Naim’s original Nait XS was introduced in 2008. It was designed as a step up from the basic Nait integrated amp and offered improved sound and greater grunt from a similarly slimline package.
A decade on it was revised for a second time by Naim’s engineers, and the result is the XS 3 we have on test here. Looks familiar, doesn’t it? That revision turns out to be light, with the previously line-level amplifier gaining a moving-magnet phono stage and undergoing a tweak in the power amp circuitry to improve its responsiveness.
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Features Naim Nait XS 3
It’s somewhat of a surprise to find that digital inputs and Bluetooth aren’t on the menu. Naim would argue that an outboard DAC would be a better solution, and at least that way the analog performance doesn’t suffer and the price doesn’t change too much.
The new phono circuit is made up of three stages – a gain stage, passive equalization, and final gain and active equalization. The idea is to minimize noise while delivering plenty of dynamic headroom.
The equalization curve chosen is custom, treading the path between traditional RIAA and the IEC alternative. The aim is to deliver a good bass performance combined with enough low-end roll-off to avoid rumble spoiling the sound.
Take a look inside that crisp but solid casework and you’ll find immaculately assembled audio circuitry fed by a generous power-supply section. Great care has been taken in reducing the degrading effect of outside interference and unwanted interactions between components.
We’re impressed by the attention to detail here. It drills down to the shaping of connecting wiring and the exact number and placement of the tie clips used to hold it in place. Yes, indeed, someone at Naim does sit down and listen to the difference these things make.
Sound
The commitment to getting things right is obvious when we listen to the product. We’ve always liked the Nait XS and there’s nothing we hear in this third-generation model that changes our mind.
Compared with the last generation, and thanks to those tweaks in the power-amp circuitry, the ’3 sounds a little crisper and more agile. The differences aren’t massive, and certainly not of the order that we would suggest that an owner of a previous generation upgrade to this one. But, they’re enough to keep Naim at the cutting edge of performance at this price.
Seeing that the moving-magnet phono stage is the big news here it seems the right place to start. We fit a Goldring 1042 MM cartridge to our reference Technic SL-1000R and enjoy the likes of Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen, and Beethoven over the next few hours.
It’s pretty common to find that built-in phono stages aren’t particularly good. They tend to be included as a box-ticking exercise with little regard for getting the best performance. The circuit in the XS 3 bucks that trend with a detailed and punchy performance that brims with energy and interest. It’s relatively quiet too.
Naim Nait XS 3 sound
We move to the line inputs and the Nait continues to impress with a combination of insight, dynamic subtlety, and rhythmic drive that’s hard to better at this level. Pricier rivals such as Roksan’s Blak offer more in the way of outright authority and bass grunt, delivering a sense of scale and an expansive stereo image that the Naim can’t match, but it’s not just one-way traffic.
The Nait sounds more energetic and entertaining. It takes the multitude of musical strands in Arvo Part’s Tabula Rasa and combines them to deliver a musical and emotionally absorbing performance. Detail resolution is good, but the amplifier can assemble all that information into a cohesive whole that impresses.
There’s a generous dose of dynamics, the Naim tracks the slow build of the music well. The result is composed too, with a good degree of refinement when required.
We switch to Neneh Cherry’s Blank Project and love how this amp tracks the album’s complex rhythms. There’s a proper sense of momentum to Spit Three Times and plenty of punch when the music demands. Yet, alongside the bombast, there’s also finesse. Cherry’s voice is nicely focused and comes with nuance and passion.
The story is equally positive through the front panel 6.3mm headphone output. We try a range of headphones from the Beyerdynamic T1 to the Grado SR325e without issue. This output retains the enthusiasm and insight we hear through the speaker outputs, and that’s not always a given.
Verdict
The Naim Nait XS 3 is a fit-and-forget product in the best sense. It slots into your system and does exactly what you want it to, and that delivers the music with emotional impact intact. We can’t ask for any more of an amplifier than that.
FAQs For Naim Nait XS 3
- What type of audio sources can I connect to the Naim Nait XS 3?
The Nait XS 3 has multiple input options, including two line-level inputs, a moving magnet phono input for turntables, and a digital input for streaming devices or digital sources. - Does the Naim Nait XS 3 support streaming?
While the Nait XS 3 itself does not include built-in streaming capabilities, it can be paired with external streaming devices or Naim’s own network players to access streaming services. - What is the power output of the Naim Nait XS 3?
The Naim Nait XS 3 delivers up to 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms and can provide 100 watts per channel into 4 ohms, making it suitable for driving a variety of speakers. - Is the Naim Nait XS 3 compatible with home theater systems?
While it is primarily designed for two-channel audio, it can be integrated into a home theater system by connecting it to a compatible surround sound processor. - What are the dimensions and weight of the Naim Nait XS 3?
The Nait XS 3 measures approximately 432 x 95 x 300 mm (W x H x D) and weighs around 8.7 kg (19.2 lbs).
Pros
- Excellent Sound Quality:
- Versatile Connectivity:
- Compact Design:
- Build Quality:
- Upgrade Path:
Cons
- No Built-in Streaming:
- Limited Power for Large Rooms:
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