Naim NAIT 1 Integrated Amplifier - Good Things Come in Small Packages

This time the guys remember something very close to Mike's heart - the original early eighties Naim NAIT integrated amplifier.
David is fed up with being told about Mike's 'red light NAIT', so hopefully he'll shut up about it now!
With less power than most headphone amplifiers, a cheapskate volume knob and balance control, and annoying DIN sockets, it's not everyone's idea of hi-fi perfection. But the guys agree that there's still something very special about it.
Each episode of Hi-Fi Riff features their unedited, unexpurgated views about all manner of weird and wonderful hi-fi designs. Mike has a wealth of knowledge from his hi-fi retail years, and David has written about hi-fi for thirty years. Now Editor-in-Chief of StereoNET, he's picked up a few things along the way.
So brew up a cuppa or crack open a can, and relax and enjoy some one-take hi-fi riffing - and please leave your comments below. Oh, and don’t forget to hit the Subscribe button, this one goes up to eleven!
The eighties-tastic title tune is called ‘UFO/Mike’s Jumper’, and used with the express permission of our old pal and rights holder Simon Lythe.
To read David's zStereo review of this iconic amp, click here: zstereo.co.uk/2014/05/31/naim...

[@christopherwest8103]

Guys ... a few notes from someone who most likely tested (or supervised testing of) your NAIT, just after it was built at the factory in 1985. I was the test engineer for Naim between 1982 and 1986 - and am still working on Naim gear today here in the USA. I also witnessed it's gestation from circuit board layout, to plans for production. I sat in on pre-production listening tests, at which, for example, we decided on where it was possible to do without tantalum caps with minimal SQ sacrifice, and use cheaper electrolytics instead. This was the first Naim product to be built down to a price. It was an "entry level" product intended to bring people into the "real" Naim systems with a first baby step. It wasn't intended to be something kept indefinitely by anyone! ... and hence the simplifications and penny-pinching on parts and packaging seemed justifiable at the time. None of us imagined that it would achieve the cult status is has over the past 38 years! These days I still service NAIT2 units which had a number of improvements done, and which are much more consistently good and reliable than the first model. NAIT2s are much sought after here in the USA, and they are constantly being brought in from the UK and other parts of Europe, and sent in to me for voltage conversion. At AV Options where I've been doing this for ten years now, I put the tantalum caps back in that were originally taken out to save costs when I do a service. As well as many other parts updates from the big boy Naim parts bins for sake of SQ and longevity. At AVO we have optional things like a real ALPS volume pot, instead of the very basic (and frankly quite awfully inaccurately channel matched) one that the NAIT 1 and 2 have. About that packing box! The reason for that is because the NAITs were seen as a "mass" production product by Naim standards. Around 30 per week instead of a handful of separates at that point. We had to have special trolleys built that could be loaded up with 30 at a time for trundling through my test room. I had to put all the sockets on those trolleys at the outset, so we could plug them all in simultaneously for "soak" test (power on /off testing for 3 days prior to shipment). So the initial thinking was to sell them in minimum quantities of four. Then to put four of those skimpy boxes into one large carton and ship them that way. There were no accessories, and a captive power cord, so that helped. They could be transported home from a Naim dealer without too much trouble, but the problem was shipping them back to the factory individually for service and repair. Eventually, the familiar small sized Naim carton used for the rest of Naim's Chrome Bumper "shoe-box" products was also adopted for the NAIT, and that was much relief for those of us handling them after the sale! The serial number does NOT indicate how many were made to that point. That was roughly how many Naim units were built since Naim started out proper in 1972, so about 15 years of production to that point got them to SN #24163. Less than that in fact as chunks of serial numbers were not used. There were about 8 people in the workshop when I started as a PCB tech in 1982, having passed my interview with Julian. So it was a whole different world for Naim back then. Well there's tons more I could share about getting this product off the ground, and the decades of Naim folklore that created beyond that point, but I have to get into my workshop to pack some Olive Naim gear I've restored, ready to send back to the owners who are eager with anticipation!

[@MrVinylista]

Fantastic insight, thanks Christopher!

[@jdekong3945]

Any goss on why the balance control was implemented in this way Chris?

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

I keep revisiting this episode. Naim eye candy...just makes me feel better.

