Thanks everyone! I hope you enjoy this one. You can see the full written review at the website: www.stevehuffphoto.com/2022/10/01/the-naim-supernait-3-it-has-a-soul/
I'm not sure if you had commented on this combo, since you use the bigger Pass amps now. But would a Pass INT-25 do well enough to drive those Fleetwoods in a medium room to relatively loud levels?
Hello, I just purchased second hand xs2 and I love it. I thing for this obvious reason that it is not kind of amplifier that does some kind of show but it just wants to play the music right. This is how I see it. Actually I am challinging the bass because with my moderate speakers which I have at home some dificult orchestra passages with many chellos produces somwhat thick omph which is not nice so tommorow I am going to check for some speakers if they can play it nicely together with naim, lets see.
The reason for the speaker connections odd placement is because Naim optimised the set-up and placement of the systems so that it was offset to the side in the listening room and not in what the Naim engineers found to be less optimal, the middle of the sound stage between the speakers. This was mostly back in the day when they omitted resistor networks in the output stages and instead used the speaker cable ( there own NAC-A4/NAC-A5 ) as stabialisation. They also had a minimum length of 3.5m with 5m consdered the sweet spot (11.5 to 16.4ish)ft. Having the system to the side also meant one had to loop-up the speaker cable in an S shape to take up the slack of the shorter cable run as they had to both be equal length. The modern Naim systems are more forgiving to set-up and cable choice.
Great decision (said another very happy SN3 owner!). Your comments on the sound very much match my own thoughts on the amp. I love it and don't expect to change it.
I personally didn’t see issues with the crossed cables and balance knob as small design things, but more so in Europe, the leaving it on in an energy crisis with Russia etc. Also some people always worry about longevity in leaving things on which I think is a valid concern. I thought the Supernait 3 is equitable sound wise with the Hegel H390, the kinki studio ex-m1+ you reviewed too and nad m33. It does have lovely bass and insight and is a very resolving amp in easy to understand terms but it lacks the control, dynamics and scale of an amp like the Hegel
For the most part I have always felt Naim communicates the emotional quality of music so beautifully, it really gets you involved in the recording. If you have not tried it I highly recommend augmenting the amp with the Hicap DR power supply. Nice review, I liked your points on the natural nature regarding imaging and soundstage as sometimes these amps are critiqued for this.
Just goes to show sometimes just keep it simple and not get drawn in by quirky looks....1 of the best Class AB amps for under 10k and that's before power supply's and power amp's, I got mine for a bargain before inflation went up right place right time..
Lovely to see this amp get a review as there is not a lot strangely. I have the SN2 which I find sounds the same as the SN3, but without the phono stage. There were some minor tweaks but the impact must be small. I am about to receive a pair of Zu Audio Dirty Weekend 6 speakers which I hope will just sing with the Supernait. Oh, and I think my only complaint with the the amp is the silly remote. I wish manufacturers would sell simple remotes with their simple amplifiers.
I'm 'slumming it' with a XS-2 but what a great amplifier. I moved up from Creek Evolution 50A, Nait 5i, Kandy 3 At £1.5k for an integrated, diminishing returns really start kicking in. Spend more on source and speakers imho.
There really is something about NAIM that's hard to dislike. I would use the word "LUSH". That said, I sold my Atom and Star because of room correction software. Naim are old school and in mho refuse to follow the curve. My new Lyngdorf sounds amazing but I would swap back to Naim in a heartbeat if they just got their heads out of their asses. Naim would be the best sounding bar none (for my slightly warm taste) if I could integrate my sub and correct for my f*cked up room. Love NAIM and that gorgeous midrange but they need to click heels to the 21st century
I respect Naim for their point of view that there’s 2 solutions to the problem: room correction software, or just correcting your room 😅 . If you like the sound of your hifi that’s the main thing. 👍🏽
I'm eyeing the Aethos. I like this sound signature: full prat type.. I absolutely adore the rega brio but haven't heard a thing above that. I'm looking supernait 3 or Aethos as my next move but can't hear both - any input is appreciated!
Great review! I have the SN3 and you're spot on with everything you said. I'm a tube guy and swore I would never have an SS amp until I heard the SN3. Naim is also known to be finicky with cables and such. I noticed you did not use any DIN inputs which does have an audible difference from RCA. Also all the cons are just the Naim way of things which is always going against the grain and can be a bit off putting for others but the final results speak for themselves. Also, I would encourage, if you get the chance, to plug in a HiCap DR and it's a night and day difference. The soundstage that is somewhat not expansive without it suddenly just opens up even more and all the other goodness that you've experienced gets even more bumped up quite a few notches across the board.
@@scslite5206 The Spectres are definitely more $$$ than I expected. I've been super happy with the Phantoms, and can return the Spectres if I don't find them worth it,
It does for the earlier generation of Supernait. The SN3 already has DR technology in its internal PSU, so I believe the addition of a HiCap DR is not so significant. I have the HiCap DR on my SN1 and the upgrade was a big step up.
Like you I've seen the brand and read countless positive reviews of their components, but never heard them. Always liked the look. Supernait 3 and the Cary Audio SLP-05 preamp, neither had center detent positions for the balance. You reviewed the Cary Audio SLI-100 integrated, did that have a center detent for the balance? I can't understand why manufacturers would go away from that.
The lowest cost Pass integrated is the INT-25 and that is a Class A amp. The Naim is a class B amp. Completely different types of sound. The Pass pieces cost more and will have a much larger soundstage, be more holographic, more spatial, richer and with more depth. The SN3 will not be as refined but will have more punch and kick.
