The Naim Nait 5si was once a highly regarded integrated amplifier not for its features but for its amazing sound quality and performance. It was one of the top amp choices in its price range but that was years ago. With so many new integrated amplifiers with plentiful features coming our way, it is quite tough for the Naim Nait 5si to compete in the current market.
Whether the Naim Nait 5si remains relevant is not what we are here to find out. What we are going to find out will be which are the speakers whether classic or current, are compatible with the Naim Nait 5si integrated amplifier. To do so, we will need to learn more about the Nait 5si sonic prowess and characteristics. This will enable us to prepare a list of the best matching speakers which will be shared with you later on.
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Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Naim Nait 5si
Naim Nait 5si has a sleek and minimalistic visual design where it should withstand the sands of time and look timeless in any listening room. The features it has are minimal as well, there is no phono stage and D/A converter to speak of. These two can easily be resolved though by adding a dedicated phono stage and DAC which should perform better since they are able to focus on doing a single job. Having separates will also allow you to easily upgrade your audio components, for instance, replacing your current dedicated DAC with another model which has higher resolution and sampling rates and/or with more digital connections.
You can also alter the sound signatures a little such as adding a more warm sounding phono preamplifier or a tube DAC where you can tube roll to further change the sonic characteristics of your sound system. The alterations to your HiFi stereo system sound quality are almost infinite with separates but of course, it comes with greater damage to our wallets. The power output of the Naim Nait 5si is 60 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms and is good enough to drive mainly bookshelf speakers which are not power demanding or difficult to drive. There is no subwoofer output which is a bummer though.
The low power output of the Naim Nait 5si didn’t stop it from dishing out a dynamic and engaging music presentation. Surprisingly the bass performance is still as punchy and has ample weight to hit hard as well. The delivery of the low frequencies is taut which is great as this allows the low end to be agile enough to seamlessly integrate with the upper registers. Nait 5si articulate bass performance also allows a clearer overall sound reproduction and it is important since this integrated amplifier has a wide dynamic range and is fast too. If the overall clarity isn’t there, the music presentation can sound congested.
Naim Nait 5si’s impeccable music timing and agility allow it to transient smoothly without a hitch. The speed of this Naim Audio really helps to bring out an engaging music performance. It also has a knack for bringing out the energy from the music we are playing. The Naim Nait 5si does lack a bit of insight and transparency but the entertaining sound reproduction easily made us overlook these shortcomings. It is well-balanced too, with enough refinement and nimbleness to slow down when the music needs it to. This may not be the most accurate integrated amplifier in this price range but it is surely an enjoyable and entertaining amp to listen to.
Stereo imaging and separation are exceptional, along with the spacious soundstage that the Naim Nait 5si could project, it is hard not to love this integrated amplifier. Its captivating musical performance is full of energy and passion. The Naim Nait 5si is more suited for small listening rooms and should do fine in a mid-sized room when paired with highly efficient loudspeakers. It is a pity we couldn’t connect to an active subwoofer, still, the overall sound reproduction is exciting enough. You can check out the list of the best matching speakers to go for below, and see which one of them fits the bill.
Naim Nait 5si Specifications
- Power Output: 60 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms
- Inputs: 4 RCA inputs, 2 DIN
- Outputs: HDD, Headphone output
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 70mm x 432mm x 301mm | 2.8″ x 17″ x 11.9″
- Weight: 8.6kg (19lbs)
Best Speakers to match with Naim Nait 5si
Neat Acoustics Motive SX3 is one of the best speakers to match with your Naim Nait 5si. The bass performance is tight and punchy, along with the integrated amplifier’s impeccable timing, they provide a well-timed and exciting music presentation. Both of them complement each other, for instance, the Neat Motive SX3 expressive and detailed midrange reproduction works really well with the Nait 5si alacrity performance. These speakers are for listeners who just want to have fun listening to their favorite tunes. The Neat Acoustics Motive SX3 is also compact in size and will be an ideal pair of speakers for a desktop setup.
The KEF LS50 Meta is one of the most accurate sounding speakers in this price range, it will add more transparency and reveal more music details when partnered with the Naim Nait 5si. These mini-monitors are also exceptional for nearfield listening in a desktop sound system setup. The precision of the LS50 Meta is superb and is able to reproduce sound realistically, not to mention, delivering faithful music presentations to its listeners. Naim Nait 5si’s enthusiasm and energetic performance help to prevent the music delivery sound clinical. This is a superb combination and is certainly worth your time to audition them.
More Info at Amazon – KEF LS50 Meta – Carbon Black
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 is another remarkable pair of bookshelf speakers to go for and pair them with your Naim Nait 5si integrated amplifier. These are lively sounding stand-mounters with highly energetic treble. The highs are crisp and clear, with great timings, and are able to keep pace with the Nait 5si. The Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 taut bass performance and rich basslines complement the Naim Audio integrated amplifier as well. With the brighter sounding treble, it does make the music presentation sound livelier and more exciting but it may be too bright for some listeners. It is recommended to hear them out first before making your final decision.
More Info at Amazon – Bowers and Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition (Pair)
PMC Twenty5 21i is one of the best speakers to match with the Naim Nait 5si. The Naim Audio integrated amplifier is powerful enough to drive this pair of high-quality stand-mounters. The PMC Twenty5 21i has a neutral sonic character and a superb midrange reproduction. Sound staging is equally amazing especially for a bookshelf speaker of this size. There are plenty of music details been produced as well and the overall sound reproduction is smooth, enabling us to listen to the PMC Twenty5 21i for hours without fatigue. Naim Nait 5si is able to infuse its energy into the music delivery to make it sound more engaging.
The Wharfedale Diamond 220 is an award-winning bookshelf speaker with a very modest price tag that will suit most listeners’ budgets and provide exceptional sonic performance without breaking the bank. It has a smooth music delivery with a touch of warmth and the pleasing sound quality of the Diamond 220 is easy on the ears. They also make the music presentation slightly laid-back and the Naim Nait 5si alacrity performance does ensure the overall sound reproduction doesn’t get too dull. The bass reproduction of the Wharfedale Diamond 220 will match well with the Naim Nait 5si low-end performance too.
More Information at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 220 (Walnut)
Klipsch RP-8000F are very efficient floor-standing speakers and with high speaker sensitivity where even the decently powered Naim Nait 5si integrated amp can drive them. The Klipsch RP-8000F has a lively treble which adds more energy and brightness to the overall sound reproduction. Coupled with the enthusiasm and impeccable music timing of the Nait 5si, you got yourself an exciting musical performance. The RP-8000F floor-standers have extraordinary clarity, giving us a clean and clear music presentation. They can cleanly deliver deep bass frequencies too and work well with the tight bass performance of the Naim Nait 5si integrated amplifier.
More Info at Amazon – Klipsch RP-8000F Floorstanding Speakers (Piano Black, Pair)
To Sum It Up
The Naim Nait 5si can be used to drive very efficient floor-standing speakers especially if you need to fill a medium-sized listening room with sound. There are more efficient floor-stander models in the Klipsch arsenal but they are rather bright-sounding so you might want to audition them first. The same applies to the chosen speakers to match with your Naim Nait 5si integrated amplifier, you should have a listen before making the decision of purchasing them.
