Naim Audio SUPERNAIT 3 Integrated Amp Review w/ Upscale Audio's Kevin Deal 

Sound quality is superb, and the build quality is second to none. Combine both, and you have something very special indeed.

I love Naim, I own a full 500, very informative and simplistic explanation Sir!

Agree Kevin! Been a Naim ‘believer’ for the last 3 decades (since 1990) and in decade 4 now. Thanks for posting!

Love the honesty about sales people!!! 👍🏼

Your first 2 minutes were the best, thanks for that!

I’ve been addicted to Naim for 30 years and have an active set up. Very distinctive presentation. The comment about watts is so true. People come round and hear my system and ask how many watts. The look of confusion when I tell them 😂

I love my Supernait 3 and's HiCap DR!!!! The preamp isn't just pure SE class-A, the preamp power supply is fully CCS'd as well (Constant Current Source; GTS if you're curious)!!! That's incredible!!

I still have the Naim NAP 90 power amp and the NAC92 preamp...still going strong. Great review.

I got Supernait 1 with integrated DAC and it rocks. SN3 should be even better. In hi end audio many things may be subjective, but what makes NAIM special for me is that they stand by their name. If you buy one of their products, u can be assured that they will fix it if something goes wrong. They fix even amps made in 70ies. Unlike most megabrands, who sell their stuff and then customer becomes nobody for them. Hope NAIM keep up like that in future.

Supernait 1 was my first amp, and I still feel a pang of regret for selling that beautiful piece. It brought so much joy and warmth to my listening experience. I moved on to an Accuphase, but it left me disappointed. Now, I've switched to an all-in-one solution with the NAD M10. It's convenient, but I know deep down that if the NAD ever fails, I'll go back to the Supernait. That amp was unparalleled, giving me countless hours of relaxation and joy, even at low volumes. The rhythm and style of the classic Naim are simply unbeatable, and you can find them second-hand in superb condition. Plus, it pairs perfectly with my British Spendor D7.2. I don't understand the fascination with tube amps. Every time I had the chance to listen to them, I felt they offered less control, more distortion, and were overpriced. I also don't get where the idea comes from that they're difficult to drive speakers with. In my 30m² room, even with several speakers, I barely hit the 12 o'clock mark on the volume regulator. The Supernait had everything I needed and more, and it remains unmatched in my heart.

I have a Naim supernait 1 with an highcap dr on linn majik 140 and a Naim streamer the nd5xs, i’am very happy with it 😁🤘🏻.

HiCap is the other Naim PSU upgrade you were trying to remember .. and that would be the most sensible outboard PS upgrade for the SN3 .. a Supercap is expensive - more suitable for driving a Naim preamp .. particularly the NAC 252 (into a separate power amp) .. although you could use the power amp in the Supernait - as an interim solution, at least. A separate power amp would make more sense though for a fine preamp/PSU combo like the NAC 252 & Supercap). The SN is certainly very versatile as per its numerous upgrade paths .. as is generally the way for Naim equipment. PS. well done Kevin .. as ever. Cracking stuff !

That's a very well engineered amplifier, the transformer power rating is much higher rated than the amplifier output power which means the voltage rails will not sag when large transients are reproduced at high output levels. The power supply of an amplifier has a profound effect on the sound of the amplfier but what surprises me is that Naim uses only a single pair of output devices per channel. The amplifier is rated at 130 Watts into 4 Ohms but the output devices are rated at just 130 Watts each which means they are being pushed quite hard when driving 4 Ohm loads. In my experience as an amplifier builder (not designer) I have found that transistors perform reliably for long periods when they're used at around 30% of their rated dissipation. Thanks for the video.

Nice, honest, truthful, well said, Naim equipment 2nd hand is 90% of the brand new price because it's so well built. Everyone else's stuff is 50-60% for a reason...well said.

Great job Kevin.