Great review. A side question, how did you connect dCS Lina to Naim? I thought it's a headphone only system. But, I suppose it can be used as a DAC without a volume control?
@@Skyouu i owned the nac 282/hicap, nap 200. Great sound. But I upgraded to the integrated amp Gryphon Diablo 120. The gryphon also plays with PRAT, but a little more like live sound, and also better finesse (subtlety)
@@henriksrensen3220 currently, looking for a amplifier for my Triangle Comètes 40th anniversary edition. The 5si (or XS3) could be my future buy... Edit: I'm looking reviews on the Triangle/Naim matching
I own the Nait 5si. They are less than half the price of the Supernait 3, but I am very impressed with how it performs. Very similar qualities to what you describe. Does the torrordial transformer in yours hum at all? It’s a known issue in some Naim gear. I found a simple solution however.
@@anjovandijk9797 Not this issue. Teddy Pardo's are usually there to create DC power from AC. I actually use a VERY large Topaz Ultra isolation transformer (5.2kVa), which blocks DC by default. The bigger iso doesn't hinder dynamics. But it's 111lbs.
He's now on the 4th dimension astral plane in perfect health, going to class and preparing for his next life. Life is not a tragedy but a never ending story. Mediums have even interviewed Beethoven and Mozart about their creative process.
Would you recommend the supernait 3 with dynaudio heritage specials instead of the pass labs? Would the naim be plenty in watts for a middle sized room?
Can't answer the first question. But the Naim will be plenty for medium sized rooms and speakers at least 87dB sensitivity. The original Supernait was tested by Stereophile to be 90wpc into 8 ohms and 140wpc into 4ohms. This won't be any weaker than that... likely a little stronger. Kinda like many tube amps, it sounds much more big and powerful than the wattage rating suggests.
I am using SN3 with Dynaudio Focus 160, room size is 40 m2. SN3 can deliver current for Dynaudios. In Sweden there is a audio shop dedicatec to Naim + Dynaudio. For comparision Musical Fidelity M6 500i sounded thinner, though it has a lot of more power.
@@stuartbridger5177 Great! The Heritage Special is a more difficult load but if it has a lot of current i guess 80 watts will be enough. Strangely i don't like these speakers with powerful class d amps. It seems they like class a or a/b with ab torodial transformers. Does anyone know what the VA rating is of these transformers is in naim gear? They usually don't mention this in tech specs.
@@Stephenwongdirectimaging ever tried hegel？I lean to hegel a little bit between these two amps. But I haven't heard naim supernait3(no local dealer provide that service).Thanks.
People have said that the Kinki Studios integrated has a lot of that Naim sound. One reviewer said it was, "like Naim and Hegel had a baby." I wonder if the Supernait 3 reminded you of the Kinki integrated you reviewed some time ago?
Kinki Studio amps, are leaning more towards the so called "swiss sound, more transparent, more analytical, more clean and lean. Naim (in general terms) is more musical, organic, dynamic and less analytical.
@@sapkan7879 Oh yes, very substantial. I went from 5si, to xs3, to xs3 with Teddycap (big jump in sound quality and depth of stage, and then remplaced xs3 with sn3. You won’t regret it.
i have the naim nait 5si for the price it beats amps in the 3 or even 4 k price range a cool feature is that with remote control the volume whell moves from alone by presing volume up or down .
I ask you that, because I'm looking on the 5si and the XS3 for my Triangle comète 40 th anniversary edition. I don't really know if the 5si could be efficient on them, those speakers need current.. I think the XS3 is more capable...but I don't know for the 5si with his 2x60w/300VA...
@@Skyouu not sure are they stands 6 oms for 6 ohms like the evoke 20 im not sure on watts i know only for 8 ohms its 60W for 4 ohms like the sonus fabers 90 or 95 W
What are those weird speaker terminals ? Besides them being crossed it does not appear the speaker terminals will work with cables that have spades ? Is this correct ?
I had an exhibition model Supernait 2 for about 2 weeks and compared it to other amps such as Bryston B135/2 or more affordable ones like Atoll IN 200. It definitely has better transient response/speed which I think is the reason for the PRAT impression it leaves on people. Kickdrums and Snares especially sounded fast and palpable. It has a bit of a noise floor though, which could be noticeable with more efficient speakers. It’s built like a tank. Knocking on the enclosure sounds like a very thick dampened cast-iron pan. I really warmed up to the aesthetics, too. Wish I could have kept it.
Jay's iyagi did some comparisons between these two brands a few years ago iirc - you can check that one (if you didn't do that already). - my bet is that both are perfectly fine amps - the sound signature is just different - and it will be a matter of personal taste - and of course possible pairing synergy (or not) with the rest of the system. Your Hegel has a lot more power - with harder to drive loudspeakers extra power can never hurt.
The same guys that give you cheap interconnect flanges? YMVM but I think (As a long time Naim user) they cheap out on a lot of things. Cables matter but not as much as your amp does.
That is not true at all, the reason why they are the other way around is that Naim used to make studio gear where the back is facing you, then the terminals are the correct way around. They just stuck with it.
Can you not visualise how this does not change anything, or reenact it with some cables on your desk? Also, it is a terrible idea because it adds a mile to your speaker cable lengths, which you want to keep as short as possible.
