Naim promises "significant performance upgrades" in the Nait XS 3 and Supernait 3, both featuring built-in phono stages for use with turntables, as well as any other audio source, including streamers and CD players.
The phono stages are based on classic Naim designs, and are crafted using "audiophile-quality" components. The company says it has managed to double the speed of the voltage gain stage, allowing for double the rate at which the speaker output stage can react, while the optimised second stage transistors do not need shielding by a cascode stage transistor. Removing the cascode means less amplifier stabilisation is required, bringing an uplift in sound quality.
The company adds the phono circuit topology allows for "excellent" noise performance, extended RIAA equalisation beyond the audio band and "great" overload headroom. The RIAA low-frequency response is a custom curve in between the traditional and IEC curve, and allows for improved bass performance with enough very-low frequency roll-off to protect the mid-band from rumble induced intermodulation. Input impedance is 47kOhms in parallel with 100pF capacitive loading, with gain perfect for 5mV moving magnet cartridges.
Further feautres include Alps Blue Velvet volume control, Reed relay input selection and ceramic insulators for the power transistors. In addition, the microprocessor control section is galvanically isolated and the PCB mounts are microphonic-insolated. The Supernait 3 adds a 24V DR module, a larger toroidal transformer, additional leaded through-hole components in the signal path, chassis-mounted input sockets and full balance control.
The Nait XS 3 and Supernait 3 ship from August 2019.