So right about commission, in college I worked at a Dept store selling mattresses and furniture. I sold so many of one brand for six months because I could earn kitchen aid small appliances. I earned complete sets, Stand Mixer, food processor, blender and hand mixer. I gave a set to my mom, 2 sisters, my girlfriend and myself. Great times but I couldn't tell you what brand it was now and I know it wasn't the best, I was just the best at convincing people it was:)

I sold audio for a huge store back in the 80's and 90's. Your Mitsubishi story is so true. The video salespeople pushed them like their lives depended on them. LOL I even fell for the hype. Hitachi, Panasonic and Sony TV's were better . Mitsubishi tv's turned green after a while . The audio people pushed Bose whenever they had incentive programs. I got free sets of Bose speakers many many times . But, I cashed them in and got JBL.

Naim definitely has a cult following. I have three pieces of Naim gear and what I like about the their products is being able to upgrade if something goes bad, very rarely, and you can get them repaired. Try that with many other brands. Even high end stuff. One of the best bargains in HiFi.

Such a treat to listen to someone who’s a master in his field. It’s like listening to Buzz Aldrin telling you about how to pilot the Apollo lunar module.

I just love naim pure marketing, good stuff 🤑

I was going to buy a rega aethos, but you've changed my mind to the supernait, thanks.

spot on Kevin.....i dream of the day when i can confide in hifi salesman in my country.....Australia

Very good video. I have some this original display. For solving NAIM dim problems.

I have Naim in my Bentley Continental. It’s is the finest. The B&O system was a very distant second choice

Naim has cult following. I understand why now that I own several pieces. I have other components, but I have a connection, no pun intended, with my Naim equipment.

Yes great product 🎶👍

Interesting. I'd expect more than an ALPs Blue Velvet at nearly $6K. Not exactly a high end part. It just doesn't seem like you get a lot for your money. A low powered 30lb amp for $6K without any exotic parts in it, in a simple stamped steel chassis, with I assume an aluminum faceplate? Nearly everything I've seen at this price has a toroid, it's not exactly an exotic part. I guess I've got to hear Naim before judging. Maybe there's some secret sauce in there somewhere.

Toroidal transformers produce MORE hum, that's because hum is not inductive, it's capacitive. Manufacturers use toroidal transformers because they radiate less on the perimeter and they can get more in the case. The Naim you're displaying shows this, see how close it is to the PCB? If you think you can hear the difference in digital pots than prove it in a DBT, if you're really an honest person that's the criteria. We use science to design these things just like any other piece of electronic equipment and we should use science to evaluate them. I've tested Blue Velvet pots in designs and they fail miserably compared to digital pots. Dig pots are designed and built in a highly controlled environment with super tight tolerances and they will outlast ANY mechanical pot. I've seen ALPs pots that didn't track low volumes equally, never with a digital pot and I've put these things on instruments that exceed human hearing, I can prove it scientifically. Reviewers should publish their hearing spectrum and use DBTing to prove their evaluations. That's the acid test and I'll bet most reviewers would pick a high quality class D amp over an AB. In fact a well designed class D with a good tube preamp would destroy most of these amps. Class D is the future, you think you can get better dynamics than a 1kW class D? I'll bet you can't and yes I can prove it in a DBT. Manufacturers don't like class D because it's going to be their death knell. PS audio is selling amps for $6k with $500 worth of class D inside and Sterophile is giving it an 'A' rating, that's how good class D is. You can put all the bells and whistles on a power supply but you'll never compete with an SMPS supply but if you think you can, show me. Maybe for some exorbitant price you'll compete but why should I pay for that? In five years there will be a whole new technology around. Speakers, that's another story.

I bought a Aha New Tube CD player from Upscale Audio many years ago. It started having issues. After calling a few times I never received a call back, ever!

I work in Extrusions and provide Niam Audio with the Aluminium Parts, Interesting how Expensive these Systems are.

Iam on used amp budget. Is this any better sounding than the supernait 2?

To this day one of the most absorbing music reproduction experiences I have ever had was a full Naim System ( with a fantastic speaker they used to sell back in 1998) at the Bristol HiFi show in England. To this day I can remember the sound! Funnily enough at the same show I heard the best headphone experience I have heard up to this day, the Sennheiser Tube amp with included headphones, it was incredible as well!

Naim users are true believers in the product. They won’t buy into other brands. They love the Naim sound. It has PRaT and slam.

No tone control ?

