Naim's New Nait and SuperNait

by Roy Gregory | August 7, 2019

aim’s ever-popular Nait and SuperNait models have remained unchanged for six years, but the Salisbury-based company has just launched the significantly upgraded and re-engineered Nait XS 3 ($2699) and SuperNait 3 ($4299) integrated amps. The new models feature substantial sonic improvements and in, a sign of the times, include a moving-magnet phono stage as standard.

Upgrades include a larger main transformer, Naim’s discrete DR regulation on the preamp section, an increased use of through-hole components (that have proved less microphonic than SMT equivalents) and chassis-mounted rather than PCB-mounted sockets, again improving vibration isolation. Changes to the gain-stage topology and components are said to improve the slew rate and power handling while reducing group delay.

The latest versions of the venerable Nait integrateds might look identical to predecessors, but past experience with DR upgrades to other Naim models suggests that the inclusion of the discrete regulator alone makes these integrated amps of considerable interest, the lower noise floor being fundamental to improving musical performance.