Making Good Even Better
Let's start by discussing the expanded range of functions in the new integrated amplifiers: both the NAIT XS 3 and the SUPERNAIT 3 are now equipped with a more than decent MM phono preamplifier. While this feature was omitted in previous versions due to circuit design considerations, the resurgence of interest in vinyl records and the associated demand from HiFi customers ultimately forced the developers to create a practical solution without compromising sound quality. This goal can be considered achieved; the internal preamplifier should, in many cases, make an external phono module superfluous – and just in case, Naim also offers the excellent-sounding SuperLine phono preamplifier.
Furthermore, modifications have primarily been made at the electronic component level. New resistors in the preamplifier section, for example, ensure even more precise timing during playback, and with the same intention, the cascode circuit in the power amplifier section has been omitted. Not new, but still remarkably good, are the Class-A headphone amplifier, the volume control with the Alps Blue Velvet potentiometer, the input selectors with reed relays, and the ceramic-insulated power transistors.
Finally, there's a (not yet entirely official) piece of news that doesn't directly concern the NAIT XS 3 and SUPERNAIT 3: it seems to be only a matter of time until the popular French streaming provider Qobuz is integrated into the Naim App – which would definitely be an enrichment.
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