[@neilmorrison1292]

Lovely video - thanks! I had a LP12/Ittok/K9 with NAIT 1 and Kan 1s for 40 years (changed the stylus obvs) and never wanted more - it rocked when needed and blitzed Beethoven too. Sadly, a chronic hand tremor made owning the Linn with its suspension impossible, so I swapped it for a Rega P3/ATVM95ML. The Nait and Kans still make me very happy - while the Rega is great, but with different character to a 40-year old Linn, the whole system makes be grin a lot - Viva NAIT and Kan 1s!!(changed the stylus obvs)

[@michaelevans7015]

Thank you Neil. I had LP12, Rega RB300 K9, Nait and a pair of Royd bookshelf speakers. The RB300 was not supposed to work with the Linn... but it did, brilliantly! Mike

[@attrktmarketing4582]

My favourite hifi channel right now. I thought Dave would have given it a 7/10. Pristine example.

[@MrVinylista]

Thanks, and it's really hard to rate isn't it? 10/10 in some ways, 1/10 in others. Still, Mike and I love it, even if I have reviewed more powerful headphone amps!

[@mikeyevs]

I had to bribe him with beer! Mike

[@BestKiteboardingOfficial]

It's a little classic. Iconic beyond its sound quality and power output and the first of its type. You can't find a cuter amp, it's a stone cold industrial design classic

[@timleelim9930]

These old Naits with Heybrook HB1s were very tough to better for the music of the day with say, a Rega Planar 3-R100 cartridge. Playing something like This Charming Man or Girls on Film, it outboogied even pricier gear back then.

[@michaelevans7015]

You had me at hello.

[@kennybrown1315]

Came upon this via Russ Andrews Connected. Loved it. Two people gently reviewing Hifi equipment like you’re having a pint in the pub with a mate 👍

[@MrVinylista]

Thanks Kenny, that's the general idea!

[@mikeyevs]

We have been doing it for years in the pub with a pint (or two). Mike

[@lpspinners8736]

Really enjoy listening to the passion for the audio hobby that both of you have. Your channel is becoming a favorite as I have more British HiFi pieces these years (older B&W, Spendor and Naim).

[@1jhnpennington]

Liked it even before watching 🙂

[@TheFlyingAudiophile]

Really enjoying this channel guys, it's kind of like those afternoons of hi-fi chat and music listening I've enjoyed down the years with a couple of fellow audiophile friends. The nait 1 is my favourite ever hi-fi component too - it was very much the start of my audio journey and my Nait 1 was purchased before I want to University in 1988. As a result it played at my 21st birthday and unbelievably had to be pressed into service at my 50th birthday 29 years later when my NAP250 went into thermal shutdown after hours of abuse! So the Nait saved the day... I write for your (friendly) rivals Soundstage so hope to see you both at the Bristol show (hopefully with a beer in hand)!

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Very cool vintage amp! The old Naim and Linn stuff is great! More! More! :-)

[@MrVinylista]

Plenty more where that came from. We can bore anyone off their barstool with our Flat Earth chat!

[@mikeyevs]

@@MrVinylista ain't that the truth!

[@theheathster2]

I recently scratched was is now a fairly expensive itch and bought a Nait 1. It happily drives my SBLs without sounding terribly compromised dynamically when compared to my 72/HC/250. In fact, there’s some music I prefer through the Nait, and as I like my neighbours and don’t play at particularly high volumes, it’s meagre power output never comes into play. I can certainly hear its ‘demo room appeal’

[@ganck1147]

Classic british amp alongside A&R A60, Onix OA21, Creek 4140 & Cyrus 2.

[@michaelevans7015]

I'm a big fan of the Exposure X too!

[@warrenraye1126]

I’ve been hoping this amp would make an appearance! 😉👍

[@mikeyevs]

It was only a matter of time before David succumbed! Mike

[@bananavroom3691]

The new 50 yr anniversary NAIT 50 is out in June 2023. This is the iconic Nait 1 being reissued from 1983.

[@robertleitch2016]

Indeed, and it's a lovely thing, far truer to the so-called 'silver bumper' orthodoxy than I'd have expected. Only 1973 to be made (why not 1983?) and I suspect all are already spoken fo,r in the manner of limited edition Porsche cars and Rolex wristwatches. I also discover that there's a new and faithful Musical Fidelity A1. Death, it seems, has a revolving door. I eagerly await the 'continuation' Fablon-sleeved Amstrad IC2000, next Christmas's John Lewis 'must have'...

