Supernait 3 - Not So Super?

People upgrading to a used 282/252 most likely, that’s what I’ll be doing anyway at some point.

Take advantage of the used market and pick one up for a bargain price.

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What?! The slimline olives and active Credos written out of your Naim story! And to think, the pleasure they gave you!

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Oh they did too Chris. I still have that system, albeit in storage!:+1:

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After being a serial box swapper over a number of years I settled on a SN2 a couple of years ago and have even resisted the urge to add a Hicap. At the used price you can buy an SN2 for it is in my opinion the biggest Naim bargain available.

I’ve seen late examples go for around £1,500 which an absolute steal it drives my Dynaudio speakers perfectly with power to spare.

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In the recent years I have built such a system around my 2019 SN2 that the next best thing is going to have a very hard time convincing me to make any changes to my kit.

It is now fronted by an 82/HC, 2022 serviced, alpha grade copper Furutech speaker cable connectors, Furutech IEC/ Shuko connectors everywhere (Powerline DNA), WH Morgana IC — this entire setup is somewhere in a Nait50 territory as far as S/H pricing is concerned nowadays. For such an outlay I consider this a pretty hardcore SUPER Nait if you ask me, which, similarly as the Nait50, has some good 4+ decades of Naim history too. A fact worth having to be reminded about IMO.

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traded the sn3 for the nait50

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We all know the downgrade for less boxes, but the downgrade for only the look and still the same number of boxes, it’s a first for me.
But if it makes someone happy….

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It’s going from 1 box to 0.5 of a box sweetie.

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Good one :+1:

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I’d like to know what people thought of the difference between the SN3 and the Nait 50?

There is much discussion about the Nait50 in an other thread with very much posts but with few direct comparisons to other Naim products. The only direct comparison to the SN3 is Click here. With the search function in this theard you can find other opinions to Nait 50 and Supernait 3.

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I can understand why some may prefer the Nait 50 over the SN2/3, at least from a quick listen. I’ve compared the SN3 with the Nait2 quite a lot in my smaller setup/room. Especially in a smaller space the SN3 can be a bit woolly and soft round the edges, particularly compared to the Nait2, which sounds very agile, tight and more direct in comparison. The SN3, however, is bigger, richer and in a larger space and especially with an added PSU (I added the SCDR), it can be wonderfully engaging. I imagine though, that if one introduces the Nait 50 next to it (if it’s anything like the Nait 2), the immediate reaction can be just freaking positive! So I would give it a bit of time before making conclusions and depending on room.

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@garcon Good to read about your SN3 v N2 comparison. I am a long time N2 fan and user. With all the SN2/3 on the used market I have been tempted to try one. Reading comments like yours are helpful, thanks.

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I feel the same way Bob. I have an SN2, fronted by an NDS (the other amazing Naim bargain), and the improved SQ would have to be pretty darn good for me to upgrade. I really can’t believe how good this simple system sounds.
Or … maybe I’m just too content …

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I’m using a Raspberry Pi into a Chord 2qute Dac for streaming but will definitely pick up a used NDX some time I’ve seen them for £8 - 900 recently a bargain.

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SN2 - yes.

Other amazing second-hand sound per £ bargains include, in descending order…

Olive 250
272 (unless you want built-in Qobuz).
SBLs

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Apart from not being particularly muscular, it is one of the best sounding integrated amps I have ever heard. At the end of a pair of Dynaudio Heritage Specials, it’s absolutely magical!

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I agree - the SN3 can be fantastic with right speakers.
to me the best experience was with the Harbeth M30 - incredible open and powerfull

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Its simply that the attraction of the amazing light show of the Nait 50 is causing the flood of SN3 for sale. I cannot understand why nobody has commented on that. If you read the Nait 50 thread its clear its lighting up the lives of so many of the faithful.

I will get my coat…

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the nait50 is an extreme luxury invest.
Super puristic and industrial art vor naim fan boys like me.

I would never switch back to an SN3 even if this one is more versatile and powerfull.
If other Music lovers would invest in an Integrated Amp like the NAit 50 is not easy to answer.

Business wise it`s by far not as attractive than offering upgradable high end equipment like SN3 222 etc…

With other words - I don`t believe Naim likes the idea of reducing boxes

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