Second Spin Audio

Buying a used Naim Nait 5si

A compact integrated amplifier with 60 watts a side, four line inputs and a proper headphone socket. Here's how to check a used Nait 5si and what you'll need to add for vinyl.

Updated

At a glance

Type
Stereo integrated amplifier
Rated power
60 W per channel into 8 Ω, 95 W into 4 Ω
Inputs
4 analogue line-level inputs
Fixed line output
"hdd out"
Headphone output
6.3 mm front-panel jack, for 16 Ω to 1 kΩ headphones
Mains supply
100 V, 115 V or 230 V versions, 50/60 Hz
Dimensions (H × W × D)
70 × 432 × 301 mm
Weight
6.8 kg

What to check before you pay

  1. Mains version. The amplifier was supplied in 100 V, 115 V and 230 V versions. Check the rating label on the back and make sure it matches your country.
  2. Hum and noise. With nothing playing and the volume at zero, listen close to each speaker. Loud hum or buzz points to a fault, or to a grounding problem in the test set-up.
  3. Volume and input selection. Turn the volume through its range and click through all four inputs while music plays. Listen for crackle, sudden jumps in level, or a channel dropping out.
  4. Both channels. Check that both channels play at the same level at moderate volume, through the speakers and through headphones.
  5. Speaker connections. Look over the speaker sockets on the back for damage or missing parts, and ask which speaker cables were used with it.
  6. Accessories. Ask which accessories are included (mains lead, manual, any remote control), and test any remote that comes with it.

Small box, sensible power

The Nait 5si is a slim integrated amplifier, just 70 mm tall and 6.8 kg, rated at 60 watts per channel into 8 Ω and 95 watts into 4 Ω. That means it’s happy with both common speaker impedances, which takes one worry off the table when you’re matching it to a pair you already own. Four line-level inputs cover your streamer, CD player, DAC and more, and a 6.3 mm headphone socket on the front works with headphones from 16 Ω up to 1 kΩ.

Got records? Bring a phono stage

Here’s the one thing vinyl lovers need to know: the specifications list four line-level inputs and no phono input. To play records, you’ll need a separate phono stage between your turntable and the amp. Factor that into your budget if a turntable is part of the plan.

Getting the mains right

The Nait 5si was supplied in 100 V, 115 V and 230 V versions. A unit bought from abroad may not match your mains, so check the rear label before you buy rather than after.

What to ask the seller

  • Which accessories are included?
  • Has it been serviced or repaired?
  • Is it the 230 V version (for the UK and most of Europe), or another mains version?

Manuals

Links open external manual archives or the manufacturer's site. We don't host these files.

Sources