{{Short description|Integrated audio amplifier}} {{Use British English|date=August 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}} thumb|240px|First-generation "chrome bumper" Naim NAITThe '''Naim NAIT''' (acronym for "'''N'''aim '''A'''udio '''I'''n'''t'''egrated amplifier") is an integrated amplifier from the British hi-fi manufacturer, Naim Audio. The original NAIT is one of the most recognisable pieces of hi-fi equipment ever made.<ref name=20130626hfp/> Hi-fi critic Lucio Cadeddu recognised its legendary status, referring to it as "one of the most controversial and famous integrated amps in the history of HiFi".<ref name=2003TNT/>
Having already made their name producing solid-state pre-amplifier and power-amplifier separates, Naim launched a low-powered integrated amplifier that embodies the qualities of its amplifiers, aimed at cost-conscious audiophiles.<ref name=2003TNT/><ref name=200209audioenz/>
Since the NAIT was launched in 1983, it has had six updates. In 2007, Naim released a high end amplifier, the SUPERNAIT. As of 2018, there are three models available- the entry-level {{nowrap|NAIT 5si}} the mid-range {{nowrap|NAIT XS 2}}, and the flagship {{nowrap|SUPERNAIT 2}}.<ref name=audiophilefr/><ref name=201306hfworld/>
== History == {{main|Naim Audio amplification}} Up to that point a manufacturer of solid-state pre-/power- amplifier separates, Naim Audio wanted an entry-level integrated amplifier to complement their range and widen their appeal. They worked to create a low-powered model that shared the family characteristics and sound. The approach, seemingly against the received wisdom of the time that power and sound quality go hand in hand, remained nevertheless controversial, despite the fact that NAD Electronics had trail-blazed five years earlier with the top-selling low-cost audiophile amplifier, the {{nowrap|NAD 3020}}.<ref name=2003TNT/><ref name=1998TNT/> The Naim Audio Integrated amplifier (or NAIT) was created by Julian Vereker as a minimalist black shoe-box design that includes a phono and two line-level inputs – one for tuner and one for tape recorder.<ref name=200710hfworld/> The phono input, for moving magnet cartridges, is derived from the {{nowrap|NAC 32}} pre-amplifier.<ref name=2003TNT/> The NAIT was launched in 1983, ten years after the firm was founded.<ref name=2003TNT/><ref name=200905gramophone/>
In terms of styling, the NAIT, priced in the UK at £253, was housed in a small black aluminium "chrome bumper" case<ref name=200710hfworld/> shared by other "half-size" Naim components at the time.{{#tag:ref|the "half-size" aluminium "shoe-box" measures {{convert|276|x|205|x|76|mm|in|order=flip}}<ref name=200710hfworld/>|group=Note}}<ref name=2003TNT/><ref name=200710hfworld/> On the left side of the front panel, a plastic volume knob is adjacent to a small-diameter rotating potentiometer that controls the balance. Then follows a bank of three press-button selector switches – for each of phono, tuner, tape – then a power on–off button. On the right side is a light-emitting diode (LED) indicating activity status.<ref name=2003TNT/> Sam Tellig of ''Stereophile'' said that the NAIT was "a profoundly anarchistic, almost subversive product".<ref name=199004stereophile/>
The first "chrome bumper" version was followed by a second, then two Olive incarnations (including the {{nowrap|NAIT 3}}), and three {{nowrap|NAIT 5}} versions. All bear the Naim Audio logo, but none have any markings or other indication of their model numbers on the fascia.
Between 1983 and 2007, Naim had only one integrated amplifier available, although the product has seen several guises. Naim extended the range with the {{nowrap|SUPERNAIT}} in 2007, and the XS barely a year later.<ref name=naimprodhist/> In 2013, the NAIT range consists of the entry-level {{nowrap|NAIT 5si}} and the top-of-the-range {{nowrap|SUPERNAIT 2}}, with the XS 2 slotting in the middle.<ref name=201306hfworld/> Some of the models provide an upgrade path for their equipment by allowing the simple insertion of an external power supply unit.