[@acme181169]

It doesn't matter!!! I swapped (literally! In Jonny Roadhouse Manchester) a sugden A48 for a nait and immediately lost power, but my LS7's sang for the 1st time. I cant count how many carefully considered upgrades since, but I now own a fully active NAIM system and still my original nait. There's something very satisfying listening to radio 4 through the nait via a nat02 and an origin pair of Kans in my study. If you get the opportunity buy one, DO IT!!! and NEVER sell it.

[@mgsee]

I have a Naim NAIT with the smooth volume knob (without the ridges on the edge). I originally used it with an LP12/Ittok/K9 and AR floor standing speakers, but have not used it for about 15-20yrs. I think one channel is dead so have entertained the idea of getting it serviced/repaired, but wasn't sure if it was worth doing. But after watching your video I think it might be worthwhile fixing it and seeing how it compares to the amp I now use in my more modest setup - a Marantz PM6006.

[@MrVinylista]

I would strongly urge you to send it back to Naim. Their servicing is legendary and not too expensive. It will be well worth doing and you'll get your money back if you decide to sell.

[@mgsee]

@@MrVinylista Thank you for the advice, I will definitely look into doing this.

[@Borednlonely]

I just bought the red led nait 1. I have to agree with Mike here. Wow this amp is stupid good. I don’t care about the lack of power it’s such a gorgeous sounding amp. Just for reference my main system is Naim 500 series. Speaks volumes.

[@Hi-FiRiff]

It really outweighs the sum of its parts. Mike

[@Vasimolo]

Fantastic amp! Sounds lovely and looks fantastic. Could not keep mine because it caught the radio signal from the massive antenna not too far from my place :(

[@raysalamat1509]

Best YT audio site for me ATM! My wish list for you guys to review: the orig. wooden-sleeved Sugden A21, Mission Cyrus 1&2, Quad 303, Audio Innovations Alto, Rega Io, Proac Super Tablettes.

[@michaelevans7015]

I have been going on about the Super Tablettes since 1988! Incredible speakers. I really want a pair! Mike

[@raysalamat1509]

Yes, feels nice to be in good company! I even tried a 3.5W SET amp and they went loud and sweet. Just acquired a 303 and am pairing them up over the weekend.

[@tonyearl8621]

Had this in my first serious system, walker CJ58 , Linn basik+K9, hooked up to the big, efficient, monitor audio 352's, I don't think I have enjoyed music more even though I have moved up over the years

[@leegoodwin3466]

I had one for a few years with ota quad 57s…..a very good combination indeed

[@mikeyevs]

Wow! I had an Exposure x with the 57's and still think it was one of the best combinations I ever owned! Mike

[@dean6816]

13 Watts per channel!?? I could've powered the bleeper on my microwave with one!

[@redrobbosworkshop]

A classic small amp. I'd say the currently Rega IO is a reasonable spiritual successor, would you agree?

[@MrVinylista]

Sort of. The IO is a far cheaper thing - probably 4 times less than the original NAIT in real terms. The thing about the NAIT was that it was priced the same as big, fancy integrateds but was tiny, had no power and sounded a bit weird - but it was superb in musical terms. The IO is a better all rounder, and of course way more affordable.

[@1jhnpennington]

Just looking for a bit of advice, I've given in and bought myself a Nait 2, but it is struggling to drive my low sensitivity Falcon Acoustics Q7. Which (I'm guessing high sensitivity) speakers would you recommend for the Nait? Standmounts or floorstanders are both a possibility. The budget is up to £2000.

[@gdp6586]

Owned a rega planar 3, naim 42 110, kans 1 in the ‘80’s, best system ever! Can you now do vid on Linn axis?

[@MrVinylista]

I had a Rega 3, NVA AP30 and Linn Kan (1s) - great sound, lovely 1980s 'less is more' system. Yes, we'll certainly do the Linn Axis for you. I owned one until I had to 'rationalise' my turntable collection. Great deck in its day.

[@gdp6586]

@@MrVinylista funny I bought the amp from old Westwood and mason Oxford also!

[@MrVinylista]

@@gdp6586 A fantastic dealer, in its time. Never a dull moment with Nigel and Julian!

