Naim SUPERNAIT 3 Review // The LAST of Naim Classic Design?

[@sheerkhanful]

The Supernait has been an endgame amp for me. It came at the end of a long road of other amps but it's been years now and the Supernait is still one of the best things I own.

[@simon_b_0014]

Great review, you should hear the Supernait 3 with the HiCap DR power supply upgrade, it moves this amp to an even higher level! Incredible performance for an integrated.

[@Hifyed]

Thank you! It’s awesome with a hi cap your right impressive performance out of a integrated. I have always been a big fan of Naim😉

[@mick96ful]

@@Hifyed- At the 2:38 minute point in the video both of you state that the Naim Supernait 3 amplifier weighs 38 lbs., but that is not correct since the Naim Supernait 3 actually weighs exactly 14 kg or 30.86 lbs. It is an important fact, since many shelves that are sold in stores today -- and that are ultimately used to hold stereo equipment -- can only handle about 33 lbs.

[@maryvillanueva2075]

Classic design which leads to easy setup is great for people who may not be privy to apps and technology. Great review!

[@Hifyed]

👍👍

[@Naitsabesuil]

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.

[@rayvanoer]

Love my SN3 Focal Sopra No1 system. Have it for almost a year now, and it still amazes me.

[@Hifyed]

Awesome combo! Love the Sopra line.

[@CJL36]

I have the original Supernait and absolutely love it! I have always been tempted by the SN3, but I would miss having a DAC.

[@Hifyed]

You love your Supernait and I would just resist the temptation. I'm pleased that the SN3 is still built in the UK, however the original Supernait is a true hand built product with hand picked transistors.

[@scslite5206]

Look forward to your comparison with the H390. Wonder if it can get louder without distortion. The bad kind of distortion 😊

[@Hifyed]

Knowing what the 390 can do I’m sure it will 😉

[@neilthompson7752]

Get the Hi-Cap for the SN3 that will help lower the noise floor

[@markallenster]

Great video guys. The SN3 is really a special amp

[@Hifyed]

👍👍

[@Bob-l4q6f]

​@@Hifyed - Would a Naim Supernait 3 pair well with Kef Reference 3 floor standing speakers?

[@stewnelless2416]

PRAT was the original acronym (Pace, Rythm, Attack, and Timing) often used. Somewhere the "Attach" became "and". Marco, perhaps a better automotive simile might be a good Merc, BMW or Audi 😉 . Take care ....

[@Hifyed]

Thank you, for letting everyone know we should have mentioned it! I agree with your simile suggestions Marcos just loves his classic Porsches a little to much 😉. Take care as well.

[@stewnelless2416]

@@Hifyed Hi. Just have to get him to mount a certain, ridiculously inexpensive (dare I say cheap?) tonearm on one of his personal tables and see how he likes it. 😉

[@AT-wl9yq]

I've heard a few people call the A, Acceleration. I think attack makes more sense.

[@Michael-xz1nk]

I love vintage Linn and Naim electronics…nice review!!

[@samt8017]

Love to see the side by side comparison with the hegal 390.

[@Hifyed]

Hopefully soon!

[@AP14141]

Y? H190 is closer and a much fairer comparison.

[@TombstoneTube]

13th Note Hifi has a great comparison of the 2

[@perttisaari597]

How is Supernait 3 vs. Accuphase E380, especially in low level listening?

[@Hifyed]

Low level I would have to give it to the Naim. This is just going off of experience and would need to do a true side by side. If your looking for detail/texture the naim. The accuphase has a lower noise floor with tremendous amount of drive especially at high Spls. May need to do a comparison video 🤔

[@pmizz7959]

All these comments on comparing it to the Hegel H390. I own that amp and I love it so I am probably biased. Also haven’t heard this so I can’t say anything sound wise. But the Hegel has a DAC, Spotify Connect, Roon, Apple Airplay, 4K damping factor and can handle MQA formats on all digital inputs… It is also pumping 250w over 80w here…Feature wise it seems like an odd comparison to an all analog amp. Will be curious to hear your thoughts on sound quality anyway though.

[@Hifyed]

I think I opened that door when I mentioned the 390 in the video. In my opinion the 390s feature set and sound quality is one of all time favorites at price. I really like hegel as a brand and the people at the company. When I heard the supernait 3 it really impressed me and the first thing I thought of was the Hegel 390. With all the comments it looks like I just have to try and make it happen!

[@pmizz7959]

@@Hifyed I look forward to watching it. If it can keep up with the Hegel that would be really impressive

[@neilthompson7752]

All analog amp SN3 class A-B design what's not to like..Sometimes keeping things simple is the way to go as in old school why complicate things with DAC's streamers. But hey it will be an interesting comparison indeed the Hegel H390 is know slouch indeed!!..

[@CercaTrova13]

My friend sold Hegel after listening to Naim nac202 & nap200

[@philippebertrand3820]

It’s a cool amp and very cool video guys !

[@Hifyed]

Thank you!