=== Design and power === Insistent on the unimportance of specifications in general, Naim never published technical specifications for this low-powered design.<ref name=2003TNT/><ref name=200911hfjournal/><ref name=198909stereophile/> Trade speculation of its power output ranged from 5 to 15 watts per channel.<ref name=2003TNT/> Naim confirmed years later that the NAIT is rated at 13 watts.<ref name=200710hfworld/>{{#tag:ref|Unless otherwise specified, Watts (W) and Watts per channel (WPC) are used interchangeably everywhere, and stated for loads of 8 ohms of impedance|group=Note}} Part of its mystique seemed to stem from its low power: in developing the successor to the NAIT, Naim founder Julian Vereker remarked that R&D "cooked up a more powerful version and presented it to me on my return [from holiday but] it sounded awful."<ref name=199004stereophile/>
In its product manual, the NAIT is said to have "low continuous power output ... balanced by a very large peak current capacity so there are no restrictions on the size or type of loudspeaker that may be used. But please don't expect the impossible".<ref name=allproducts/> ''Hi-Fi Journal'' wrote that "the NAIT excelled in musical terms ... and would comfortably drive loudspeakers that caused other amplifiers to sound lumpen and distinctly unmusical".<ref name=200911hfjournal/> And for that reason, many people who owned the Quad Electrostatic Loudspeaker (''ESL'') – which are known to be a very difficult load for amplifiers<ref name=quad/> – would choose the NAIT to drive their speakers.<ref name=2003TNT/> Reviewers attribute the perception of power of the NAITs to the over-engineered, dedicated power supplies that ensure generous current delivery for musical transients.<ref name=20080306techradar/>
As part of the 5-series redesign,<ref name=200710hfworld/> mechanical and electronic changes introduced in the {{nowrap|NAIT 5''i''}} (italic 'i') include attention to wiring, control of internal heat dissipation, radio-frequency interference and mechanical vibration through more efficient materials, compliant mounting and decoupling.<ref name=20080304techradar/><ref name=20130626whathf/> The {{nowrap|SUPERNAIT}} benefits from a fully active line-level preamp developed for the {{nowrap|NAC 552}} pre-amplifier, and its output section is derived largely from the {{nowrap|NAP 200}} power amplifier.<ref name=20080130stereophile/>
In launching the 2013 NAIT range, Steve Sells, electronic design manager of Naim, explained how the new NAITs fulfilled the goal of delivering sound quality performance. They are stripped of superfluous components and features, and as such, the digital–analogue converter (DAC) previously available on the {{nowrap|SUPERNAIT}} has not found its way into its successor.<ref name=20130626whathf/> The transformer is deliberately positioned as far away as possible from the inputs to avoid electromagnetic interference, while the power supply and its capacitors are closer to both the transformer and the output devices.<ref name=20130626whathf/><ref name=20080130stereophile/> Non-audio circuitry for controlling the amplifiers are optically isolated from signal sections, and are designed to power down when not in use, to avoid interference.<ref name=20130626whathf/>
=== Construction === While reviewers criticised the styling of early NAITs of having a distinctly cottagey feel,<ref name=200102audiovid/><ref name=200102hfnews/> Ian White observed that the typical Naim product is "meticulously laid out, clean, and well put together".<ref name=200201enjoy/> Housed in the same small, black "half-size" aluminium cases used by Naim pre-amplifiers and power supplies,<ref name=2003TNT/> the electronic components are of high quality and discrete – with few or no integrated circuits,<ref name=2003TNT/><ref name=199004stereophile/><ref name=198909stereophile/> mounted on a single, printed circuit board. For many years, Holden & Fisher supplied custom-made toroidal transformers used in the amplifiers. The ones used in NAIT were rated 100 VA,<ref name=2003TNT/> but these have been progressively up-rated over the years, with consequent increases in power output: the entry-level {{nowrap|NAIT 5si}} has a powerful 300 VA transformer for the delivery of 60 W of rated output.<ref name=product_spec/>
While Naim's practice of using DIN connectors has been regarded by some reviewers as quirky or arrogant,<ref name=200102audiovid/><ref name=2004whathf/> DIN sockets continue to be Naim's choice for line-level inputs. From standard DIN sockets used in the "half-size" NAITs, Naim upgraded to higher-quality locking DIN sockets on the {{nowrap|NAIT 3}}. However, models since the {{nowrap|NAIT 5i}} include a number of hard-wired parallel inputs using RCA sockets.<ref name=200905gramophone/><ref name=20040722thestar/> As the NAIT was conceived as an entry-level offering, the RCA connector – undoubtedly more popular with mass-market equipment – was offered in place of the BNC for the phono source.<ref name=2003TNT/> In all 2013 models, RCA inputs double the DIN counterparts.<ref name=20130626whathf/><ref name=20040722thestar/> Banana plugs,<ref name=200808audioenz/> the absence of tone controls,<ref name=19850808stereophile/> the tendency to harshness when cold<ref name=200911hfjournal/><ref name=20080130stereophile/><ref name=20040722thestar/><ref name=200808audioenz/><ref name=20011011thestar/> are family traits inherited by the NAIT.
