Naim Nait XS 3 review: Amplifier in Focus
A decade ago, the Naim Nait XS amplifier established itself as a benchmark, offering improved sound and greater grunt than its predecessors from a similarly slimline package. Now, it has been revised for a second time by Naim’s engineers, and the result is the Naim Nait XS 3. While it looks familiar, the revision is a subtle but significant one: the previously line-level amplifier has gained a high-quality moving-magnet phono stage and has undergone a tweak in the power amp circuitry to improve its responsiveness.
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Features and Design
In a modern twist, it’s somewhat of a surprise to find that digital inputs and Bluetooth aren’t on the menu. This is a deliberate choice. Naim argues that an outboard DAC is a better solution for ultimate performance, and by omitting digital circuitry, the analog performance doesn’t suffer, and the price remains focused on core audio quality.
The big news is the new phono circuit, which is made up of three stages: a gain stage, passive equalization, and a final gain stage with active equalization. The design goal is to minimize noise while delivering plenty of dynamic headroom. The equalization curve chosen is a custom one, treading a careful path between traditional RIAA and the IEC alternative to deliver a solid bass performance combined with enough low-end roll-off to avoid rumble.
A look inside the crisp, solid casework reveals immaculately assembled audio circuitry fed by a generous power supply. Great care has been taken to reduce the degrading effects of outside interference and unwanted interactions between components. The attention to detail is impressive, drilling down to the specific shaping of connecting wiring and the exact placement of tie clips. At Naim, someone sits down and listens to the difference these seemingly minor things make.
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Sound Quality and Performance
This commitment to getting things right is obvious from the first listen. The Nait XS has always been a compelling amplifier, and this third-generation model continues that legacy.
Thanks to those tweaks in the power amp circuitry, the XS 3 sounds a little crisper and more agile than the last generation. The differences aren’t massive, certainly not enough to suggest an owner of the previous model should rush to upgrade. However, they are enough to keep Naim at the cutting edge of performance at this price point. 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.
Phono Stage Given the new moving-magnet phono stage is the main headline, it’s the right place to start. Using a Goldring 1042 MM cartridge on a Technics SL-1000R turntable, the Nait XS 3 shines with the likes of Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen, and Beethoven. It’s common to find that built-in phono stages are merely a box-ticking exercise, but the circuit in the XS 3 bucks that trend. It delivers a detailed and punchy performance that brims with energy. It’s impressively quiet, too, allowing the music to take center stage.
Line-Level and Dynamics Moving to the line inputs, the Nait continues to impress with a combination of insight, dynamic subtlety, and a rhythmic drive that’s hard to better at this level. Pricier rivals like Roksan’s Blak may offer more in the way of outright authority and bass grunt, delivering a sense of scale the Naim can’t quite match, but the contest isn’t one-sided.
The Nait simply sounds more energetic and entertaining. It takes the multitude of musical strands in Arvo Pärt’s Tabula Rasa and weaves them into an emotionally absorbing performance. Detail resolution is excellent, but more importantly, the amplifier assembles that information into a cohesive and musical whole. There’s a generous dose of dynamics, and the Naim tracks the slow build of the music beautifully, remaining composed and refined when required.
Switching to Neneh Cherry’s Blank Project, the amp’s ability to track complex rhythms is thrilling. There’s a proper sense of momentum to “Spit Three Times” and plenty of punch when the music demands it. Yet, alongside this power, there’s also finesse. Cherry’s voice is wonderfully focused, delivered with nuance and passion.
Headphone Output: The story is equally positive through the front panel 6.3mm headphone output. A range of headphones, from the Beyerdynamic T1 to the Grado SR325e, were driven without issue. This output retains the enthusiasm and insight heard through the main speaker outputs—a quality that is not always a given.
Verdict:
The Naim Nait XS 3 is a fit-and-forget product in the best possible sense. It slots into a system and does exactly what an amplifier should: it delivers music with its emotional impact fully intact. One can’t ask for more than that.
Industry Acclaim
Its excellence is widely recognized, with the Naim Nait XS 3 claiming the prestigious What Hi-Fi? Award Winner 2024, alongside the Hi-Fi Choice Editor’s Choice Award and the AVSForum Best Buy Award, solidifies its place as a standout in audio excellence.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Energetic and Rhythmic Sound
- Excellent Built-in Phono Stage
- Meticulous Build Quality
- High-Quality Headphone Output
- Pure Analog Focus
Cons:
- No Digital Inputs or Bluetooth
- Not a Huge Leap Over Its Predecessor
- Less Bass Authority Than Some Rivals
Naim Nait XS 3 Specifications
Audio Inputs
- Phono Input: 1 x RCA (Moving Magnet)
- Input Sensitivity (MM): 5mV
- Line Level Inputs: 4 x RCA, 1 x DIN
Audio Outputs
- Speaker Outputs: 1 x Pair of stereo binding posts (L/R)
- Headphone Output: 1 x 6.35mm front-panel jack
- Other: Powered accessory socket (for Naim accessories), Preamp Out (DIN)
Power Amplifier
- Power Output: 70 Watts per channel into 8Ω, 100 Watts per channel into 4Ω
Physical
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 70mm x 432mm x 314mm
- Weight: 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs)
- Finish: Black Powder Coated