Honestly your amazing kevin... umm.. hopefuly I wont need to get a flight to California to see that naim 3 from nyc..!?...you seem very honest , truthful , and very eloquent and detailed. Will see....what's your take on the parasound jc-5 in comparison ..?

That amp looks insane. Clearly, they are using top shelf parts.

I love Naim products. Their priorities are in the right places. I am a little surprised by the toplogy of this amp with the output wires where they are though.

How would the Rega Aethos stack up vs. the Supernait 3? Thanks

My shop used to sell Mitsubishi DLP when I hired on the sales declined on them they were junk I always pushed the Sony and LG tvs they actually work oh and a Panasonic. I’m very honest in my sales I figure if the customer is happy with what I sell them and I’m honest they will come back and it has paid off.

I would like to know how this Supernait 3 compares to a Sugden A21 SE Signature? The difference in power is not a parameter to be taken into account for me!

Anyone know why Supernait always has hum sound when you hear closely to tweeter speaker. Which I never hear from other amp brand. I have both SN2,3 have same things

bet that would be a great match for those autograph minis?

I just discovered your channel...love it! {Haha...Mr. 4:20}

a very good offer but I don't know if it's as good as the integrated amps that have made naim a great brand

I just ordered my first naim the naim nait 5 si very exited is it true i need naim speaker cables or coud i use nordost

I never owned a mitsubishi projection tv but back then I thought the version of the sony trinitron tv they were making under license was the best crt.

Why only 80 watts? isn't this self limiting?

I have read that the "Naim / PMC" combo is superb, i have a PMC Twenty5 26 floor standers at 86db, would this Naim SN 3 at 80 w/ch would be enough to play my speakers loud enough ? I have been using Hegel H390 with this PMCs which sounds very nice, but again some say Naim is a better match, my worries is the power rating Thank you !!

This guy knows good stuff when he hears it. Naim is indeed badass and the Supernait would be my ideal match for my ATC Scm 11's and Naim Cdx2.

what about krell?

Naim or Music fidelity m6si with Focal speakers?

why don't you sell fyne speakers

My first vcr back in 84 was a mits and frankly it was crap compared to panasonic and jvc. Didn't realized until after I had it a while.

Sell a customer a quality product and stand behind it and you'll have a customer for life. NAIM amps are high current and very quiet.

Three years ago I upgraded my stereo system. I bought a hybrid integrated amp measuring 150w in 8 ohms,which cost me 2000€. My dealer at that time insisted to listen to the Naim nait xs2 first & then decide which one I buy. To my regret I didn't listen to him. Three years later I finally borough the XS2 & I must say I did a huge mistake. The naim outperformed the hybrid amp in every way:sound quality, clarity,output power and bass-yes this little thing drops serious bass. Anyway I ended up ordering the SuperNait 3. So believe the man,Kevin for what he is saying. It's a badass piece of equipment.

Nice submariner ;)

Hi, thanks for the video, i am wondering if i shd go for XS3 or 200+202 combination to drive PMC 25.22 , XS3 launched in last year and 200+202 launched quite a long time, i know comparing int. amp and pre+power amp isnt fair, but i would like to get some opinions from the others before i make the decision, thanks!!

how would u compare this supernait3 vs the mcintosh ma7200 integrated thanks

Yep. Naim is great.

Just bought one. I agree with the review here. Bad a55. Period. As Naim say, there's Watts and there's Salisbury Watts. This thing has GRUNT in spades.

i went from sp3 to full naim 500 and let me tell you brother: HABA HABAA!!

This guy could sell bug spray to an ant...love this guy!

first here, i win everything in Kevin's stock !!! (Kevin for President 2020)

How do you like Naim with Focal?

YOU ARE CORRECT ABOUT COMMISSION.. i avoid those store like the plague

It seems like you'd been a degree in engineering to connect a pair of REL subwoofers high level to a Naim.

Please review aavik u 380 amplifier

I only have 1 question Kevin, is it badass though, LOL

hi. does the Uniti Nova streamer shair the same amp as this supernait3 thank u.. cause they do look they share the parts starting with transformer.

