Question on DACs...........


I am using a Cambridge Azur 840c CD player and may upgrade one of my amps (a Naim Nait 5 i) to the Supernait which has a DAC onboard. Do any of you know which might be the best route to go - bypassing the DAC in the Cambridge and using the one in the Supernait or simply using the one in the Cambridge as this player, while not expensive has a great reputation. That is using the DAC in a $1,500 piece of gear or the one in a $5000 piece.

Apparently there isn't a lot of difference between the 5i and the Supernait, the DAC being the big difference and if the DAC in the Supernait turns out to be much superior then I will upgrade.

Thanks a lot.

Thanks
thomastrouble

Showing 2 responses by kbarkamian

The Super Nait is a good bit better than the Nait 5i. Its not just a Nait 5i with a DAC. It has a different pre-amp section and power amp section. Every aspect of the sound is improved upon. I've heard them side by side (with and without the internal DAC being used), and its not a subtle difference. If the difference is worth it from a financial perspective is a personal thing.

I haven't heard the Cambridge CDP, so I have no comment on which will sound better. I'd guess the SuperNait's DAC, but because I'm a big fan of Naim's house sound and prefer it to Cambridge's. Not that I dislike Cambridge by any means.

The Nait XS is said to be the stripped down version of the Super Nait. It either has the same amp and pre-amp, or is very closely based on it. It doesn't have the DAC and other bells and whistles.

I never thought I'd see the day where Naim has a stripped down version of their own product with less bells and whistles!
"In TAS the review on the Cambridge Azur 840c ($1,500) the reviewer states that you would need to spend $6000 to get a CD player that sounds as good as this."

I'd take that with a big grain of salt. I'm not bashing the CDP; I've never heard it. But I have a hard time believing that it would take $6k to better the 840c.

The SuperNait's DAC is excellent. If you have a dealer, you really should audition one. If not, you may want to look for a second hand one here that you can resell with little to no loss if its not worth it to you. SuperNaits rarely come up and don't last very long at all here.