right on these things.

I went back to the Nait 2 for anyone who is tracking this. The Mira just didn't excite me as much and didn't sound quite as real.

have you since changed from the Nait 2? just curious.

I am still happily using the Niat 2. I recently changed to a Naim CDX, and I am not sure I like it more than the Planet. As people have said about the CDX, it is pretty unforgiving. And, it seems to add a bit of sibilance that I have not heard before. I have to do some more critical listening, however. I may end up back with the Planet. I would never have guessed it. I don't mind a forgiving player, as I listen to a lot of imperfectly recorded music.