"{{nowrap|NAIT 1}}" to {{nowrap|NAIT 3}} have hard-wired mains cables. Since {{nowrap|NAIT 3}}, the on–off switch has been located on the back of the amplifier – given that units are meant to be permanently switched on; since {{nowrap|NAIT 5}}, power is delivered through a detachable mains cable via an IEC connector fixed to the back panel.<ref name=20040722thestar/> Consequently, the front panel looks more minimalistic.<ref name=200710hfworld/>
The 2013 range of Naim equipment has aluminium chassis and sleeves; the fascia is die-cast zinc.<ref name=20130626whathf/> Inside, circuit boards float, and the rear-mounted mains switch and IEC socket are decoupled to reduce microphony.<ref name=20090120techradar/> Techradar noted that the XS, launched in late 2008, is the first Naim device to use a new bayonet PCB-mounting technique to float the circuitry.<ref name=20090120techradar/>
== Popularity == Strong and polarised opinions about Naim amplifiers led to the NAIT being called "one of the most controversial and famous integrated amps in the history of HiFi" by Lucio Cadeddu.<ref name=20130626hfp/><ref name=2003TNT/> This controversy has been as much to do with the company's refusal to follow the fashion of "audiophile-approved values" – such as power ratings and holographic soundstage – as its idiosyncratic preference for connectors other than RCA connectors and its eschewing of tone controls.<ref name=200102audiovid/><ref name=200102hfnews/><ref name=20040722thestar/> The volume control always sits on the wrong (left) side of the facia.<ref name=2004whathf/> However, the trade noted that the unique sound of the NAIT caused it to become "an instant classic" upon release.<ref name=200710hfworld/><ref name=20040722thestar/><ref name=2001positivefb/> As one of the most recognisable pieces of hi-fi, the NAIT has acquired an iconic and legendary status among integrated amplifiers;<ref name=20130626hfp/><ref name=2003TNT/><ref name=200710hfworld/> ''Hi-fi World'' said: "If there was ever a quintessentially British affordable audiophile amplifier, the Naim NAIT is it."<ref name=200710hfworld/>
== Incarnations == {| class="wikitable" |- style="background-color:#000080;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;font-style:Italic;color:#FFFFFF" align="center" valign="bottom" |style="font-style:Italic" width="15%" rowspan="2" height="19" | |style="font-style:Italic" width="10%" rowspan="2" | year introduced |style="font-style:Italic" width="10%" rowspan="2" | chassis |style="font-style:Italic" width="10%" rowspan="2" | voiced by |style="font-style:Italic" width="10%" rowspan="2" | power rating |style="font-style:Italic" width="10%" rowspan="2" | toroid (VA) |style="font-style:Italic" width="10%" rowspan="2" | external power<br/>for pre-amp |style="font-style:Italic" width="25%" colspan="3" | Inputs
|- style="background-color:#000080;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;font-style:Italic;color:#FFFFFF" align="center" valign="bottom" |style="font-style:Italic" | no. |style="font-style:Italic" | phono |style="font-style:Italic" | digital
|- style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:#000080" |style="text-decoration:none" height="13" valign="bottom" | NAIT1 | align="center" valign="bottom" | 1983 | align="center" valign="bottom" | chrome | align="center" valign="bottom" | Vereker | align="center" valign="bottom" | 13W | align="center" valign="bottom" | 100 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | 3 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{y}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}}
|- style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:#000080" | height="13" valign="bottom" | NAIT2 | align="center" valign="bottom" | 1988 | align="center" valign="bottom" | chrome | align="center" valign="bottom" | George | align="center" valign="bottom" | 13W | align="center" valign="bottom" | | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | 4 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{y}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}}
|- style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:#000080" | height="13" valign="bottom" | | align="center" valign="bottom" | 1989 | align="center" valign="bottom" | olive | align="center" valign="bottom" | | align="center" valign="bottom" | | align="center" valign="bottom" | | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | | align="center" valign="bottom" | | align="center" valign="bottom" |
|- style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:#000080" | height="13" valign="bottom" | NAIT3 | align="center" valign="bottom" | 1993 | align="center" valign="bottom" | slim olive | align="center" valign="bottom" | George | align="center" valign="bottom" | 30W | align="center" valign="bottom" | 120 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{y}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | 4 + 1 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{y}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}}
