Naim at Cloney Audio
One of the legendary brands in the audiophile community, Naim Audio is one of the foundation stones of real Hi-Fi.
Back in the 1970’s when Julian Vereker began designing amplifiers, the common concept of what constituted Hi-Fi was a large shiny box festooned with knobs and with specifications that majored on high power (on paper at least). By the standards of the time Naim amplifiers were shocking in their visual minimalism – very few controls, and austere but supremely elegant black aluminium enclosures.
On paper, power outputs were modest. But my word did they sound good! With generously specified power supplies (a major Naim strength) they could drive real world loudspeakers much better than many contemporaries, with a great emphasis on reproducing the dynamics and rhythm of music.
“Reassuringly expensive” pre/power combinations like the 42/110 and 32/Hi-Cap/250 were joined in 1983 by the affordable and diminutive Naim Nait integrated, setting an enduring template for the brand’s stable of amplifiers.
Naim subsequently embraced digital (much to the chagrin of some of the brand’s die hard analogue supporters) but it was a prescient move, allowing Naim to build great expertise in this emerging field. This is reflected today in Naim’s outstanding range of streaming products such as the Uniti series and in Naim’s continuing support of CD as a medium with its CD 5Si.
Of course, the classic Naim Nait line endures in an expanded format, complemented by a range of pre/power amplifiers and the all important external power supplies featuring Naim’s DR (Discrete Regulator) technology.
Naim Audio is marked out by the vision of its founder (the late Julian Vereker) and by the way it has been faithful to his singular philosophy of what constitutes good sound; and how this translates into distinctive approaches to design and execution. For many listeners this approach resonates strongly and, through the years, Naim aficionados have tended to remain very faithful to the brand.
The beauty of the Naim line up is that it provides a well conceived set of stepping stones such that a modest system can be upgraded over time, all within the Naim family. As one of its original retailers, Cloney Audio has grown up with the Naim brand and we continue to be delighted to be associated with it.
For more info on Naim Audio, visit their website naimaudio.com or visit us for a demo!