Naim is a nice audio company. It s different than the rest. Although the sound is often very nice, the quality is not there. Often there comes sound from the power transformer, stuff breaks down and I think it is a shame you need to buy separate power supplies to get the best out of it. Our local hifi store has quit Naim after 8 years because the costs sending equipment back to the distributor for repair became frustrating. It is just like Saab. A group of people really like it (and I can understand that), but we all know a Lexus is better in every single way. So for this kind of money I would rather go Luxman, Accuphase or Denon. With those you really get an amplifier for a lifetime.

Anyone seen Kevin's Rolex?

Will the SN3 properly drive a set of Dynaudio Contour 60s?

ive got a nac82 hicap and recently serviced nap 250 cost all in second hand including the £350 extra for the amp service £2550. i personaly believe it will destroy the supernait . 1999 - 2001 models

Kevin sounds like he just went to the dentist

You could teach those kids something in Southpark

What are those speakers? They’re beautiful.

Can you please open store in Israel 😉

I don't care what I see on the screen. This guy is selling me a car.

Why don't you sell Croft? It is the best in the world....

He should get into movies, he’s one of those guys that is just naturally funny

Had a Naim Integrated Amp... sadly build quality is lacking..first problem, the Naim Logo that lits up when turned on or at standby became spoiled with what looked like water mark..its a common problem i was told, then the there was the dreaded humming of the amp..bad power supply i was told.. for an expensive hi fi equipment these are totally unacceptable..

Maybe it sounds good, but engineering is nothing special when compared to most vintage medium class amplifiers. Toroidal transformer looks nice though.

I've never heard Naim amplifiers. Can someone comment on the sound signature differences between the Naim and Musical Fidelity amplifiers please. Thanks!

Ah now I know, I had a Mitsubishi rear projection tv pitched to me in 98, and it was crappy and dim. That amp is a beautiful piece to behold. There are many ways to skin a cat.

Why are they still using this ugly additional knob for balance? Because of that Supernait looks terrible. The XS2 has an advantage here and looks much better. Whether the balance knob is something that users of amplifiers from this shelf are looking for? I respect the Naim and accept their various quirks, but no exaggeration what the balance is for.

Mitsubishi tube televisions were the best.

Naim = What goes in is what comes out.

i own one...my spotify on cell phone via bose quiet comfort headphones kicks its ass

Wait.... you compare Naim users to Scientologists and try not to offend the Scientologists? I have a full Naim system and I love it because it is a cult.

Naim can not be good deal when the power transformer is so noisy.

if you ask me, this naim crap is overrated big time, i am 100% sure, that for example kenwood supreme 600 from 70s can wipe the floor with Naim 3

)

No balanced in / out? SN3 may be badass but cannot be a serious audiophile gear ...

Naim made pure marketing products. Naim Super Nait 3 have very high level distortion, very high(for High-End level amplifier!)! Naim Super Nait 3 have very low power and sound quality no best..American 🇺🇸 amp Magnus Audio MA-360, AVM A6.2 🇩🇪, New Zealand amplifiers Perreaux 100P and 255i much better, then Naim. Magnus Audio, AVM and Perreaux amplifiers kill Naim! And French🇫🇷 amps Advance Paris X-i1100 and Atoll 400 much better!

Warning 3 minutes of introductory waffle.

seriously please stop insane hype for primaluna everytime... I don't know what your relationship is with primaluna but thers always a limit sir. Also 2 other very amazing reviewers hate primaluna because it sounds more ss than tube... So the whole point of having tubes is worthless no matter the build quality.

Naim = Forward midrange low bandwidth with a nasty sound that shreds your ears- cheap caps from the 70’s and people keep buying these over priced, over rated amps. Their CD players were good but I traded all my naim kit in for YBA and I’m much happier she can finally enjoy the music

At the end of the day, one either likes, or dislikes, a 'house' sound. My experience of Naim dates back to the days of the Linn/Naim axis, and the amplifiers have never appealed to me. I much preferred Sugden Audio.

1:02 thats exactly how YOU are kevin,worse than a used car salesman.the tube should be off limits to you,you are a snake..you are the kind of guy who pushes a 65.000 dollar deal and not even asking the customer about his room.

British engineering is rather nice, isn't it.