[@michaelevans7015]

@@MrVinylista subliminal inspiration for Hi-Fi Riff?

[@michaelevans7015]

Did you compare the Rega to the Axis? Mike

[@charlescheese3828]

Great video - love my Nait 1 as well although never really found a speaker I was 100% happy to match it with, so generally use 32.5/160 or 12/BD160 instead. Guys, any plans to review the Kan 1?

[@MrVinylista]

Thanks, and yes, I had a pair for years - and loved them. Still miss them now.

[@mikeyevs]

Not sure we have a pair at the moment in the colection (s). I have a pair of Tukans, which I actually really like, but they are not as enigmatic as the original ones. If we Kan get our hands on a pair we would both love to do that review... especially with the Nait 1! Mike

[@charlescheese3828]

​@@mikeyevs I like Tukans too - my daughter has mine. Always felt they were voiced for 90s digital rather than a phat pre-Cirkus LP12 though. If you don't have a pair of Kan 1s then it may take a while to find a good pair. I've bought and sold a dozen or so the past few years and they vary massively with most not sounding all that good. I've also had half a dozen pairs of Kan 2s and only found one decent pair so far.

[@henryang6481]

Hi I’m from Singapore, I will love to own one of them , can you tell me we were I can buy this amp?

[@jdekong3945]

EBay is going to be your best bet

[@grahamstrahle4010]

Saw one of these in a thrift store for $60 Oz, still kicking myself I didn't get it.

[@fuckinellitsraymo]

Nup... I have owned both and the Naim Nait 2 (Rubberised pots) and found the later model to have more clout and warmth than the clanky sounding MK1. I currently have the Supernait 3 which i am trying to love.

[@mikeyevs]

Clanky... how dare you! Mike :-)

[@fuckinellitsraymo]

@@mikeyevs Ok cranky 😉

[@zjzozn]

😊

[@NoMoreHeroesPunkPostPunk]

David, I get the feeling that you’re not a fan?

[@MrVinylista]

Hi Ken - actually I secretly like it a lot, it's just that it's a great way of teasing Mike! Same goes for the Nait 2 and 3.

[@sbwlearning1372]

Naim are marmite. I never acquired the taste. Must be my ears they always sounded bright and underpowered and shockingly expensive for so little offered

[@alanwilson307]

I agree, overated, overpriced and shouty and i had a pre power combo nac-72 and nap 140 with a hicap ps, from memory, never happy with the sound, just not for me.

[@sbwlearning1372]

@@alanwilson307 Considering the price and all the extra power supplies and cables which increase the cost, very poor indeed. I thought even standard Arcams Regas and Creeks had better sound. I went valve preamp and class D power amp absolutely gorgeous and will drive just about any speaker on the market. Real cult like the Naim owners though,one accused me of being deaf and having "unconscious bias" My response was : Nah it was because the amp was so weak I couldn't really hear it until it started shouting 😂😂 🎸🎵🎧

[@alanwilson307]

@@sbwlearning1372 I bet the valve and class d synergy would be sensational, best of both worlds, power, control and warmth, sounds sweet as, your obviously far from deaf.

[@sbwlearning1372]

@@alanwilson307 Was quite a journey for me. I'd saved up my pennies and wanted an integrated amp upgrade for the next few years. Listened to the usual integrated suspects even Emotiva and Parasound and did enjoy many of them but considering I was going to lay down nearly 4 times the cost of my existing Arcam a39 I was not blown away by any of them. In desperation the assistant pulled out an old Copland valve preamp and hooked it up to an old rotel power amp with something like 350 watts per side My jaw had its dropping moment and I knew it now had to be a valve preamp and some monster power amp. Doge 8 Clarity tube preamp with built in phono stage and Nord 2 power amp 600 wpc.( Shockingly £850 brand new with XLR and RCA heavy duty speaker posts and a 12v trigger) Now I am of course stuck in the agony of which speakers to upgrade to 😂😂

[@alanwilson307]

@@sbwlearning1372 Good luck with that, now you really have your work cut out, there are sooo many good speakers to choose from and some of the really good ones are not alot of money, hope you find what your looking for, cheers and all the best, Alan.

[@bunnypong64]

What??? You call yourself reviewers!!! You both totally missed the most amazing character of the Nait!!! Sound staging!!! It’s got more AIR than a scuba diver’s oxygen tank!!!