|- style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:#000080" | height="13" valign="bottom" | NAIT5 | align="center" valign="bottom" | 2000 | align="center" valign="bottom" | alloy | align="center" valign="bottom" | George | align="center" valign="bottom" | 30W | align="center" valign="bottom" | 180 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{y}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | 6 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{y}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}}
|- style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:#000080" | height="13" valign="bottom" | NAIT5i | align="center" valign="bottom" | 2003 | align="center" valign="bottom" | alloy | align="center" valign="bottom" | Sells | align="center" valign="bottom" | 50W | align="center" valign="bottom" | 240 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | 4 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}}
|- style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:#000080" | height="13" valign="bottom" | NAIT5''i'' | align="center" valign="bottom" | 2007 | align="center" valign="bottom" | alloy | align="center" valign="bottom" | | align="center" valign="bottom" | 50W | align="center" valign="bottom" | 240 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | | align="center" valign="bottom" | | align="center" valign="bottom" |
|- style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:#000080" | height="13" valign="bottom" | NAIT XS | align="center" valign="bottom" | 2008 | align="center" valign="bottom" | alloy | align="center" valign="bottom" | Sells | align="center" valign="bottom" | 60W | align="center" valign="bottom" | 290 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{y}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | 4 x 2 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}}
|- style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:#000080" | height="13" valign="bottom" | SUPERNAIT | align="center" valign="bottom" | 2007 | align="center" valign="bottom" | alloy | align="center" valign="bottom" | Sells | align="center" valign="bottom" | 80W | align="center" valign="bottom" | 350 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{y}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | 6 + 5 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{y}}
|- style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:#000080" | height="13" valign="bottom" | NAIT5si | align="center" valign="bottom" | 2013 | align="center" valign="bottom" | alloy | align="center" valign="bottom" | | align="center" valign="bottom" | 60W | align="center" valign="bottom" | 300 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | 2 x 2 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}}
|- style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:#000080" | height="13" valign="bottom" | NAIT XS2 | align="center" valign="bottom" | 2013 | align="center" valign="bottom" | alloy | align="center" valign="bottom" | | align="center" valign="bottom" | 70W | align="center" valign="bottom" | 350 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{y}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | 4 × 2 + 2 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}}
|- style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:#000080" | height="14" valign="bottom" | SUPERNAIT 2 | align="center" valign="bottom" | 2013 | align="center" valign="bottom" | alloy | align="center" valign="bottom" | | align="center" valign="bottom" | 80W | align="center" valign="bottom" | 400 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{y}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | 4 × 2 + 2 | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}} | align="center" valign="bottom" | {{n}}
|}
=== NAIT (1983) === thumb|right|Back of the Olive {{nowrap|NAIT 2}} (factory-modified to work as a preamp-only unit). There are recessed banana sockets for speakers, three DIN inputs and one pair of RCA phono socketsThere are two major variants of the NAIT, and apparently several minor variants with different motherboards. The simplest and most notable distinction between older and later models is the LED on the fascia: the red LED on the earlier NAIT became a green one on the later model.<ref name=2003TNT/> The balance control unusually only attenuated the left channel by up to −3 dB;<ref name=2003TNT/><ref name=200710hfworld/> the lack of obvious markings to indicate a central position was criticised for being "slightly confusing".<ref name=2003TNT/><ref name=200911hfjournal/>
Tellig was ambivalent about the {{nowrap|NAIT 1}} in ''Stereophile'': noting that it was "a good-sounding little amp", he criticised it for "look[ing] very cheaply made, inside and out", and for its lack of features, particularly the absence of an 'aux' or 'CD' input, tone controls, or moving coil input.<ref name=19850808stereophile/>
