Naim Supernait 3 review

I was sure I recalled something about this, here’s what I found.

A discussion around what exactly had improved between SN2 and SN3 regarding DR, unfortunately inconclusive Supernait 3 upgrade options - #377 by clare.newsome

And I think, the original post from Clare, containing the “more extensive” phrase [edit, actually it does not contain that phrase!], that I think you recalled in the thread linked above

Ultimately, I think it doesn’t matter either! The output stage improvements on both the XS3 and SN3, plus addition of the inbuilt MM stage, is more than enough to set them appropriately apart from their XS2 and SN2 parents. Though I would also be very interested to know of any material difference between the DR spec of the SN2 vs SN3.

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Hi @Naim.Marketing , if you get a moment, would you be able to ask Steve what ‘takes it further’ or ‘more extensive’ actually means. I take it to mean that the DR is better in the 3, but a poster above is pretty categoric that the 2 and 3 are the same in this regard. It is of course all in the sound, but it would just be nice to know once and for all, if only to avoid ‘oh yes it is, oh no it isn’t’ pantomime discussions in future. Thanks!

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Oh no it isn’t
Oh yes it is…

:grinning: :grinning:

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I didn’t knew the SN2 was dr. So the difference between SN3 and 2 are not due to dr . The SN3 is really, apparently, a new sound from Naim.

Oh no it isn’t!! The idea is complete twaddle, and some online ‘expert’ saying it doesn’t make it true.

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If you look at the DR module in a SN2 it’s the same as the one used in SN3. Where does it say, anywhere in the marketing babble, that the DR implantation has been improved? apart from in these ‘pantomime discussions’?…And how does that beat a HiCap DR?:thinking:

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From memory of the SN3 launch, I seem to recall that Naim stated the SN3 has double the slew rate of the SN2.
Now how they acheived this I don’t know. I also have no clue what the slew rate is! :smiley:

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They said something about cascodes too. That is also a mystery. Anyway, I’ve emailed Steve Sells and asked the question. Let’s see what he says, if anything of course. He may well ignore me, and who could blame him?

Yes, but if you look at the circuit, one can see it’s been removed. No mystery.

You may be able to, but I wouldn’t have a clue what a cascode looks like.

Me neither. I’m no electronic buff. But if look at the boards you can see what’s different and what isn’t. The same with anything really…

I think the reviewer is saying that that the sound performance of the Supernait 3 has moved on somewhat from what they remembered of the old NAIT 2 of 34 odd years ago, with much better imaging, soundstaging, neutrality and refinement. It’s more a case of continual evolution rather than revolution in sound compared to it’s more recent stablemates. The trick of course being to “have it all” with the “PRAT” and engagement of old along with the other hifi stuff.

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Maybe, let’s see what other think. However other reviews than that one pointed that the SN3 has a better soundstaging vs the older Naim integrated.

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Maybe the newer integrated reminded the reviewer of the ‘older’ NAIT’s but with the added positive notes that Richard points out. I must say i can relate to that myself, as i had a NAC92/90.3 for many years, not perfect by any means, but really good fun, maybe even too much fun, but with some minor issues. :rofl:

The SN3 for me is the amplifier i’ve always wanted and some. It reminds me of the good old days i enjoyed for many years with my older slimline kit, but with added dynamic capabilities, imaging, power, refinement, subtlety and tonal accuracy. Add a HiCap DR to the party and there’s even more of the above.

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Pretty sure she’s gone. MIA for a while now.

She’s around and on the forum now and then but not based at the factory any more.

Probably doing her real job launching new products…….it would have been the Bristol hifi show soon, but cancelled. I think a lot of Hifi companies have product that they want to release.

Hi Richard, so is she working for Naim or in another capacity?

Edit - I mean, not based at the factory as in not working for Naim, or just not working from the factory.

No drama either way, just don’t want to tag her in questions pointlessly

Out of interest, who is the MD at Naim these days ?

There isn’t one. The role was shared amongst the other directors.