[@Anand.Asrani]

Hi, Nice take on my favourite Amp ( on my wishlist ) what Floorstanders have you paired them with ... Thanks

[@Hifyed]

They are our reference speakers pmc fb1i.

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

Question should be, why do you have prat? Is prat really part of the import of the music as it was created. I personally love the idea of prat...and democracy and love.

[@Hifyed]

Great question! Prat is another controversial topic but is worth the discussion.

[@erics.4113]

As a drummer, I would say yes. Live drums have a thwack crack and presence that seems to get smoothed over in many recordings or doesn't come through some systems at all. When I hear a system with PRAT, I feel I get a better sense of that. And it is pleasing.

[@Hifyed]

@@erics.4113 👍👍

[@andrehb]

Another great review, thanks

[@Hifyed]

🙏🙏

[@playbackvintagehifihunter9669]

Hi, I’m thinking of buying a naim amp. Lots of talk about the humming, should that be something to be concerned about? Great review!

[@Tokaisho1]

Not really an issue for me

[@mortlach186]

I'm commenting on two of your videos. First, the Atom, Evo, andM10v2, are not really meant to be full feature-laden products but are meant for people who want simple, minimal components, and more than likely no turntable. My local Naim dealer clearly sells them to that kind of customer who barely knows the difference between a speaker cable and an interconnect. The Supernait is a piece of gear that will be the center of a killer sound system. Have you listened to their turntable? In a lot of ways, it is a bargain considering what you get. My local dealer runs their reference components into the Proac K-10s and Nagra source components. When they put say a jazz trio on, it just sounds like three musicians in the room. And honestly, putting NAD in this mashup? I owned their stuff on and off from my first 3140, 7020 in the seventies through integrates, CD players up until the early nineties, and frankly the stuff all kind of sounds the same (like a house sound ) over the decades regardless of which line it is. It was once a real affordable alternative in audio. Hegel, aren't they glorified computer power supplies?

[@Hifyed]

Thank you for taking with with your feedback. The whole idea of the these "all-in-ones" are to to reduce the amount of boxes but with all the features. Your right since the target market are for people that are not enthusiasts the are the ones that want convenience. It's the reason why they include bluetooth even 2 way, hdmi earc, headphones inputs, airplay. alexa, full app control. dirac etc. You right the turntable while the turntable is not cheap it is a bargain compared to others. I have one and was thinking of doing a video on it just for fun. As you can see in the comments of the other video sound quality is really split which I knew it would be. Many people commented NAD was the best and same for Naim. I have worked in the hi-fi industry for 20+ years and even for manufactures. I have learned that no matter what people will prefer a certain sound signature of a brand over another. I have much respect for Hegel as they are really thinking outside the box which I can appreciate. They are the only company in years that have actual patents in amplification it's not fairy dust either. I have seen an H-80 drive a pair of maggies and majicos which most amps can't do for 5x the price. Thanks again for for providing your input!

[@mortlach186]

@@Hifyed I heard Hegel integrated amps twice ( Haven't a clue about models) at two different locations that were owners who brought them in to compare to other stuff. What I'll say about them compared to most other products is that for me, they had a sonic character that was akin to an overly damped amplifier. Music starts and stops on a dime with no (overhang?) that when compared to other amps that fleshed out the sound of a bell or an organ reverberating seemed kind of stunted by the Hegel, something you may not notice if you didn't compare side by side with other amps. I want to hear the wack of a tympany, then get hit in the face with the impact, not the stunted sound of the Hegel. Anyways, I will be curious to hear your opinions on that.

[@Hifyed]

@@mortlach186 thank you for your feedback on the hegel. Your right an amp that has a quick start stop nature has less perceived overtones. The hegel does have a very high dampening factor but was purposely designed to have a similar harmonic distortion characteristic to tubes. It will be interesting comparison to the Naim. Thanks again I will make sure listen for this In the comparison. I just need to hopefully get a hold of a 390 soon!

[@playbackvintagehifihunter9669]

Can the speaker terminals accept bare wire as well as banana plugs? Reason is becusse I plan to add a subwoofer using High Level connections.

[@rog86]

What are the speakers? PMC? Which ones? Thanks. Def interested in this vs h390 vid 😀

[@Hifyed]

You got it! PMC fb1i hoping to release the 390 comparison vid In a few weeks.

[@rog86]

@@Hifyed awesome, how do ypu rate the speakers? I nearly boight sone once. A good deal second hand these days im sure. I might and get so.w still. Tweeter more subtle than recent generation? Cheers!!

[@marcoluca6552]

I have an old Arcam A32 (2002) I like to neutral of sonic balance. However I like to upgrade better amps. Do you think the Naim Supernait 3 is a good upgrade and share similar neutral sonic balance ?

[@Hifyed]

If you like your A32 you will most likely the supernait. From what I remember about the a32(I use to sell it) it has a similar presentation to the Naim. The naim however is slightly “richer” mids. Both have that similar “UK” sound.

