Hi-Fi Choice Magazine - March 2009
Issue 317. Price: £3.99. Website: www.hifichoice.co.uk
Cover Story: OPERA STAR - Italian beauty brings the house down
Feature: THE ULTIMATE SPEAKER GROUP TEST - Luxury standmounts go head-to-head
Competition: WIN! Primare DVDi10 worth £1,500 (See p25)
Other Mentions: 2009's Best CD Players Revealed; Unison Research Primo integrated is a top performer; Jamo R 907 High-end speaker gets out of its box.
Review: Naim NAIT XS Integrated Amplifier
Naimsake
The musically rewarding Naim NAIT now delivers lavish poise and style, too.
Product Information
- Product: Naim NAIT XS
- Type: Integrated amplifier
- Price: £1,250
- Key Features:
- Size (WxHxD): 43.2x7x30.1 cm
- Weight: 8.6kg
- Analogue inputs: 4x RCA/DIN, 1x phono stage, 1x 3.5mm stereo-jack socket for iPod/MP3
- Analogue outputs: 1x preamp, 1x tape (DIN)
- Stereo subwoofer output
- Rated power: 60W (8 ohms)/90W (4 ohms)
- NARCOM remote control
- Contact: www.naimaudio.com, 01722 426600
The NAIT (Naim Audio Integrated) amplifier has a notable history, beginning with a compact 1983 design whose power output was famously described as "Enough". Despite its quirks, it garnered a dedicated following for its musical assurance. The 2007 SUPERNAIT introduced DAC circuitry and digital inputs. The NAIT XS, developed from the SUPERNAIT, is a more accessible model designed to broaden Naim's appeal.
The NAIT XS features a slimline aluminium Series 5 case and is powered by a 380VA toroidal transformer, with options for external power supply upgrades (Flat-Cap, Hi-Cap, Super-Cap). It incorporates a powerplant derived from the SUPERNAIT, an optimised signal path, and Naim's new bayonet PCB mounting technique to reduce microphonic effects. The heatsink is castellated for improved cooling, and the mains switch and IEC socket are mounted to float, minimising vibration. These meticulous design choices, including precise cable management, aim to enhance audible performance.
Connectivity includes six line-level analogue inputs, one capable of powering an external Naim phono stage. A front-panel 3.5mm stereo-jack socket is provided for portable music players. The amplifier also offers a unity gain option and an AV bypass function for home cinema systems, controlled via a rear-panel switch. The bypass mode allows the signal to pass through at full gain, disabling volume and mute controls.
Q&A with Doug Graham, Naim's Sales Manager
Q: The XS sounds more than acceptable straight out of the box, which wasn't always the case with Naim gear. Is there a reason for this?
A: Naim's experience indicates that incremental improvements during warm-up and running-in occur with the NAIT XS, similar to other products. While the review sample was partly run-in, it will continue to sound better. If it sounds good out of the box, it may reflect improved design processes.
Q: What type of buyer is the NAIT XS primarily targeted at?
A: Primarily first-time Naim owners, and also existing owners of older Naim ranges looking for an upgrade in performance and power. It is expected to surprise many.
Q: Can the phono connections provide the same degree of isolation as DINs, or do they compromise performance?
A: Phono sockets are not Naim's first choice due to inconvenience, but they are offered for flexibility. Naim believes DIN connections offer superior electrical/sonic benefits. Feedback from customers who have tried both DIN and phono connections on other products suggests they often prefer the DIN connection.
Sound Quality
Priced at £1,250, the NAIT XS sits between the NAIT 5i (£735) and the SUPERNAIT (£2,350) in Naim's integrated amplifier lineup. It offers a more polished and capable sound than the NAIT 5i, with enhanced temporal organisation and definition between notes, approaching the performance of the SUPERNAIT. The XS embodies Naim's signature crisp timing, precise pitch, and rhythmic urgency, complemented by 'Round Earth' qualities. This is demonstrated in its detailed rendering of instruments, such as the didgeridoo on Vivid Curve's 'Live at Edgefield' CD, where it presents phrases with distinct intonation, colour, and expression rather than a monotonous drone.
The amplifier is engineered to make music more communicative and emotionally engaging, allowing listeners to appreciate subtle effects. Its speed and minimal background noise contribute to this, with notes starting and ending with exceptional precision. The soundstaging is also a strong point, offering surprising depth and width, with solid and stable sonic elements within the acoustic environment. Percussive details are rendered with enhanced credibility.
A potential drawback of this high level of scrutiny is that the XS can expose recording flaws, such as artificial-sounding synthesized backing tracks. However, it excels with well-recorded classical music, revealing instrumental timbre, playing nuances, and the acoustic characteristics of the venue. It effectively balances power with subtlety, conveying orchestral weight and delicacy.
Naim's Approach to Performance
Naim is committed to building consistent, high-performance amplifiers. This involves meticulous component selection and matching, alongside rigid standardization of build processes, including precise cable tie placement and wiring layout. The volume control in the NAIT XS, for instance, is hand-wired to the PCB to minimize microphony. These practices are based on the understanding that even minor adjustments can significantly impact sound presentation.
Internal Components Detail
The internal layout of the NAIT XS includes:
- Preamplifier circuitry
- Preamplifier power-supply capacitors
- Power-amplifier circuitry
- Alps volume control
- Control-circuitry microprocessor
- Custom-designed 350VA toroidal transformer
A key innovation is the "bayonet PCB mounting technique, which reduces microphonic effects."
Verdict
Sound
PRO: The XS is an extremely persuasive musical performer, and the longer you listen, the more this amplifier convinces you of its potential.
CON: The phono connections broaden its appeal, but they're not on a par with the DIN sockets if you want the optimum performance.
Features
The amplifier offers a comprehensive set of features for its class, including versatile input options and integration capabilities.
Build
Naim's commitment to rigorous build quality and component selection is evident.
Value
Positioned between the NAIT 5i and SUPERNAIT, it offers significant performance gains for its price point.
Conclusion
While the Naim NAIT has traditionally been a product that elicits strong opinions, the XS iteration broadens its appeal, pleasing a far wider audience than previous models.
