Naim NAIT XS 3 Integrated Amplifier

Naim NAIT XS 3 Integrated Amplifier is the third reincarnation of the Nait XS, drawing on Naim's near 50 year audio expertise and featuring some serious performance upgrades. As well as this, it has a new inbuilt phono stage for Naim signature sound reproduction and seamless partnering with turntables, streamers, CD players or other music sources.

Amplifier Updates

Nait XS 3 incorporates significant improvements developed over the six years since the model's inception resulting in an enhanced power amplifier section as well as better pace and intimacy in audio delivery. The new phono stage is based on classic Naim designs and made from audiophile-grade components, expertly grouped for best precision.

Sound Quality Upgrade

The voltage gain stage speed is doubled which doubles the response rate of the speaker output section. The second gain stage transistors are optimised so they no longer require shielding via a cascode stage transistor. Eliminating this means less amplifier stabilisation is needed which doubles the slew rate and enhances sound quality.

Use as Phono Stage

The phono circuitry consists of three stages; the gain stage, passive equalisation and final gain/active EQ. This allows exceptionally low noise to be achieved, RIAA equalisation extension beyond the audio band and great overload headroom, ideal for 5mV MM phono cartridges.

All RIAA equalisation capacitors are ‘through-hole’ mounted film structures with low microphonic pickup and great transient response. This is crucial to sound quality as phono stages are highly sensitive compared to other inputs.

Nait XS 3 Review

What HiFi Magazine reviewed the Nait XS 3 in their August 2019 issue stating the integrated amplifier is "a gentle upgrade but remains one of the most musically enticing options at this price" with key benefits being a dynamic and insightful performance, good MM phono stage and upgrade potential.

Key Benefits

- Class A headphone amplification
- Alps Blue Velvet volume control
- Reed relay input selection
- Ceramic insulators for the power transisitors
- Galvanically isolated microprocessor control section
- Microphonic-isolating PCB mounts