Mr brief but hopefully interesting Naim history

[Alex Stonely]

Current system:

CD player - Cyrus CD7

Amp - Naim Nait 5i

Speakers - Kef Q100

Headphone amp – Rega Ear

Headphones – Grado SR60

 

 

My Naim story is quite a brief one as I made my first purchase just a couple of months ago. Having got the “hi-fi bug” and started upgrading my kit, I decided to invest in a decent CD and amp. I wanted something that would last me out a good few years and be a good accompaniment to my KEF Q100 speakers.

 

The CD player I went for was a Cyrus CD7 from the late 90’s. I didn’t know a lot about them, nor did I really like the half size appearance. But I’d read good things and it was good value so I went for it. The appearance has grown on me and the increase in clarity even with my old Cambridge Audio amp was very obvious. Next step, new amp……

 

This is where Naim came in. Having admired their products for years and not being able to afford them I hit the internet and started to research 2^nd hand kit, as generally speaking I don’t buy anything new! It was then that I came across the Tom Tom website and the large selection of pre-owned products. The first thing that struck me was how high the residual values were in comparison with other brands of hi-fi kit, so eventually I plumbed for a new Nait 5i knowing that it would hold its money well, especially as there was about to be a price rise at Naim. 

 

After a couple of months of Naim ownership I am delighted with my purchase! Having dealt with the inevitable disappointment of my brand new amp needing significant running-in to sound at its best, it’s now a mighty impressive bit of kit and works well with my CD player and speakers. The detail and ability to deal with complex recordings still amazes me now. A recent TV upgrade to a unit with analogue audio out has increased the usage of the Nati 5i no end and it brings a new enjoyment to even the most mundane of TV programmes!  

 

I fear that before long the speakers will have to be upgraded. They’re great little units with surprising punch for their size, but I’m inevitably excited by further improvement! I’ll hold of for as long as possible but if anyone has any £500 or so suggestions for 2^nd hand speakers that might work well, let me know! 

[Tom Tom Audio]

Hi Alex. nice to have you on board mate and I'm glad you're enjoying the amp. Of course I hope you realise that this is how it all starts, just one innocent Naim purchase and before you know it, its a lifetime's obsession so welcome to the club!

Alex and mine paths crossed when I was looking for a good watch earlier this year as he works for a brilliant company called Watchfinder who are as specialist and as passionate about their subject as we are here at Tom Tom.

I cannot recommend them highly enough - www.watchfinder.co.uk

Cheers

James