I get the feeling you paired it something it didn't match with then had a bad experience trying to return it. One thing that may help you to know is every component must have the right synergy with the other components in your system. This will make or break any system. And buy from a reputable dealer for a happy experience 😁
@@rog86 I think he is trying to say "then" for "than"...I made a direct comparsion with the Brio R to Naim XS. Naim was better in some areas but no every and was 3x times the price. I replaced my Brio R for the Naim but always missed the Brio an never was totally happy with Naim...The Naim was replaced for a Reisong A10 that have been replaced for a Synthesis Roma 96. Never looked back to Naim...that said if i coud have 4 diferents amps to change probably one could be a Naim but never would be my first option or my favorite.
I familiar with those two. They are not comparable models. Naim is better in many ways. Brio is a fun lil amp that packs a nice punch but it really is not in the same class, you'd have to higher up the Rega chain to compare similar model amps.
Did you have their legendary balance and volume potentiometer IMBALANCE ? Naim is sending these out, along with their preamplifiers, with systematically faulty ALPS blue velvet pots that are systematically skewed left or right. TOTAL NIGHTMARE.
from my experience you need low sensitive speakers - maybe max 92db or sth. if you drive high sensitive speakers like klipsch there will be too much energy in the sound.
@@Skyouu long time ago I my naim nail 2 drove triangle comets. I liked it a lot. later I bought Harbeth M30 speakers und upgraded with NAC72 and NAP140 because I couldn't use the potential of the Harbeth with the NAIT2. anyway two years later I bought the NAP250 olive and the Harbeth starts to shine. 10 Years later I bought the Cornwall 4 and replaced the vintage NAP250 with a Supernait 3. Great improvement but in my opinion too much current for the Cornwall 4. Today I drive my BC1 with the Supernait 3 and my klipsch with my NAIT 2 both sounds great. all I wanna say - it`s a journey. NAIM was never disappointing.
@@ducmoto1975 do you think the 5si could drive the comete 40th anniversary speakers ? Or it's better to go on the XS3 ? About the preamplifier of the SN3,it's the same about the 500 series.. do you think the XS3 have the preamplifier of 200series ? Thanks to your feedback on the Triangle/Naim association, I were sure it was a nice match.
Having had a 272/250dr, the Naim game ladder became brutally expensive to step things up, even w their power supplies (or so-called knockoffs) it was a wallet pain to try and extract more. That being said, lovely kit that works w specific ranges of speakers.
It lets the character through. Most other amps don’t, that’s why they sound dull in comparison. I am a Naim owner. Same kit for decades. I’ve not felt the need to change it. That’s value and reliability
@@maxine2798 Naim equipment seems to appeal to the same people who like Rolex watches, Porsche cars, Chris Reeve knives, Leica cameras, etc. Its of a similar aesthetic.
Am surprised you're saying the Supernait 2 was weighty. It's said that Naims over the last couple of generations were a bit bright. As I'm sure you know, you now want to be looking at outboard Naim power supplies. They apparently make the amps even more Naim like and better. Would have been nice to hear your impressions with Heritage Special.
Maybe try the naim streamers as well to compare to lina, and you get to use the din cables, also try speaker cables, din cables, power cables made for naim. Try the power supplies like hicapDR, the whole SN3 upgrade path..etc etc.. It gets way better. Go down the naim rabbit hole.. Lol. Enjoy!
I would never own a Naim amp. They have serious design flaws. They are thermally compromised with no external heat sink. They rely on the case to radiate the heat. If you drive them hard, they will shut down. Second is they have no output protection. If the transistors fail, they will damage your speakers. Add to that its other quirks, and you just choose something else.
Many high-end amplifiers omit the added complication (and additional devices in the signal path) line Naim. And, with the amount of current being pushed through modern output devices, tiny fuses can still have their spark gap jumped even after blown. I've seen it personally in a new Parasound A21+. Speakers still toast. It happens, unfortunately. Having "protection" circuits or features are no guarantee. The entire shell of the Naim is a single 7lb piece of billet-machined aluminum. This entire case is directly coupled to the output devices and is elegantly used as the heat sink. Not many amps, especially INTEGRATED amps, have 7lbs worth of heat sink/thermal mass. I've hammered on my Supernait 3 even with 83dB sens speakers and have yet to have it get more than slightly warm. The only shut-downs I've seen are when using high-capacitance speaker cables like Kimber 12TC. But those same cables also cause high frequency oscillation and instability in Pass Amps, Parasound, Krell, Mola Mola, NAD, Rotel, Adcom, etc. Aside from clipping the amp on a test bench for hours at a time, the thermal management is fully adequate for the real world. So, we've established that you've never owned a Naim amp and you just used two make-believe examples as "flaws". Have you ever even used a Naim product?
I take it that you've never actually owned a Naim then? I've owned Naim gear over the last 40yrs. Never had one shut down. Never had one fail. My brother still uses my 30yr old Nait2 everyday and it still sounds wonderful.
Thanks everyone! I hope you enjoy this one. You can see the full written review at the website: www.stevehuffphoto.com/2022/10/01/the-naim-supernait-3-it-has-a-soul/
Have you ever tried Hegel H390?
I'm not sure if you had commented on this combo, since you use the bigger Pass amps now. But would a Pass INT-25 do well enough to drive those Fleetwoods in a medium room to relatively loud levels?
Ever tried Lejonklou or Linn? If you like Naim I'm sure you will like them.
Hello, I just purchased second hand xs2 and I love it. I thing for this obvious reason that it is not kind of amplifier that does some kind of show but it just wants to play the music right. This is how I see it. Actually I am challinging the bass because with my moderate speakers which I have at home some dificult orchestra passages with many chellos produces somwhat thick omph which is not nice so tommorow I am going to check for some speakers if they can play it nicely together with naim, lets see.
