I, for one, give multiple thumbs up to the Nait XS3, though I would rather have the option of an internal DAC than an internal headphone amp. It would be extremely terrific to have that option made available; internal DAC or headphone amp section. I’m fully aware of the onboard DAC section alternatives but the Nait XS3 is my preferred upgrade pet PV from my XS for two reasons, for some time have in mind to add a second turntable and a streamer to my system and the Nait XS3 fits the bill 
I’m sure there are some interesting thoughts of having the option of one or the other.
Uniti Series?
But why headphone amp vs DAC? Why not have both? Or what about a moving coil input?
Given that the item is an amplifier, a headphone output seems more logical than a DAC, which is a part - the defining part - of a digital source.
More specifically the post is in reflection of having a choice of either an onboard DAC. As for MC and/or the XS3 offers either or both, though in my case, having an MC phono stage the XS3 onboard MM phono section gives me the option to add a second turntable and the dedicated streaming socked to add a separate streamer server which for me, an internal DAC would be a big plus as it is for those that prefer to opt for the headphone preamp or other built-in DAC route option such as the Uity or other. I agree a headphone output seems a more logical preference for those who need to use a headphone, as it is just as logical preference to have an internal DAC option available to those who need to use DAC,
That wasn’t what I meant at all: I meant it is a more logical choice than a DAC for a product sold as an amplifier (as opposed to a product sold as an all-in-one).
A benefit of a separate DAC is being able to choose that most critical of digital components on the basis of your preference as to sound character. However if you want to choose a DAC combined with an amp, then all-in-ones (or even a streaming preamp), do exist within the Naim product ranges!
Otherwise of course anyone could express a desire for any other permutation of combinations - perhaps an amp built into their turntable, etc…
More specifically referring to the Nait XS3 integrated amp having an available option to choose either an internal DAC or a headphone amp section for those who prefer to upgrade to the XS3 from the XS or the XS2 which I would be upgrading to. Or of a first-time buyer of the XS3. My preference for having an internal DAC chip would be a big plus as this would eliminate adding a DAC to the mix. I prefer to add a network server streamer instead whereas without an internal DAC have the choice to add an external DAC though my choice would be a Network streamer server that has an internal DAC chip. With that said I’m sure there are other’s interesting thoughts.
Supernait 1 does have a DAC, but the DAC never came back in the Supernait serie.
Linn does have a serie where you can change a module for another. (DSM? Selekt?… I’m not familiar with Linn)
Personally, I think the XS3 config make sense as it is. Adding a DAC would make it less time proof in my mind.
Sadly I never heard the X3, but it’s just because it did not cross my path at the right time. Other wise there are good chances that it would be part of my setup today.
I very often heard great comments about it.
A Naim DAC section of suitable quality added to an amp is likely cost rather more than a headphone output, and may require a complete internal layout redesign, so is likely to be rather different from a simple optional selection, but a different product, for which a question would be what is the market size.
I agree. The XS3 makes sense as it is, though making it less time-proof, maybe, maybe not. Nowadays, almost all audio systems and devices have built-in DACs. The catch, however, is that integrated DACs don’t always guarantee excellent audio quality, External DACs improve sound quality, but you’re unlikely to notice a difference unless you have a high-quality system. The most impactful investments are buying the best speakers and the amp
Perhaps in a very expensive system, separates might give a last iota of detail. But at less stratospheric price levels. Some great units combine features. I think the question is, do you need an external DAC? If you’re a casual listener who primarily uses Spotify or YouTube Music, you may be okay with your device’s built-in DAC.
When comparing the cost of an integrated amp with an internal DAC to one with an internal headphone amp section, the integrated DAC option is generally less expensive. However, it’s possible that the DAC built into an integrated amp can still offer good sound quality, and you may have the option to use a separate DAC if desired. Some users prefer integrated amps with additional features, such as phono stages and tone controls
So bottom line, if you find an integrated without a built-in DAC that you prefer, no worries. But don’t go so far as to avoid such a concept for whatever reason. It makes your gear more versatile and you’re never paying a premium for it.
Naim are firmly committed to designing streamers with DACs in them, and no longer make a separate DAC or an amp with a DAC. If that’s what you want, you will need to look elsewhere.
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I see it as a personal choice (as usual…) and environment.
For « casual » I personally use KEF LSX and it’s doing a nice job. I don’t think you can get much integrated than that 
But I won’t lie, since I very often use those KEF for casual and convenience of usage, it keep growing in me to upgrade for something with better SQ. Even though if it would be at some SQ lost because of physical constraints and context of a noisy kitchen environment. (With separate or not)
I spend so much time in there with music, why not try to make the most out of it!
Personal choice….
Cheers!
Are you comparing like with like, i.e. within one manufacturer and same level of product, or are you speaking generally? If the latter then your comparison is a bit meaningless as other factors are involved. Anyway Naim’s current range does include integrated amps with DACs (plus other features), so if you want one there are several to choose from, as of course are a variety of products from other manufacturers.
But I wonder how many users will really want the inclusion of just an internal DAC rather than one with built-in streaming. I doubt if many potential purchasers will have a separate streaming server and adding this function is unlikely to add significantly to the cost. That would be an almost-all-in-one, no?
So, an XS with a built in streamer included sounds quite a good idea and how about calling it a Nova? 
Roger
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Well is a good question, as the purist would argue that separates is the best option and would prefer the power amp, preamp, streamer, and DAC, trail. Whereas the budget-minded entry-level hifi enthusiast would opt for the upgradable path as money permits. As being budget-minded audio enthusiast since the days of receivers and separate, all-in-one packages that included an entry-level turntable, receiver and house speakers; didn’t care for the house speakers much and sometimes either the receiver or turntable or both which led to my on-sale buying of the preferred receiver, speakers and turntable from three different audio shops though my audio and HiFi journey didn’t stop there but continued to this day. Not of buying or upgrading but more so of gaining insight into the world of HiFi through the trends in audio of the 70s and to date the ongoing revamping of the audio world. To answer your question, adding a streamer server without a DAC of my preferred choice would be no more expensive than the XS3 though adding one with an internal DAC to the mix would be mighty costly as the Unity Nova, especially in my neck of the the woods across the pond, though preferred in comparison to the Nova.
Not sure what you’re getting at there?
Edit: I see you added an additional sentence to the end of your post after I posted the above. I’m still unclear as to what you had been meaning, but picking up your last sentence and what you said in a previous post, you seem to be assuming that if Naim did an XS3 with internal DAC (which they would aim to be of similar sound quality) and omitted the headphone output the result would be no more costly than the present XS3.
Meanwhile could you provide a clarification in response to my last post before this?
An internal DAC chip would be a big plus as this would eliminate the need to add a DAC to the mix if I had the option which I for one would prefer. To answer your question When comparing the cost of an integrated amp with an internal DAC to one with an internal headphone amp section, the integrated DAC option is generally less expensive. That said, I was referring to the XS3 and not comparing one brand to another. No further explanation is needed thank you though in comparison to the XS3 without an internal DAC at the same price point, a 340i X Integrated Amplifier is offered with an optional DAC and phono stage.
I stand corrected a 340i X integrated amp is not listed at the same price point but between the XS3 and the SN3
So fir clarification, when you mention a DAC option normally being cheaper than a headphone option you are actually not aware of thus being the case at a similar sound quality level to XS3? (Whilst the Moon you reference might offer a DAC option, at extra cost, it does not appear to be as an alternative to the standard inbuilt headphone output.)
Anyway I’ve nothing more to say on the subject - you clearly hope/wish that something will override the likely explanations I’ve offered as someone completely independent of Naim.
