Naim NAIT XS3 Integrated Amplifier

Best stereo amplifier £1500-£2500 - What HiFi 2019 / 2020

Key Features

• 70 Watts per channel
• Class A headphone amplification
• Alps Blue Velvet volume control
• Reed relay input selection
• Ceramic insulators for the power transistors
• Galvanically isolated microprocessor control section
• Microphonic-isolating PCB mounts

Naim Audio NAIT XS 3

Building upon the legacy left by Naim's NAIT XS 2 integrated amplifier, the brand-new NAIT XS 3 promises to be an upgrade in every way. Unlike the NAIT XS 2, Naim's new XS 3 features a built-in high-performance phono stage, making it the perfect partner for turntables, as well as CD players, Streamers or any other music sources. The NAIT XS 3 manages to offer performance akin to their reference-quality SUPERNAIT 3, in a simpler, smaller package. With six years between the release of the XS 2 and XS 3, Naim has made sure that their new release is well worth the upgrade, whether you are a new or existing Naim customer.

What are the upgrades?

• Naim has doubled the speed of the voltage gain stage, which has, in turn, doubled the rate at which the output stage can react. Leading to a faster reacting, more articulate sound.
• The second gain stage transistors have been optimised. Meaning that they no longer require shielding. Removing this shielding means that less amplifier stabilisation is required. Resulting in a doubled slew rate, delivering uplifted sound quality.
• The phono stage circuit is derived from Naim's high-end phono stages, comprising three stages; the gain stage, passive equalisation and then the final gain and active equalisation. This phono stage achieves excellent performance, with ultra-low noise and fantastic dynamics.
• The NAIT XS 3 also benefits from Class A headphone amplification, Alps Blue Velvet volume control, Reed relay input selection, Ceramic insulators for the power transistors, A galvanically isolated microprocessor control section and Microphonic-isolating PCB mounts.
• "These (NAIT XS 3 & SUPERNAIT 3) are the best sounding integrated amplifiers Naim has produced, now with added love for vinyl. Major performance upgrades mean you'll hear more from your music, whatever format you're listening to" - Charlie Henderson, Naim Audio MD

Who are Naim and what are their new 3rd generation integrated amplifiers?

Naim Audio has a special place in British audio, thanks to its founder and inspirational leader Julian Vereker, a hugely talented mechanical and electronic engineer with a passion for, amongst many things, music. Naim has always had a firm philosophy of music first, measurements second - each Naim product is extensively auditioned as part of the product development process to make sure that it delivers clear, emotional music-making ability. Naim products are designed to bring the closest facsimile of a live music event into your home listening environment, to give you maximum pleasure from your music collection.

Naim Audio, the British hi-fi specialist with 46 years of audio expertise, has launched the 3rd generation of its acclaimed NAIT and SUPERNAIT integrated amplifiers. The NAIT XS 3 and SUPERNAIT 3 feature significant performance upgrades and like their famous predecessors, both are handmade to Naim's high standards in Salisbury, UK.

In the six years since the last NAIT-integrated amplifiers were released, Naim Audio's research and development team have worked on a whole host of improvements. Resulting in the best Integrated Amplifiers Naim has produced to date.