The reason for the speaker connections odd placement is because Naim optimised the set-up and placement of the systems so that it was offset to the side in the listening room and not in what the Naim engineers found to be less optimal, the middle of the sound stage between the speakers.
This was mostly back in the day when they omitted resistor networks in the output stages and instead used the speaker cable ( there own NAC-A4/NAC-A5 ) as stabialisation. They also had a minimum length of 3.5m with 5m consdered the sweet spot (11.5 to 16.4ish)ft.
Having the system to the side also meant one had to loop-up the speaker cable in an S shape to take up the slack of the shorter cable run as they had to both be equal length.
The modern Naim systems are more forgiving to set-up and cable choice.
Great decision (said another very happy SN3 owner!). Your comments on the sound very much match my own thoughts on the amp. I love it and don't expect to change it.
Thanks for the Naim review 👍 Naim kit reviews are rare and a fantastic review highly enjoyed it. I to have a soft spot for Naim kit.
Had my Naim SN3 for almost a year now - stunning - great sound and I love this amp
What speakers are you pairing it with?
Have my Supernait 2 for 7 years, never disappoints.
I’ve naim Mac 202 , nap 200 , hicap power , ntsc power supply, and mm naim phono stage and dynaudio speakers and love it
Awesome!! Happy listing 👍
@@BerndtNorten totally agree 👍
If you flip the RCA interconnects (white for red) you can then connect the speaker cables conventionally and left will come out of left.
I personally didn’t see issues with the crossed cables and balance knob as small design things, but more so in Europe, the leaving it on in an energy crisis with Russia etc. Also some people always worry about longevity in leaving things on which I think is a valid concern. I thought the Supernait 3 is equitable sound wise with the Hegel H390, the kinki studio ex-m1+ you reviewed too and nad m33. It does have lovely bass and insight and is a very resolving amp in easy to understand terms but it lacks the control, dynamics and scale of an amp like the Hegel
Leaving it on actually INCREASES an amps longevity as most wear / damage is caused by the shock of switch-on.
You can reverse the interconnects going into the unit and then connect the speaker wires conventionally.
Do you prefer the Naim over your Pass Labs mono blocks? Can you compare & contrast the sound signature of them? Thanks!
For the most part I have always felt Naim communicates the emotional quality of music so beautifully, it really gets you involved in the recording. If you have not tried it I highly recommend augmenting the amp with the Hicap DR power supply. Nice review, I liked your points on the natural nature regarding imaging and soundstage as sometimes these amps are critiqued for this.
Tmr Audio is fantastic! Great people to do business with.
Great review! I agree with you. I wish the next Superrnait will not have the balance dial. An input dial instead the balance dial will be awesome.
Just goes to show sometimes just keep it simple and not get drawn in by quirky looks....1 of the best Class AB amps for under 10k and that's before power supply's and power amp's, I got mine for a bargain before inflation went up right place right time..
The Supenait 3 is just an amazing integrated, so is the Supernait 2 ,if you see either one used at a a favorable price grab it!
Great informative review, with excellent crossreferencing of musical and amplification signatures.
Lovely to see this amp get a review as there is not a lot strangely. I have the SN2 which I find sounds the same as the SN3, but without the phono stage. There were some minor tweaks but the impact must be small. I am about to receive a pair of Zu Audio Dirty Weekend 6 speakers which I hope will just sing with the Supernait. Oh, and I think my only complaint with the the amp is the silly remote. I wish manufacturers would sell simple remotes with their simple amplifiers.
the reason why there are not so many reviews about NAIM is simple. Naim doesn't push social medial influencers.
Density is the word I would use too, it what I heard when I first heard Naim.
I have a lovely sound system with NAIMs set up and T+A speakers
NDX2 + Supernait 3 + Criterion S 2000 CTL
Very happy with your choice! Love the naim sound.
I'm 'slumming it' with a XS-2 but what a great amplifier. I moved up from Creek Evolution 50A, Nait 5i, Kandy 3 At £1.5k for an integrated, diminishing returns really start kicking in. Spend more on source and speakers imho.
XS-2 is a great amp!!! You are far from "slumming it".
Great ! It’s far from that.
did you change your dynaudio heritage special ?
How would the Supernait 3 compare to the Kinki EX-M1 you also reviewed?
I also own the Kinki EX-M1+ because of Steve's review and I absolutely love it.
I agree with what you said in my experience with the Naim Unity Atom + ELAC BS403. Agree agree agree.
I go to hifi shows and hear things my Naim kit doesn’t do. But then I go home and hear the things that it does do, and I’m happy again!
Nice 👍👍
Well put.
Wait a minute! Did I see Spotify at 16/44.1 on the Dcs?
Spotify hifi ? We are waiting for too long...
I love the look also. Kinda eighties
There’s a reason the late Charlie Haden (renowned jazz bassist) owned Naim..
One of the best Jazz nights I ever experienced, when he brought his Liberation Music Orchestra here to Edinburgh.
There really is something about NAIM that's hard to dislike. I would use the word "LUSH". That said, I sold my Atom and Star because of room correction software. Naim are old school and in mho refuse to follow the curve. My new Lyngdorf sounds amazing but I would swap back to Naim in a heartbeat if they just got their heads out of their asses. Naim would be the best sounding bar none (for my slightly warm taste) if I could integrate my sub and correct for my f*cked up room. Love NAIM and that gorgeous midrange but they need to click heels to the 21st century
Lyngdorf are top dogs right now for sure.
