Naim Audio Supernait 3 Integrated Amplifier Review

This Take 2 episode features the Naim Audio Supernait 3 integrated amplifier, which Roger Kanno reviewed on SoundStage! Hi-Fi on September 1, 2020. Designed to be more of a purist integrated amp than many are today, the Supernait 3 is priced at $4990 in the United States, is equipped with a moving-magnet phono stage, and has rated power output of 80Wpc in 8 ohms of 130Wpc into 4 ohms. If that doesn't sound like much power – wait until you listen to it drive most speakers.

So now that you know what Roger thought, watch this find video to see learn how the Supernait 3 performed in Jay Lee’s system. What he says might surprise you – and might have you clamoring to hear what makes the Supernait 3 special.

#naim #supernait #audiophile

[ethorii]

I have Supernait 3. Im 100% satisfied. It powers obscure speakers in the US anyway, Lu Kang SP230. This amp reproduces the attack of horns or drums like a live performance, and even a quartet of singers stands out from each other easily. Poinciana by The Four Freshman sounds like it was made yesterday with perfect timbre and sense of space.

[freetoc]

Yes! totally agree with your review. The sound of SN3 is so amazing with Chord Qutest DAC and Bluesound Node 2i streamer.

[firebladeclements]

I have naim equipment old enough to be Jay's grandparents! Lol. Got separates in 82. People knock naim for their price but in my opinion have it wrong, it's great value and has always competed with components costing twice as much in my opinion.

It would be great if you all read the article in the link and actually get a listen to naim equipment before slamming it.

Enjoy music with whatever gear you have! Peace

[Tedsville]

Your point about it being completely transparent is absolutely spot on. I've got my Supernait 3 hooked up to a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 500 floorstanders which are very resolving, and combined with my DAC (Schiit Bifrost 2), any issues with the mixing or mastering are blindingly obvious. Anything sub-par recording wise sounds really bad, but the other side of the sword is that anything that sounds good sounds absolutely fucking incredible through this system.

[vaggelisioannidis]

I couldn't agree more with your review.
I am living with the SN3 three months now & I have to say that this amp really rocks, really badass piece of equipment.
I mostly listen to electronic music & the punch of the amp is amazing.
I paired it with the Naim Ovator s-600 & it drives them flawlessly, without much of an effort.
For those who leave negative comments about the Naim gear just remember two basic rules:
1.Synergy between components.
You can't blame an amp if the speaker tend to be bright or boomy
2.Speaker placement.
If you consider yourself an "audiophile" you MUST position your speakers the right way & experiment even more to find the "sweet spot".
If someone follows these rules with the Naim gear, then he will definitely fall in love with it.

[adeypoos]

I have owned Naim gear for a while and I love the connection with the performers it gives to my ears. The problem with Naim is the “gravy train” upgrade path you step into when you get higher up the ladder.

[Ricky-clbu]

I’ve a Naim pre, power and hicap it definitely sounds exactly as you say 😊

[Michael-xznk]

Hey Jay...great job...really like your new solo format...much more focused, concise and quickly conclusive.

I'm a vintage Linn LK guy. Nonetheless, I have always loved Naim given their similiarities, not to mention their storied historical partnership, before subsequent fierce competitiveness over the years. Several dealers sell both for a reason.

I have recommended Naim to several friends, especially those seeking one box solutions, who bought and love it for life. What's not to love about the Super Nait, XS or 5si?

Keep up the great work while you continue your all important engineering education. Cheers!

[ocme]

I have Focal Sopra No1 l speakers and Naim is the power amplifier Focal uses to voice them. When paired they are the best of the best in my opinion

[speakertest]

I really like SN3 sound. Sound is amazing with Naim CDP or Denafrips DAC/ T+A DAC

[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.

[richardpeters]

I bought the Nait XS3 in June, very happy with it and my dealer who also sells Hegel. I really wanted the Super Nait 3 but couldn't get it approved by Mrs. Capital Committee Chairman... Next move is speakers, I know that is somewhat backwards in most people's eyes but my speakers are less than two years old and my Amp was a 1983 Denon PMA 750. Again the wife couldn't understand replacing "new" speakers and even the 37 year old amp since it still worked. Had to start someplace... Dynaudio Evoke 30's are what I am eying. Very happy with Naim.

[Ricky-clbu]

💯 right about naim, I love the sound of naim stuff

[mchazelover]

I love my Naim XS, I don’t understand the comments saying Naim is “bright”. The XS isn’t bright, it’s forward but slightly dark sounding. It is also very clear in the midrange.

[Staybrown]

Excellent take Jay! A comparison with Luxaman tube integrated amp would be great. This is definitely not the final amp list!!

[pietervg]

Dear Jay, thank you very much for sharing your thoughts on the Naim Supernait 3! Could the Sonus faber Electa Amator 3 be a good match with the Supernait 3?

[twostepped]

This is old news. But jay, is this ina different league than the Schiit rag 2? They’re similar on paper and reviewers tend toward similar descriptions. However you like the rag, seem to live the SN3

[photorolensoman]

I have a hard time deciding between Naim Supernait 3 and Audiolab 9000a for my Elac BS312 speakers. I like the 9000a for the all in one package, but I hear great things about the Supernait 3. (Super nait 3 is 2x the price of 9000a)

[kenjames]

Hey Jay, what do you think about this amp with the Gershman Grande Avant Garde ? I would have thought they would have required more power, but with what you’re saying, maybe not ??? Let me know. Thanks.

[luckycharm]

Really great review Jay.
I own a Supernait II and it's an amazing integrated.
After watching your very informative review of the SN III I was considering buying one.
But my satisfaction with my SN II is so high I just don't think I need to look at a newer model yet.
I think I may go with a power supply upgrade at some point because I'm a firm believer that you always benefit
greatly from a higher quality power supply.
I like this aspect of the Naim line....that you can upgrade incrementally instead of having to buy a whole new amplifier.