Does anyone know why naim didn’t include an integrated amplifier in the new series?
1 Like
Yes, because the new series is the New Classic range, and at the time Naim had only fairly recently launched the Supernait 3 as part of the existing Classic range. I would guess they thought it might last for longer than it did, as it was a top seller, but unfortunately Naim had to stop production much earlier than planned due to component supply issues (possibly exacerbated by the fact it sold beyond expected numbers).
Naim may have a New Classic Integrated in their future plans - certainly it would seem to be logical - but of course we won’t know until they are ready to announce such a thing, if it does come to fruition.
14 Likes
I think they made the supernait3 too well and want to force people into more expensive separates. The sn3 works great with the ndx2 which one might think outclasses it. I think its extemely annying they dont have a newer one. Naim is really is forcing people toward other brands or more boxes.
1 Like
I may well be annoying, but I imagine it’s even more annoying for Naim. They would love to be able to sell more Supernaits but they have to protect component stock. And in this post-covid world where 12-18 month lead times on components (if you can get them in the quantity you require) is now the norm, developing and bringing out a new model to market takes more time than ever.
8 Likes
As far as I know the supernait 3 being part of the old series, is no longer produced. I would like naim to make a new integrated with more watts than the supernait 3. In my opinion the few watts are the only defect of the sn3
is there room for a new “SN3 an NDX2” vs the existing 222/250? Especially with the price drop this year for the NC gear? In my country a 222/250 is 14k €. Previous price of a SN3 with a NDX2 was 4800 + 7000. The NAP 250 outperforms the SN3 on amplification, the 222 only loses out in the streaming part but gains on other parts.
So integrated with separate streamer vs amplifier with pre/ streamer combo? Whats the use? Especially when the new gear will also move towards the NC sound signature. I dont see a ( market succesfull) use for another integrated with a separate streamer..
Only serious line up would be Naim creating a full additional NC range with a “202” ( an analog pre) to go together with the NAP 250, a 100 series integrated and 100 series streamer. .To cater the ones that dont want a 222 or need a cheaper 332 or want a 100 series with some mixing between 100 and 200 series..
But at the pricepoint of 222/250 there is not that much room ( or benefit for naim) ..I think a Uniti refreshment is more likely.
I find this strange. How can the watts of any amplifier be a “defect”?
As a compact class AB integrated goes, the SN delivers more peak current than most amps on the market that are rated at even twice it’s power.
But that’s somewhat moot. Surely the power of an amp is nothing more than a number to help with speaker compatibility and matching. There are a wide range of speakers to suite almost any amplifier power rating. Is the N50 at 25w naff? Or what about some of these $10k monsters with only 20wpc? You just choose from different speakers.
I’d consider the SN’s 80wpc on the higher end of the spectrum.
5 Likes
I’ve got to respectfully disagree. I owned an SN2 with HCDR , it sounded wonderful , but It was just adequate driving Dynaudio Special 40’s Sold it on replaced by Aestheix Mimas ..150 wpc into 8 ohms and 285 wpc into 4. That amp really woke up the S40’s Next I made an upgrade to a Mark Levinson no.585.5 beastly amp 200 wpc into 8 ohms and 350 into 4ohms I used this with Dynaudio Heritage Specials. Huge difference tons of current capability. I think SN2 or the SN3 are great sounding amps but not for power hungry speakers in large spaces. Only my opinion.
5 Likes
That just means you had the wrong amp for the speakers. Not that the SN had a design defect. Unless you think all amps under 150w have a design flaw.
I could put the SN on my Omegas which are designed for a peak output of 50w before they blow and intended for amps under 15w. By the logic presented here I could say “It’s defect was it has too much power. I can’t drive speaker X with it.”
3 Likes
By defect, I mean that if it had more watts and more current, it would have a better output on certain types of music. I noticed, compared to other systems, that on classical music, the Supernait 3 just can’t cope with dynamic peaks at high volume and “sits down.” So more watts could be used as a reserve power supply for more demanding tracks.
By defect, I meant to say that the only downside of the SN3 was its power output. With classical music, it doesn’t really deliver because, despite its high output, it lacks a bit of dynamic reserve at high volumes.
But again, that’s speaker and room size dependent.
There are 10wpc amps that matched with the right speaker can deliver incredible volumes and bass in a very large room.
The SN has a lot of power for modestly difficult loads in moderate rooms. But yes it doesn’t have enough power for difficult loads at high volume in a large room. You likely need an American muscle amp for that at the same money. There are a couple UK makers of muscle integrated amps. Like the PMC Cor with 300wpc for similar money.
But the more power you add and open up new speaker pairing possibilities, you close others. And it gets harder to maintain fidelity with every watt added. There’s no such thing as a free lunch.
4 Likes
After all the talk about lack of “watts” for the SN3 at 80 into 8 Ohm. I hope that people do realise that it is capable of nearly 250w into 4 Ohm. I have a 250 DR that is also rated at 80 w, it’s more than capable of completely filling a 7m x 3m room with sound. The SN2 that i used to have was also just as capable. @feeling_zen is perfectly correct, matching speakers with amp and room is what is needed, not more “watts”.
3 Likes
Blimey, i would never of had down a SN3 lacking in any power, plenty here, even through n-SATs/n-SUB.
1 Like
Watt says nothing in regard to performance and quality of performance.
Its all about room and loudspeakers paired with amp and source.
If OP wants classical music at realistic levels it might be helpful to advise what speakers and roomsize in use.
Naim have only recent years jumped on the high watt wagon with Nova PE and CI range - both Class D.
This princip could maybe satisfy OP ?
I guess Naim in future, could release an Integrated amp, based on Class D high watt tech.
I bet Naim already have a few prototype integrated amps on test bench.
1 Like
For my part, I just pray that my SN3 will serve me for as long as possible, and when I finally get old, God willing, Naim will release another good integrated amplifier.
3 Likes
You have a point now that Naim has spoken for the limited component spare stock for these amps.
FWIW, I had my Nap 135 mono amps serviced back then, they’re original from mid/late 80’s.
I have heard no trouble getting such vintage amps serviced, even four decades later.
2 Likes
I think the regular service items are fine. And even if these do cease (as they have done in the past, usually caps) Naim have had R&D work on finding the best substitutes.
4 Likes
No it’s not. The SN3 is 80wpc into 8ohms and 135wpc into 4ohms at least according to NAIM
I don’t think a ‘few more watts ‘ would make an appreciable difference. I always assess hifi systems by listening to classical music, particularly heavy orchestral stuff like Mahler and found an SN1 was OK with my then PMC Facts. But I have since moved on to active ATCs which are brilliant with classical. So get yourself a pair of SCM40As (which give you effectively 250 wpc) or even better, 50As, pair them with a 282 or, 252, and you’re sorted.
Roger
2 Likes