I respect Naim for their point of view that there’s 2 solutions to the problem: room correction software, or just correcting your room 😅 . If you like the sound of your hifi that’s the main thing. 👍🏽
Review the Accuphase E280 if you want integrated amp bliss.
Thanks. Very nice review. Your show off of lifting the 31 lb was amazing as well😊
Unfortunately, during my audio equipment buying days I've never heard any NAIM amplifiers as there aren't any dealers here in Connecticut.
Had the Naim Supernait 3. Changed it for Rega Aethos. Very very happy now 😊
I'm eyeing the Aethos. I like this sound signature: full prat type.. I absolutely adore the rega brio but haven't heard a thing above that. I'm looking supernait 3 or Aethos as my next move but can't hear both - any input is appreciated!
@@erics.4113 go for Rega it has lovely natural sound
@@erics.4113 what did you go for?
Great review! I have the SN3 and you're spot on with everything you said. I'm a tube guy and swore I would never have an SS amp until I heard the SN3. Naim is also known to be finicky with cables and such. I noticed you did not use any DIN inputs which does have an audible difference from RCA. Also all the cons are just the Naim way of things which is always going against the grain and can be a bit off putting for others but the final results speak for themselves. Also, I would encourage, if you get the chance, to plug in a HiCap DR and it's a night and day difference. The soundstage that is somewhat not expansive without it suddenly just opens up even more and all the other goodness that you've experienced gets even more bumped up quite a few notches across the board.
I love my SN3 + HiCap DR with full WitchHat Morgana loom (Phantom speaker Cables and Spectre preordered 😉)!
@@DBravo29er I hear ya! I also have the Phantoms and love them. Couldn’t quite commit to the Spectre just yet. Congrats!
@@scslite5206 The Spectres are definitely more $$$ than I expected. I've been super happy with the Phantoms, and can return the Spectres if I don't find them worth it,
I guess Naim still puts the speaker connections backwards. I have a Nait from 1985 that is the same way.
Same here on NAP 300 DR. If you stand behind the amplifier the channels are in correct order.
The super Nait is a very special integrated, I'm glad you get it. Add the HiCap DR power supply and it elevates the performance to another level.
No, it really doesn't.
Hicap or supercap?
It does for the earlier generation of Supernait. The SN3 already has DR technology in its internal PSU, so I believe the addition of a HiCap DR is not so significant. I have the HiCap DR on my SN1 and the upgrade was a big step up.
HiCap DR on my SN3 was an obvious uplift. So worth it!
@@DBravo29er same here, SuperCap DR is over kill though
Like you I've seen the brand and read countless positive reviews of their components, but never heard them. Always liked the look. Supernait 3 and the Cary Audio SLP-05 preamp, neither had center detent positions for the balance. You reviewed the Cary Audio SLI-100 integrated, did that have a center detent for the balance? I can't understand why manufacturers would go away from that.
How does it compare to Pass?
The lowest cost Pass integrated is the INT-25 and that is a Class A amp. The Naim is a class B amp. Completely different types of sound. The Pass pieces cost more and will have a much larger soundstage, be more holographic, more spatial, richer and with more depth. The SN3 will not be as refined but will have more punch and kick.
Naim has it's American hifi sound equivalent in Boulder. Really quite similar in fact.
Wonderful review !
Great review. A side question, how did you connect dCS Lina to Naim? I thought it's a headphone only system. But, I suppose it can be used as a DAC without a volume control?
The balance dial is for room tuning. You should do it by listening instead of being "tricked by the click".
Kind of hard when the listening position is 8 feet away :) I would still prefer a click, personally.
I have always loved the Naim sound.
Owned Naim classic series pre/power amplifiers for about 15 years before i upgraded to Gryphon amplification.
Why did you leave Naim ?
@@Skyouu i owned the nac 282/hicap, nap 200. Great sound.
But I upgraded to the integrated amp Gryphon Diablo 120. The gryphon also plays with PRAT, but a little more like live sound, and also better finesse (subtlety)
@@henriksrensen3220 currently, looking for a amplifier for my Triangle Comètes 40th anniversary edition. The 5si (or XS3) could be my future buy...
Edit: I'm looking reviews on the Triangle/Naim matching
@@Skyouu the xs is a great amp. And you can upgrade with flatcap power supply
@Henrik Sørensen do you think the power supply is a nice benefit ? are they like some power conditioner or its a stock of energy with capacitors?
How does the Naim compare to the Rogue Audio Pharaoh 2?
I own the Nait 5si. They are less than half the price of the Supernait 3, but I am very impressed with how it performs. Very similar qualities to what you describe. Does the torrordial transformer in yours hum at all? It’s a known issue in some Naim gear. I found a simple solution however.
Could you please share the solution you came up with for the Hum? My Nait amp exhibits the same issue. 🙏🏼
However?
DC blocker fixed the hum. It's from DC on the AC line.
@@DBravo29er is it possible that a teddy pardo power supply can fix this issue as well
@@anjovandijk9797 Not this issue. Teddy Pardo's are usually there to create DC power from AC. I actually use a VERY large Topaz Ultra isolation transformer (5.2kVa), which blocks DC by default. The bigger iso doesn't hinder dynamics. But it's 111lbs.
British audio gear is on another level really.. pair that amp with Harbeth speakes and you are in heaven
Or Dynaudio even though it's Danish dynamics in buckets...
Harbeth, Graham, Dynaudio, KEF, DeVore, AudioNote, even KLH V or Wharfedale Linton. All sound superb with the SN3.
@@DBravo29er I auditioned the SN3 at a local store with a pair of ATC speakers. It was a great match. I bought the speakers. Now I want the Naim. :)
@@thebestoffools ATC makes some absolutely killer speakers, as well. 👍🔥
I bought ne naim to drive my klipsch cornwall iv
but this amp works so much better with my vintage spendor bc1
Is the Naim going to replace your Enleum amp?
What a sad story about the shop owner : (
Falling off a cliff what a nightmare
He's now on the 4th dimension astral plane in perfect health, going to class and preparing for his next life. Life is not a tragedy but a never ending story. Mediums have even interviewed Beethoven and Mozart about their creative process.
@@connorduke4619 mediums! Seriously?
@@pandora8478 You still think humans are mortal and soulless. Seriously?
Would you recommend the supernait 3 with dynaudio heritage specials instead of the pass labs? Would the naim be plenty in watts for a middle sized room?
Can't answer the first question. But the Naim will be plenty for medium sized rooms and speakers at least 87dB sensitivity. The original Supernait was tested by Stereophile to be 90wpc into 8 ohms and 140wpc into 4ohms. This won't be any weaker than that... likely a little stronger. Kinda like many tube amps, it sounds much more big and powerful than the wattage rating suggests.
I am using SN3 with Dynaudio Focus 160, room size is 40 m2. SN3 can deliver current for Dynaudios. In Sweden there is a audio shop dedicatec to Naim + Dynaudio. For comparision Musical Fidelity M6 500i sounded thinner, though it has a lot of more power.
I have the SN1 with 20 year old Dynaudio Audience 50's. A stunning combination, so I would expect the heritage to work with the heritage specials
@@stuartbridger5177 Great! The Heritage Special is a more difficult load but if it has a lot of current i guess 80 watts will be enough. Strangely i don't like these speakers with powerful class d amps. It seems they like class a or a/b with ab torodial transformers. Does anyone know what the VA rating is of these transformers is in naim gear? They usually don't mention this in tech specs.
@@GentielioGamingSupernait 3 is 400va
Which amplifier is better Naim Supernait 3 vs Kinki Studio Ex - M1 or M1 plus ?
The one you like the sound of better 😜
I think these two would be a strange cross-shop unless you were considering quite different presentations
Naim is way way better. I bring my s400 mark ii to local shop test out m1+ and naim vocal , bass more inpact even just 80w just better
@@Stephenwongdirectimaging ever tried hegel？I lean to hegel a little bit between these two amps. But I haven't heard naim supernait3(no local dealer provide that service).Thanks.
Been looking at this one for a while as well as the Luxman 509X. Which one would you give the edge to?
Luxman - sweeter top end.
@@connorduke4619 What do you mean by sweeter top end? Less aggressive ?
Hope you will review the Swiss Stenheim Alumine 3 speaker.
Those sound INCREDIBLE
I thought you said the Enleum AMP-23R was the best integrated you heard in your system
And before that Line Magnetic 219, Vinnie Rossi, Pass, etc. it’s hard to believe a reviewer who keeps saying the latest gear he reviews is the best
Any issues with transformer hum as some Naim owners report?
Naim fans are like Apple fans. It’s a feature not a flaw.
👍
People have said that the Kinki Studios integrated has a lot of that Naim sound. One reviewer said it was, "like Naim and Hegel had a baby." I wonder if the Supernait 3 reminded you of the Kinki integrated you reviewed some time ago?
@@toucheslapper well yeah. I mean Naim is quite an established player.. Kinki Studios has been on the scene all of..........15 minutes?
Kinki Studio amps, are leaning more towards the so called "swiss sound, more transparent, more analytical, more clean and lean. Naim (in general terms) is more musical, organic, dynamic and less analytical.
Has anyone here moved from a XS3 to a SN3? Is the jump in sq substantial? Any comments would be much appreciated..
@@sapkan7879 Oh yes, very substantial. I went from 5si, to xs3, to xs3 with Teddycap (big jump in sound quality and depth of stage, and then remplaced xs3 with sn3. You won’t regret it.
i have the naim nait 5si for the price it beats amps in the 3 or even 4 k price range a cool feature is that with remote control the volume whell moves from alone by presing volume up or down .
Nice one 👍 I'm fortunate to live in the UK so Naim kit is cheaper over here.
I have a topping LA90, hard to beat at any price.
Which speakers do you use with the 5si ?
I ask you that, because I'm looking on the 5si and the XS3 for my Triangle comète 40 th anniversary edition. I don't really know if the 5si could be efficient on them, those speakers need current.. I think the XS3 is more capable...but I don't know for the 5si with his 2x60w/300VA...
@@Skyouu not sure are they stands 6 oms for 6 ohms like the evoke 20 im not sure on watts i know only for 8 ohms its 60W for 4 ohms like the sonus fabers 90 or 95 W
What are those weird speaker terminals ? Besides them being crossed it does not appear the speaker terminals will work with cables that have spades ? Is this correct ?
They are actually silver banana receptacles. You are correct, spades will not work.
Not a new thing. Naim has made amps like this for years.
What would be a next step up in naim after a supernait 3?? Or maybe not a next step up but more power without downgrading from a supernait 3??
HiCap DR pow
power supply
@@Michael-xz1nk cost of this seperately?
I believe its $2,859 in the US. I do not own one but a friend does and raves about it.
