Integrated amplifiers-experiences,insights and auditioning.

[rded]

Feel free to post Make and models and your experiences on Integrated amps.

Here's one of my experiences on them...

http://www.naim-audio.com/products/supernait.html

I was at my dealer last Sunday and we listened to the Burmester stack. While I was astounded by the sound of the Burmesters I was just curious about the Naim stack right beside it: CD5x($3000), Supernait(integ amp $4500)and flatcap2x(power supply $1200).
I personally have the CD5x and am quite familiar with its sonic signature as well as what differences the Flatcap 2x actually adds into the mix. But I have never heard the Supernait until that day. Powers specs are not really eye catching 80 wattsx2 but will drive most speakers. At roughly $8700, which is not even a third of the price of the Burmester, the Naim stack was able to come close to about 80% of the sonic capabilities of the Burmester. The bass was tight deep and textured, the midrange was sweet and airy but not bright. There was just over all coherence and harmony-hence the Naim stack actually plays MUSIC. Where the burmester had the upper hand and the Naims limits were unveiled were at the bottom end when the frequency dips to the low to mid-20hz. But hey, its an integrated amp after all and we're comparing it to Burmester separates.
Once I learned that the Supernait was capable of HT bypass, I knew this was the integ amp for me. You can find more reviews on this product here:

http://www.stereophile.com/integratedamps/108naim/

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/aud...-272279/review

http://whathifi.com/Review/Naim-Supernait/

EDIT: Asscociated equipment DYnaudio Confidence 2, Burmester B25 loudspeakers and 948 power conditioner, Nordost Valhalla speaker wires and Brahma cords.