comments on Naim Audio

The 32.5 & 72 are the best value for money/sound etc.
I have both plus a NAC82. I have 821A Avondale boards, as well. The 82 is powered by 2 Hi-Caps. The 32.5 & 72 by 1 Hi-Cap. Front end is CD5 with Hi-Cap p/s. & LP12/Ittok/Karma.
Back end MK2 SBL,s. The 82 has far too much gain for the CD input, such that I have tried up to 18db attentuation to get it right. The 32.5 & 72 are just about perfect, with or without the 821A boards. Power Amps are 135,s, 250 & 180.
I can confirm that the 180 sounds as good as the other more expensive 2 options. Even when used to power the 32.5 & 72 on it,s own. So go for the 32/72 with the latest version boards inside & buy a NAP180 to drive it. All leads are Naim BTW.

I like Naim CDPs (I own a CD555) and I think their cheaper integrated amps are also quite good for the money. In my office at work, I run a Uniti (all-in-one CD player, tuner, amp). I also like their top-of-the-line phonostage.

I am less enamored with their separate preamps and power amps. The sound is a bit too dry and to "mechanical" (a pervasive artificially sharp edge to the initial attack of the note). I am not saying that the sound is bad, its just that there are alternatives I prefer for the money.

I only have one experience with Naim. I recently auditioned some Harbeth speakers with a Naim Intergrated and a Naim CD player. I thought it sounded ok but then the guy switched to a Leben tube amp and the Harbeths really opened up and sounded magical.