As always, try at home to be sure its for you.
I had an exhibition model Supernait 2 for about 2 weeks and compared it to other amps such as Bryston B135/2 or more affordable ones like Atoll IN 200. It definitely has better transient response/speed which I think is the reason for the PRAT impression it leaves on people. Kickdrums and Snares especially sounded fast and palpable. It has a bit of a noise floor though, which could be noticeable with more efficient speakers.
It’s built like a tank. Knocking on the enclosure sounds like a very thick dampened cast-iron pan. I really warmed up to the aesthetics, too. Wish I could have kept it.
Apparently Naim amps are fine on high efficiency speakers but one needs the appropriately matched Naim speaker cables.
what did you get?
@@sarahX.. I had those Naim cables, I guess they want you to use them because of capacitance.
Please make a test for the Hegel H390. Thanks
Excellent
How does this Supernaitbcompare to the Rotel Michi X3 ?
My Focal Aria 936s at times seem lifeless, would the Naim bring them them to life with more clarity and presence in the higher end frequencies??🤔🤔
Yes. Focals and Naim are an amazing synergy. I've heard that Focal tailor there sound with Naim in mind and that they are related companies.
I have to check out the Supernait 3 to see if it tops my hegel h390.
Jay's iyagi did some comparisons between these two brands a few years ago iirc - you can check that one (if you didn't do that already).
- my bet is that both are perfectly fine amps - the sound signature is just different - and it will be a matter of personal taste - and of course possible pairing synergy (or not) with the rest of the system. Your Hegel has a lot more power - with harder to drive loudspeakers extra power can never hurt.
I had both at home on trial. Both fantastic amps but I love the Naim sound more.
It won't. Hegel is better
Its subjective. And the h390 costs 25% more.
Thanks
The reason the speaker terminals are backwards is because Naim recommends putting your gear on the side wall not between the speakers.
The same guys that give you cheap interconnect flanges? YMVM but I think (As a long time Naim user) they cheap out on a lot of things. Cables matter but not as much as your amp does.
That is not true at all, the reason why they are the other way around is that Naim used to make studio gear where the back is facing you, then the terminals are the correct way around. They just stuck with it.
Can you not visualise how this does not change anything, or reenact it with some cables on your desk? Also, it is a terrible idea because it adds a mile to your speaker cable lengths, which you want to keep as short as possible.
SN3 for rock and roll, Hegel for bass music, Accuphase for the rest.
what happened to your end all be all set up ---> nagra????
Which amps did not sound up to the niam.
Better control than the PassLabs at bass percussion mmmm.
"It has balls. It sounds huge".🤣
In the UK the Naim sound is called a "wall of sound"
I get the feeling you paired it something it didn't match with then had a bad experience trying to return it. One thing that may help you to know is every component must have the right synergy with the other components in your system. This will make or break any system. And buy from a reputable dealer for a happy experience 😁
@@ReferenceFidelityComponents bro, stop, just stop
The speaker terminal positions are like old-school McIntosh. Not a deal breaker, but annoying.
Great review. Thanks. But doesn’t Luxman 590 prevail over Naim in terms of sound?
I heard them both side by side a couple of times and prefered the Luxman everytime... So much so that I actually bought it.
@@yantrussart6584 Thanks for sharing. And Luxman is more detailed I think.
@@susokraut3169 you know there are better ways to seek attention, right?
@@yantrussart6584 yet the 590 is over 2k more in stores
Yo. Luxman is arright. Naim sn3 is way cool though.
almost bought a 5si but than heard a Rega Brio.
Which was better?
@@rog86 I think he is trying to say "then" for "than"...I made a direct comparsion with the Brio R to Naim XS. Naim was better in some areas but no every and was 3x times the price. I replaced my Brio R for the Naim but always missed the Brio an never was totally happy with Naim...The Naim was replaced for a Reisong A10 that have been replaced for a Synthesis Roma 96. Never looked back to Naim...that said if i coud have 4 diferents amps to change probably one could be a Naim but never would be my first option or my favorite.
@@germanmenendez1401 Naim is very over priced
I familiar with those two. They are not comparable models. Naim is better in many ways. Brio is a fun lil amp that packs a nice punch but it really is not in the same class, you'd have to higher up the Rega chain to compare similar model amps.
What speakers and cable you use ? Tq
Probably made from copper. With connections on both ends. Just a guess of course.
Did you have their legendary balance and volume potentiometer IMBALANCE ? Naim is sending these out, along with their preamplifiers, with systematically faulty ALPS blue velvet pots that are systematically skewed left or right. TOTAL NIGHTMARE.
is this a first world problem?
Overpriced
from my experience you need low sensitive speakers - maybe max 92db or sth.
if you drive high sensitive speakers like klipsch there will be too much energy in the sound.
92 dB is not "low"....I mean 85db and less is low... 85 -->92 medium , and upper than 92 high ... No ?
@@Skyouu something like this I think
@@ducmoto1975 ok, do you know the matching with triangle and Naim?
@@Skyouu long time ago I my naim nail 2 drove triangle comets. I liked it a lot.
later I bought Harbeth M30 speakers und upgraded with NAC72 and NAP140 because I couldn't use the potential of the Harbeth with the NAIT2.
anyway two years later I bought the NAP250 olive and the Harbeth starts to shine.
10 Years later I bought the Cornwall 4 and replaced the vintage NAP250 with a Supernait 3. Great improvement but in my opinion too much current for the Cornwall 4.
