Integrated amplifiers-experiences,insights and auditioning. - Blu-ray Forum

rded · 06-12-2009, 10:12 PM

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.

Johnny Vinyl · 06-12-2009, 10:19 PM

Most excellent thread Rhett!

My first integrated amp was a Pioneer SA-9500II....had it for years...in fact I still do, but it's in storage.

Certainly that I.A. didn't and doesn't compare to what you've audioned, but I thought I'd mention it anyway!

John

rded · 06-12-2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John72953

Most excellent thread Rhett!

My first integrated amp was a Pioneer SA-9500II....had it for years...in fact I still do, but it's in storage.

Certainly that I.A. didn't and doesn't compare to what you've audioned, but I thought I'd mention it anyway!

John

I betcha that your IA can still stand toe-to-toe with comparatively priced IAs of today. IMO the more recent integrated amps from Pioneer or any other japanese brand lost that "analog" feel.

Johnny Vinyl · 06-12-2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rded

I betcha that your IA can still stand toe-to-toe with comparatively priced IAs of today. IMO the more recent integrated amps from Pioneer or any other japanese brand lost that "analog" feel.

Absolutely....in fact, I was speaking with a friend the other day who says that his neighbour could probably get it up and running again. Not sure if I want to go that route, but it would be cool to see (actually hear) how it would sound now. The right side amplifier section died...not sure if I could even get a replacement part for it.

John

PS~ That IA costs me close to a grand back then! Big dollars for someone making $75 a week. LOL! (and I'm NOT joking).

rded · 06-12-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John72953

Absolutely....in fact, I was speaking with a friend the other day who says that his neighbour could probably get it up and running again. Not sure if I want to go that route, but it would be cool to see (actually hear) how it would sound now. The right side amplifier section died...not sure if I could even get a replacement part for it.

John

PS~ That IA costs me close to a grand back then! Big dollars for someone making $75 a week. LOL! (and I'm NOT joking).

Yes my friend, that's like the Moon .5 or Naim Nait 5i by today's standards. Had i taken care of my pioneer stack(I spoke about in a different thread) back in the day, sheesh it'll still be around today. Oh we'll I was only 15yrs old when I got it a Stupid teenager

crazyBLUE · 06-13-2009, 12:22 AM

Ok ~ I hate to sound like A newbie at this because I am only 7 months into separates . But what is the difference between an I.A. & my UPA-7 !

D · 06-19-2009, 05:19 AM

The Cary Audio SLI-80 Integrated is a component I fell in love with the first time I listened to it. It is 80 wpc in pentode mode, and 40 wpc in triode mode. Triode is the choice for better detail, horns, strings etc. are better suited to this mode. Overall it has plenty of output, albeit the 4 ohm taps are best for less efficient speakers. A very warm, fluid sounding amp, but still very detailed. A good source is needed to fully appreciate this wonderful piece of audio bliss.

D · 06-19-2009, 05:45 AM

Also wanted to add, the first thing I listened to on the SLI-80 was Bella Fleck's Flight of the Cosmic Hippo, and could not believe the amount of bass as well as the clarity in the upper frequencies! It was hooked up to B&W 805 S speakers, with a Cary Audio upsampling CD player with tube output stage btw.

rded · 06-19-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by db01

The Cary Audio SLI-80 Integrated is a component I fell in love with the first time I listened to it. It is 80 wpc in pentode mode, and 40 wpc in triode mode. Triode is the choice for better detail, horns, strings etc. are better suited to this mode. Overall it has plenty of output, albeit the 4 ohm taps are best for less efficient speakers. A very warm, fluid sounding amp, but still very detailed. A good source is needed to fully appreciate this wonderful piece of audio bliss.

NICE!

Quote:

Originally Posted by db01

Also wanted to add, the first thing I listened to on the SLI-80 was Bella Fleck's Flight of the Cosmic Hippo, and could not believe the amount of bass as well as the clarity in the upper frequencies! It was hooked up to B&W 805 S speakers, with a Cary Audio upsampling CD player with tube output stage btw.

And VERY NICE!
I just check Cary's website and there are plenty of dealers by me within 10 miles

D · 06-19-2009, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rded

NICE!

And VERY NICE!
I just check Cary's website and there are plenty of dealers by me within 10 miles

Give it a listen, you won't regret it. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that you went home with one!

rded · 06-19-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by db01

Give it a listen, you won't regret it. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that you went home with one!

Yes! its already added to the long list of integrated amps.

06-12-2009, 10:12 PM	#1
rded Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2008 Location:555 Naim Street Blu-ray collection:254 Trading Score:1	Integrated amplifiers-experiences,insights and auditioning. 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. Last edited by rded; 06-12-2009 at 11:06 PM.

06-19-2009, 05:19 AM	#7
D Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Roaming the Highlands Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray reviews:1	Cary Audio SLI-80 Tube The Cary Audio SLI-80 Integrated is a component I fell in love with the first time I listened to it. It is 80 wpc in pentode mode, and 40 wpc in triode mode. Triode is the choice for better detail, horns, strings etc. are better suited to this mode. Overall it has plenty of output, albeit the 4 ohm taps are best for less efficient speakers. A very warm, fluid sounding amp, but still very detailed. A good source is needed to fully appreciate this wonderful piece of audio bliss.

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Looking for pics of PC integrated into HT	Blu-ray PCs, Laptops, Drives, Media and Software	BLindsay	3	08-04-2009 03:24 PM
Integrated Amplifier vs A/V Receiver ???	Receivers	Opips2	11	03-21-2009 06:07 PM
Concert BluRay for speaker auditioning	Blu-ray Music and High Quality Music	Gohanto	26	03-03-2009 12:17 AM
Cable auditioning and home trial	Audio Theory and Discussion	richteer	16	09-20-2008 04:23 PM
who here has an integrated scaler in their system?	Home Theater General Discussion	SKRUhddvd	25	11-01-2007 07:04 PM

06-12-2009, 10:19 PM	#2
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	Most excellent thread Rhett! My first integrated amp was a Pioneer SA-9500II....had it for years...in fact I still do, but it's in storage. Certainly that I.A. didn't and doesn't compare to what you've audioned, but I thought I'd mention it anyway! John

06-13-2009, 12:22 AM	#6
crazyBLUE Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Aug 2008 Location:Pacific Northwest Home Theater Gallery:89 Blu-ray collection:479 DVD collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 38 Trading Score:30	Ok ~ I hate to sound like A newbie at this because I am only 7 months into separates . But what is the difference between an I.A. & my UPA-7 !

06-19-2009, 05:45 AM	#8
D Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Roaming the Highlands Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray reviews:1	Also wanted to add, the first thing I listened to on the SLI-80 was Bella Fleck's Flight of the Cosmic Hippo, and could not believe the amount of bass as well as the clarity in the upper frequencies! It was hooked up to B&W 805 S speakers, with a Cary Audio upsampling CD player with tube output stage btw.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals