Description: Integrated line amplifier. Analog inputs: 2 pairs DIN/RCA, 2 pairs RCA. Audio outputs: HDD (RCA pair), 170mV, sourced from 470 ohms. Headphone outputs: ¼" (6.35mm) jack. Maximum output power: 60Wpc into 8 ohms (17.8dBW), 90Wpc into 4 ohms (16.5dBW). Input level: suitable for 2V sources (0.5–5.0V). Input sensitivity: 170mV. Power requirements: 100/115/230V, 50/60Hz.
Dimensions: 16.9" (432mm) W by 2.75" (70mm) H by 12.3" (314mm) D. Weight: 14.1 lbs (6.4kg).
Serial number of unit reviewed: 372940.
Price: $1895. Approximate number of dealers…
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Sidebar 1: Specifications
In the March 2010 issue I reviewed Dynaudio's Excite X12 bookshelf speaker ($1200/pair), then the least expensive speaker in Dynaudio's line. It mightily impressed me, and I wrote that it had "become my new benchmark for speakers costing under $2000/pair." Despite the many newer, competing bookshelf speakers costing somewhere between $1000 and $2000/pair that have visited my listening room since then, my enthusiasm for the Excite X12 has not waned—I've used it as a reference against which to compare all of those of those models. So when Dynaudio USA's Michael Manousselis contacted…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Two-way, ported, stand-mounted loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" (26mm) silk-dome tweeter, 5.7" (145mm) magnesium-silicate polymer-cone woofer. Frequency response: 50Hz–23kHz, ±3dB. Sensitivity: 85dB/2.83V/m. Impedance: 8 ohms. IEC power handling: >150W.
Dimensions: 6.7" (170mm) W by 11.2" (285mm) H by 10" (255mm) D. Weight: 14.3 lbs (6.5kg).
Finishes: Rosewood, Walnut real-wood veneers; Satin Black or White lacquers.
Serial numbers of units reviewed: 03777754/55.
Price: $1500/pair. Approximate number of dealers: 63.
Manufacturer:…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog Sources: Thorens TD-124 turntable, SME 3009 II tonearm; VPI Traveler turntable & tonearm; Miyajima Spirit (mono), Ortofon 2M Black & 2M Red, Shure M44-78 cartridges.
Digital Sources: Oppo DV-980H SACD/CD player; Puresound A-8000 CD player; Halide DAC HD, Line Magnetic LM 502CA DACs; HifiMan HM-101USB soundcard.
Preamplification: April Sound BB1, Fi Yph, Sentec EQ11 moving-magnet phono stages; Audio Note S1H+S1L, Intact Audio moving-coil step-up transformers.
Integrated Amplifiers: Creek 4330, Line Magnetic LM518, Rogue Audio…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I measured the Naim NAIT 5si using my top-of-the-line Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see www.ap.com, and the January 2008 "As We See It"). Before performing any measurements on an amplifier, I run it for an hour with both channels operating at one-third its specified maximum power into 8 ohms. Thermally, this is the worst case for an amplifier with a class-B or -AB output stage as it results in the highest-possible heat dissipation in the output devices. As the NAIT 5si's specified output power is 60Wpc into 8 ohms, I set it running at 20Wpc into that load.…
Sidebar 2: Associated Components
Analog Sources: VPI TNT IV, Rega Planar 3 turntables; Immedia, Syrinx PU-3 tonearms; Koetsu Urushi, Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood cartridges.
Digital Sources: Lector CDP-7T, Creek Destiny CD players.
Preamplification: Vendetta Research SCP-2D phono stage, Audio Valve Eclipse line stage.
Power Amplifier: Audio Research Reference 75.
Loudspeakers: Dynaudio Excite X12, Epos Elan 10.
Cables: Interconnect (all MIT): Magnum M3, MI-350 CVTwin Terminator, MI-330SG Terminator. Speaker: Accent Speaker Technology Blue Thunder. AC: manufacturers' own.…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I used DRA Labs' MLSSA system and a calibrated DPA 4006 microphone to measure the Dynaudio Excite X14's frequency response in the farfield, and an Earthworks QTC-40 with its ¼" capsule for the nearfield responses. Though the Excite X14 is supplied with a grille, and an optional foam plug for its port, I performed the measurements without either. Dynaudio specifies the X14 as having a voltage sensitivity of 85dB/2.83V/m; my estimate was 83dB(B)/2.83V/m, which is both lower than the specified figure and 1dB lower than my estimate of the earlier Excite X12's…
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