Today I drive my BC1 with the Supernait 3
and my klipsch with my NAIT 2
both sounds great.
all I wanna say - it`s a journey. NAIM was never disappointing.
@@ducmoto1975 do you think the 5si could drive the comete 40th anniversary speakers ? Or it's better to go on the XS3 ?
About the preamplifier of the SN3,it's the same about the 500 series.. do you think the XS3 have the preamplifier of 200series ?
Thanks to your feedback on the Triangle/Naim association, I were sure it was a nice match.
Parasound Halo HINT 6
Parasound Halo HINT 6 can this amp match or beat the amp you are listening too?
Having had a 272/250dr, the Naim game ladder became brutally expensive to step things up, even w their power supplies (or so-called knockoffs) it was a wallet pain to try and extract more.
That being said, lovely kit that works w specific ranges of speakers.
+1, Naim is a bit pricy...
Yes. Im running some tunetots with this- Its remarkable.
NAIM sound signature vs neutrality? I will choose neutrality.
Neutrality is a sound signature pretends to be neutral, it’s a kind of signature as well.
IS naim leaps and bounds better than a cambridge audio 350a amp?
Very different, I’d say. The Cambridge is a very called able amp… but the Naim’s are SO musical. Give one a try if you can.
Too much audiophile equipment strips the soul out of the music.
Thats why i use Lowther speakers with a computer sound card.. no DAC. With the cheapest leads I can find with a FM radio
Why would anyone want a amp that puts a character on all the music you listen too. Surely it has a flat frequency response !
“Flat” = lifeless to many of us. Some prefer warm and rich, while others like bright and airy.
It lets the character through. Most other amps don’t, that’s why they sound dull in comparison. I am a Naim owner. Same kit for decades. I’ve not felt the need to change it. That’s value and reliability
@@maxine2798 Naim equipment seems to appeal to the same people who like Rolex watches, Porsche cars, Chris Reeve knives, Leica cameras, etc. Its of a similar aesthetic.
Ad a naim hi-cap dr and you Will be amaised
What difference?
@@trowdwp it sounds a lot better, the pre sektion get it’s ovn psu.
Personally I do prefer EXPOSURE. It’s a well established British company. To my ears NAIM is on the metallic tonality side of music reproduction.
how would Rega compare to the Exposure?
Musical, you say?
Wasnt impressed at all by the SN3. Quickly sold on.
Yep I found it a little harsh and underpowered. It was 4 year old when I bought it. Sold it on within 6 months
@@sbwlearning1372 Then it wasn't a SN3. They came out in 2019
@@sbwlearning1372 Just curious, what speaker did you have at the time?
Am surprised you're saying the Supernait 2 was weighty. It's said that Naims over the last couple of generations were a bit bright.
As I'm sure you know, you now want to be looking at outboard Naim power supplies. They apparently make the amps even more Naim like and better.
Would have been nice to hear your impressions with Heritage Special.
You need to break that puppy in for 100 hours at the very least.. Maybe a followup?
Maybe try the naim streamers as well to compare to lina, and you get to use the din cables, also try speaker cables, din cables, power cables made for naim. Try the power supplies like hicapDR, the whole SN3 upgrade path..etc etc.. It gets way better. Go down the naim rabbit hole.. Lol. Enjoy!
@@joseestrella334 true but it can get terribly expensive too.
@@shivmirchandani9723 very much so yes! And terribly rewarding as well. Cheers!
Absolute nonsense Jose. 😂
@@joseestrella334 that's the fun of it 🤣 love Naim even their circuits are very very geeky 😃
I would never own a Naim amp. They have serious design flaws. They are thermally compromised with no external heat sink. They rely on the case to radiate the heat. If you drive them hard, they will shut down. Second is they have no output protection. If the transistors fail, they will damage your speakers. Add to that its other quirks, and you just choose something else.
Many high-end amplifiers omit the added complication (and additional devices in the signal path) line Naim. And, with the amount of current being pushed through modern output devices, tiny fuses can still have their spark gap jumped even after blown. I've seen it personally in a new Parasound A21+. Speakers still toast. It happens, unfortunately. Having "protection" circuits or features are no guarantee.
The entire shell of the Naim is a single 7lb piece of billet-machined aluminum. This entire case is directly coupled to the output devices and is elegantly used as the heat sink. Not many amps, especially INTEGRATED amps, have 7lbs worth of heat sink/thermal mass. I've hammered on my Supernait 3 even with 83dB sens speakers and have yet to have it get more than slightly warm. The only shut-downs I've seen are when using high-capacitance speaker cables like Kimber 12TC. But those same cables also cause high frequency oscillation and instability in Pass Amps, Parasound, Krell, Mola Mola, NAD, Rotel, Adcom, etc. Aside from clipping the amp on a test bench for hours at a time, the thermal management is fully adequate for the real world.
So, we've established that you've never owned a Naim amp and you just used two make-believe examples as "flaws". Have you ever even used a Naim product?
20+ year Naim owner. Never had a problem with any Naim amp I've owned. The amps are very reliable.
I take it that you've never actually owned a Naim then? I've owned Naim gear over the last 40yrs. Never had one shut down. Never had one fail. My brother still uses my 30yr old Nait2 everyday and it still sounds wonderful.
Frankly that's nonsense
That idiotic. My naims have been dependable and sound fantastic.
Personally I do prefer EXPOSURE. It’s a well established British company. To my ears NAIM is on the metallic tonality side of music reproduction.
Brittle harsh and underpowered at the price