Our roving reporter Simon was at the 40^th  Celebrations of Naim Audio where they launched three new NAIT amplifiers: NAIT 5si, NAIT XS 2 and SUPERNAIT 2. They will be available from mid-July

The NAIT amplifier, first launched in 1983, is one of hifi’s most instantly recognisable products and has achieved something of an iconic status.

In true Naim tradition all three amplifiers feature larger mains transformers and improved power supplies.

The new NAIT 5si

The power output has increased from 50W to 60W due to a larger transformer and improved power supply. Components have been upgraded in critical areas such as the power amp stage where small signal capacitors have been changed to film types. The PCB layout and wiring loom have been improved following experience on other new products such as the DAC-V1. 

NAIT 5si Features 

• 60W (into 8ohms) 90W (into 4 ohms)
• 4 analogue inputs: 2 x DIN, 2 x RCA
• ¼” (6.35mm) front panel headphone output
• Custom-designed toroidal transformer with two separate windings
• Aluminium chassis and sleeve with zinc die-cast fascia
• Passive preamplifier with high gain power amp
  

The new NAIT XS 2

The power output has increased from 60W to 70W due to a larger transformer and improved power supply. The headphone output on the front panel is now on a ¼ inch (6.35mm) socket and is driven from a new Class-A headphone amplifier.

Components have been upgraded in critical areas such as the power amp stage where small signal capacitors have been changed to film types. As with the NAIT 5si, the PCB layout and wire looming have also been improved.

NAIT XS 2 Features  

·         70W (into 8ohms) 100W (into 4 ohms)

·         6 analogue inputs: 4 x RCA/DIN, 1 x RCA/3.5mm jack, and 1 x powered input for phono

·         ¼ inch front panel headphone output

·         Class-A Headphone amplifier

·         Custom-designed toroidal transformer with seven separate secondary windings

·         Powered input for use with StageLine or SuperLine phono stages

·         USB-mini B socket for updates

·         Aluminium chassis and sleeve with brushed, black anodised fascia

        ·         Performance upgradable with FlatCap, HiCap or SuperCap power supplies.

The new SUPERNAIT 2

The most significant change from SUPERNAIT to SUPERNAIT 2 is the removal of the digital inputs. As the SuperUniti already fulfills the role of integrated amplifier with digital inputs, it was felt that it would be more beneficial to performance to concentrate on an analogue only integrated amplifier.

Power output remains at 80W but with “significantly greater dynamic capability due to a larger transformer”. The power supply for the preamplifier stage uses Naim DR (Discrete Regulator) technology. All inputs are now hand wired so they are individually decoupled for improved microphonic isolation. Components have been upgraded in critical areas such as the power amp stage where small signal capacitors have been changed to film types.

The PCB layout and wiring loom have been improved following experience on other new products recently like the DAC-V1.

The headphone output on the front panel is now on a ¼” (6.35mm) socket and is driven from a new Class-A headphone amplifier.

Full Feature List

• 80W per channel (into 8 ohms) 135W per channel (into 4ohms)
• 6 analogue inputs: 4 x RCA/DIN, 1 x RCA/3.5mm jack, and 1 x powered input for phono
• ¼” (6.35mm) front panel headphone output
• Class A Headphone amplifier
• Custom-designed toroidal transformer with seven separate windings
• Powered input for use with StageLine or SuperLine phono stages
• Subwoofer output
• Record output via HDD output
• USB-mini B socket for updates
• External remote in
• Upgradable with FlatCap, HiCap or SuperCap power supplies
• Aluminium chassis and sleeve with brushed, black anodised fascia