Naim SUPERNAIT 3 Integrated Amplifier

An excellent example of this highly regarded integrated amplifier from British Hi-Fi specialists Naim Audio. The SuperNait 3 now features a fine MM phono stage and should you wish there are a multitude of options to upgrade the unit in the future by adding a power supply or power amplifier. Finished in the current “Classic” style casework it comes completely checked over by Naim (electrically and cosmetically perfect) in sealed factory packaging, with remote control, manual, mains cable, speaker links and a full 2 year warranty.
Naim Say….
In the six years since the last NAIT integrated amplifiers were released, our research and development team have worked on a range of amplifier improvements. The result is upgraded power amplifier sections for SUPERNAIT 3, delivering greater pace and intimacy to their musical delivery – whether it’s driving a pair of loudspeakers or your favourite pair of headphones.
SUPERNAIT 3 has received significant performance upgrades, including a built-in phono stage, making it a perfect partner for turntables, as well as for streamers, CD players, or any other music source people want to enjoy with the signature Naim sound.
It also includes a Class A preamp output stage which doubles as a headphone amplifier and ceramic heatsink technology that minimises capacitive coupling between the chassis and output transistors for optimum sound quality.
Its inputs are each individually decoupled and hand-wired to minimise noise and interference while internal switching employs ultra-low-noise, constant current sources which are derived directly from the electronic design of the flagship NAC 552 preamplifier.
The SUPERNAIT 3 can be upgraded with our external power supplies, power amplifiers and even cabling upgrades to get the best from all sources.
Technology & Craft
The upgrades in more detail:
Our R&D team has found a way to more than double the speed of the voltage gain stage, which in turn doubles the rate at which the speaker output stage can react.
The second gain stage transistors have been optimised, so they no longer need to be shielded by a cascode stage transistor. Removing the cascode means less amplifier stabilisation is required: that doubles the slew rate and delivers an uplift in sound quality.
The phono circuit topology comprises 3 stages: the gain stage, passive equalisation and final gain and active equalisation. This enables excellent noise performance, extended RIAA equalisation beyond the audio band and great overload headroom.
All RIAA equalisation capacitors and the RIAA resistors are ‘through-hole’ mounted film designs, with low microphonic pickup and excellent transient performance. As phono stages are 1000x more sensitive than other inputs, this greatly benefits the sound quality.
Input impedance is 47kΩ in parallel with 470pF capacitive loading; the gain is perfect for 5mV moving magnet cartridges.
Product Specifications:
Audio Inputs –
MM Phono Input: via RCA, 47k parallel 470pF input impedance, suitable for 5mV cartridges
Line Level Inputs: 130mV sensitivity, 47k input impedance, suitable for 2V
Power Amp In: DIN Socket
Audio Outputs –
Powered Accessory Sockets: +24V for Naim phono amplifier
Speaker Outputs: 80W per channel into 8 ohms (4mm sockets), 130W per channel into 4 ohms
Line Outputs Variable (level): Pre-amp (DIN), Bi-amp (DIN), Sub (RCA pair) 775mV, <50 ohms
Line Outputs Fixed (level): AV (DIN), Stream (DIN) 130mV, 600 ohms
Headphone Output: 1/4 inch (6.35mm) TRS Socket
Connectivity –
Updates: 1 x USB mini-B
Remote Input: 1 x 3.5mm jack on rear
Finish – Case: Black powder coated; Front: Brushed and black anodised
Dimensions: 432 (W) x 314 (D) x 87 (H) mm
Weight: 14 kg

For a review from Hi-Fi+ magazine please click here
In fact they rated it so highly it went on to win an Editor’s Choice Award – please click here
For another review, this time from specialist journal Hi-Fi Critic please click here

And a final one this time from Hi-Fi Choice magazine please click here