XS Serial Numbers…sorry!

[Rocketboy]

Yes, I’m sure this has been covered many times!

I sold my little Nap100 and I’m about to buy a used Nait XS2, my £1000 budget will get me an XS2, the updated 70 watt one that is apparently a small step up from the original XS/XS-2.

I’ve found the serial number checker online that gives the year of manufacture, but I’m not sure if this helps me avoid buying an XS-2, is there any way of telling the difference or does anyone know which serial number/year the 70 watt XS2 began at?

Of course, if anyone has a Supernait going for £1000 let me know, and I can forget all of the above😀

[HungryHalibut]

Does this help?

Naim Nait XS 2 or 1

I can buy a second hand Naim Nait XS. Serial number 290151. Seller says it is an XS 2 but at the back it says only XS. Also the box mentioned XS 2. Can you see by the serial number if this is a 1 or 2?

[Rocketboy]

Thanks, the responses might! How do I read the rest of this thread?

[Christopher_M]

@Rocketboy

I’ve found the serial number checker online that gives the year of manufacture, but I’m not sure if this helps me avoid buying an XS-2, is there any way of telling the difference [between a Nait XS and a Nait XS-2?]

Nait XS had a plain black fascia.

Nait XS-2 (which in all other respects was the same wonderful amplifier as the Nait XS) had a brushed anodised black fascia. This was continued on XS2 and XS3.

[dmu]

Tap the title of the linked thread (you’ll notice it’s in light grey along with the topic category rather than white)

[gthack]

Another useful thread, with a picture of the box the facelifted XS (the XS-2) came in.

What is Naim XS or XS-2

Good morning , This is my first post I am writing to you through the translator forgive me. I have equipment that I bought in Poland as XS-2, this symbol is on the carton and the serial number matches it, while on the back panel there is the inscription XS. I am enclosing photos, I wrote to Niam, but I have not received any answer yet, so I am asking you for some answer if someone had such a case. Is this a normal situation? They say in the store that I have the XS-2, but I don’t want to belie…

[gthack]

I think the headphone socket on the XS was also 3.5mm, vs 1/4" on the XS 2. I’m not sure which socket the XS-2 had though

[Rocketboy]

Ah, got it, thank you.

[gthack]

And this post hints that the XS & XS-2 both had the 3.5mm headphone socket

Naim XS2

Yes, the XS-2 (marked that way on the outer packaging) was a fascia update (from the magnesium zinc casting to an anodised aluminium fascia) for the original NAIT XS. The XS2 was a new model (look for the 1/4" headphone jack on the front).

[Rocketboy]

Yes, but specifically, I’m trying to differentiate between XS-2 and XS2. Both of these had the classic brush fascia and apparently both had ‘XS2’ on the rear panel.

[Rocketboy]

Aaaaah…the headphone out could be the answer! 3.5mm for XS/XS-2 and 1/4” for XS2 ?

[HungryHalibut]

Touch the heading in the box.

[ChrisSU]

If you’re in any doubt, phone Naim support and give them the serial number. They will be able to tell you exactly what you’ve got, along with any in-house service history which is always worth knowing when buying a used amp.

[Christopher_M]

Serves me right for trying to help.

[Rocketboy]

I appreciate your help, thank you, my apologies if my reply came across dismissive.

[Rocketboy]

Thanks buddy, after two hours of research I’m still none the wiser, so this sounds like a plan. Wouldn’t be as much fun if it was straightforward would it?!

I reckon it’s a ploy from Naim, so the less tenacious just give up and buy a Supernait!

[Rocketboy]

Nope!

[Robinho]

This may help you with the chronology of integrated amp models.

It does not differentiate between a XS-2 and XS2 model and I am unclear as to what this means but I am by no means up on all the details of the integrated series of amps.

naim-product-history-integrated-amplifiers.pdf (focal-naim.com)

[Rocketboy]

That’s helpful thanks, it would seem that 2013 was the year the ‘real’ XS2 was launched with Supernait 2 and 5si, the 40th anniversary year.

So I’m going to conclude that any XS variant with a serial number from 2013 and with ‘40th’ on the box is a ‘proper’ 70 watt XS2…probably

[kitfit1]

Just to save any confusion, this was my XS -2 before i sold it on an auction site a while ago now.
Yes it is the 70w version complete with the box and 40th anniversary print