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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
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
It sounds like a very lateral move, not sure what you upgrade strategy is here.
thomastrouble OP
239 posts
 
Thanks for the answers so far guys.

To Pubul157 - I hear what you are saying. I like the simplicity of the integrated approach and the portability (I live away from home for a good part of the year) but I am looking for more audio quality and a little more power than what I have at present. The system is a second system.

Thanks too for the input Cmalak. I wouldn't be in a position to ask a dealer to take the gear home because I know I would likely buy it off Audiogon, I would feel bad enough going to the store to listen knowing I probably wouldn't be buying from them.
cmalak
681 posts
 
Fair enough. If you can't audition it for reasons cited (which I agree with) then on the face of it, I agree with Pubul57. It sounds to me like a lateral move. What speakers are you driving in this system? Just curious as to whether you need the added 3owpc.
thomastrouble OP
239 posts
 
I have a pair of Dali Ikon 7s which need very little power and I also have Maggie 1.6, which surprisingly enough I was running off the Naim Nait51 (50 w per channel) and they worked ok but light up much more with more power. Right now (last day or two) I have been considering the Simaudio i7 at 150w and it has had very good reviews. I have speakers outside the country and can get away with putting integrated into my bags but no way could I get away with heavy separates....and since discovering higher end audio the Ipod and Bose don't cut it any more these days (he he).
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
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!
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