[@marcoluca6552]

​@@Hifyed Thank you ! for your experience what is the amp that is more close to Arcam A32 for an upgrade ?

[@AT-wl9yq]

Your A32 is a great amp. I have some experience comparing Naim and Arcam directly. I would say definitely listen to the Naim before you buy it. Naim's house sound is definitely different than Arcam. If you like the Arcam and want that type of sound, but at a higher level, 2 brands come to mind. Bryston and Mark Levinson have a similar sound and they both make integrated amps for about what the Naim sells for. I'm sure there are other good choices, as well. But I would look at those 2.

[@michaelgatti3811]

Nice review. How does it differ from Naim XS3 integrated

[@Hifyed]

Thank you! I have not had an in depth listen to the xs3, however, from what I remember the sound signature is so close. The supernait will just have that extra, detail, micro dynamics etc.

[@markallenster]

@@Hifyed Agreed. SN3 has just more of everything. SN3 also employs 24v DR tech. Xs3 may as well but less rails for sure. Can't go wrong with either. (I had a xs2 but upgraded to the SN3)

[@Hifyed]

@@markallenster 👍👍

[@andrewbrazier9664]

@@Hifyed I have the XS2. I auditioned both with SN2. Couldn't justify the extra within the budget I had with the speakers 👍

[@MrTupeloFlash]

How do you adjust the Tone, Bass ?

[@vaksilvaksil9939]

What are those speakers behind the amplifier

[@playbackvintagehifihunter9669]

Has anyone used this Amplifier with Falcon ls3/5a Gold Badge?

[@dmartyn3809]

H390 PLEASE !!!

[@Hifyed]

👍👍

[@acme181169]

Any plans to review some serious naim kit?

[@Hifyed]

Just waiting for some new products to be released! I have a solstice that I’m considering reviewing.

[@acme181169]

@@Hifyed how about a 300 or a 552? Or even better, paired

[@NosTubes58]

Which cables are you guys using?. Thanks 😊

[@Hifyed]

In this test we used chord odyssey cables.

[@NosTubes58]

Thanks……

[@cpg8000]

I didn’t catch what kind of speakers you have here

[@Hifyed]

It’s our reference speakers which are the pmc fb1i.

[@cpg8000]

@@Hifyed thank you for the reply. Enjoyed the review!

[@Hifyed]

@@cpg8000 thank you!

[@gregh4292]

Rhythm!

[@paulomontero12]

50 or 60 db is not low listening levels guy.

[@Hifyed]

Anything under 60db is considered quiet especially at 50db. Your household with no other noise than your refrigerator and furnace blowing air through the vents is around 48ish db. What do you think would be an appropriate level to test?

[@HungryEatNow]

What are those whites behind you guys

[@Hifyed]

It’s a company called orelle which is unfortunately not around anymore. We use it as our reference as I worked for the company many years ago and know it very well.

[@JoseGarcia-oo4mc]

Good 👍

[@Hifyed]

🙏🙏

[@jieiks]

i think nad has lost it

[@alonst]

Naim Nd5

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

You are PRAT

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

Less is more when you have nothing to say....the lamest presentation I've seen.

[@FJBx100]

PRESENT NAIM IN 3 WORDS OR LESS: Low build quality. Must be left on constantly drawing massive electric current. Expensive recapping REQUIRED every 10 years. Use of overpriced DIN cables. Always an option to buy a new PSU for "better sound". Proprietary star-grounding mess equals incompatibility with other equipment without hum. Loudly humming toroid transformers. Famous Naim speaker hiss can be heard from 3 meters away with 87db speakers. Zero soundstage, only pounding exaggerated mid-bass. Naim "PRaT" is a marketing gimmick. Cold, steely, metallic and abrasive sound equals immediate listening fatigue. Naim repair service requires several months of unit immobilization. Naim has lost 3 CEOs, 2 Marketing Directors and countless technical engineers in the last 2 years. Naim INSISTS on using ALPS blue velvet potentiometers for balance and volume control which are ALWAYS imbalanced and SKEWED either left or right. It impossible to have a centered musical image for stereo listening with Naim equipment. Naim STILL will not update the omerta on using non-Naim speaker cables as they threaten this will "blow up" your amplifier because of inductance, resistance and capacitance values. Naim is now obligated to demo with Focal speakers, and vice-versa, due to the unnatural and illogical marriage of two brands managed by Vervent Audio Group. This entity is managed by Cedric Boutonnet from Saint Etienne, France and who doesn't give a SHIT about Customers in general and the Naim brand in particular. It is a well-known and well-documented fact that Naim and Focal do not work together and should never be in the same system. Imagine associating Naim with beryllium tweeters = instant ear bleed. Shall I continue? There's lots more to be said

[@Hifyed]

Wow that was a lot more than 3 words 😂. You know way to much information about Naim to either be a competitor, previous disgruntled employee or once a big fan of the brand.

[@henriksrensen3220]

I hope for a Gryphon amplifier review

[@Hifyed]

I would love 2! I would need my main system up and running to do it justice.