=== NAIT 2 (1988) === The "chrome bumper" {{nowrap|NAIT 2}} was designed to be factory-modified to work as a preamp-only unit. The upgrade path is assured by partnering with Naim's own stereo power amplifiers – in particular, the {{nowrap|NAP 90}} and {{nowrap|NAP 140}}, both of whose in-built power supplies can power their own pre-amplifiers.<ref name=198909stereophile/>{{clear}}
=== NAIT 3 (1993) === The {{nowrap|NAIT 3}} is derived from the {{nowrap|NAC 92}} preamplifier and the {{nowrap|NAP 90/3}} power amplifier with which it was launched – it is basically the {{nowrap|NAC 92}} and {{nowrap|NAP 90/3}} in one box.<ref name=199911soundstage/> Its flat slimline Olive case with rounded edges measures {{convert|17|x|12|x|2.2|in|mm}}.<ref name=200710hfworld/> The {{nowrap|NAIT 3}}, costing £500 at its launch, has five line inputs.<ref name=199307gramophone/>
thumb|Back of a {{nowrap|NAIT 3}}, showing the 4 DIN sockets and 1 pair of RCA socketsA remote control version, identified by the 'NAIT 3R' designation, was released in 1995. The {{nowrap|NAIT 3}} can be upgraded to 'R' specification by adding a separate remote control board.<ref name=200710hfworld/> Ian White said its construction, fit and finish and performance/cost ratio made it a price-point leader.<ref name=199911soundstage/>
=== NAIT 5 (2000) === The {{nowrap|NAIT 5}} was successor to the '3'.<ref name=200209audioenz/><ref name=200102hfnews/><ref name=200201enjoy/> It is housed in the same low-vibration black die-cast alloy casing employed in the '5 Series', and measures {{convert|17.2|x|12|x|2.3|in|cm}}.<ref name=200102hfnews/><ref name=200201enjoy/> and employs surface-mount technology.<ref name=200710hfworld/> Like its brethren, attention is paid to protecting the circuit boards from vibration.<ref name=200201enjoy/> The remote control function of the {{nowrap|NAIT 5}} is a new feature to the NAIT, and allows volume and the balance adjustment.<ref name=200201enjoy/>
=== NAIT range (2003–13) === The NAIT is henceforth a range extended across its three series – the entry-level 'i Series', XS, and Classic series.{{#tag:ref|2009 UK retail price: {{nowrap|NAIT 5i}} – £735; {{nowrap|NAIT XS}} – £1,250; {{nowrap|SUPERNAIT}} – £2,350<ref name=20090120techradar/>|group=Note}} The three units all share a styling, but the height of the case increases for the higher models.
thumb|360px|All three NAITs of the range from the back, showing doubled-up input sockets and banana speaker socketsThe 50-watt {{nowrap|NAIT 5i}}<ref name=200406audioenz/> replaces the 30-watt {{nowrap|NAIT 5}}. The phono input has been banished, so owners of turntables would need to plug a head amp (phono pre-amplifier) into one of the line inputs.<ref name=200911hfjournal/><ref name=20040722thestar/> Styling is similar to its predecessor, with basic black with green fluorescent highlights. However, it has fewer selector buttons on the right side of the face-plate.<ref name=20040722thestar/> When the {{nowrap|SUPERNAIT}} was launched in 2007, the 5i was upgraded to the "italic specification" {{nowrap|NAIT 5''i''}}.<ref name=naimprodhist/><ref name=20080304techradar/><ref name=200808audioenz/>
The {{nowrap|NAIT 5i}} (italic 'i') has an additional 3.5mm jack for portable devices on the front panel, reviewers noted sonic improvements "from the first track"; it is demonstrably better at handling higher sound pressure levels than the '5i'.<ref name=20080304techradar/>
NAIT XS:{{#tag:ref|NAIT XS price: £1,250. Output 60W per channel, 90W per channel into 4 ohms<ref name=200905gramophone/>|group=Note}} Reviewers have described the XS as a "{{nowrap|SUPERNAIT}} in the slimmer casework of the Series S".<ref name=audiophilefr/><ref name=200905gramophone/> It also has a 3.5mm stereo input with auto-switching on the front-panel, suitable for an MP3 player. A powered input, provided for turntable users, is designed to supply one of Naim's external phono pre-amplifiers.<ref name=audiophilefr/><ref name=200905gramophone/><ref name=20090120techradar/> The unity gain option and AV bypass function allow it to be used in conjunction with an AV processor in a home cinema system.<ref name=20090120techradar/> It also includes optional RS-232 interface for custom installations.<ref name=200905gramophone/><ref name=20090120techradar/>
The {{nowrap|SUPERNAIT}}, released in 2007, incorporates two coaxial and three optical inputs, including a combination mini-jack/mini-Toslink connector with auto-switching on the front panel connectivity for digital sources that facilitate direct connection of computers, media servers and the like.<ref name=20080306techradar/><ref name=2009sixmoons/> Its circuitry is supposedly identical to that of the XS,<ref name=2009sixmoons/> but has a 24-bit DAC that can be called from any of five S/PDIF inputs.<ref name=20080130stereophile/> It has more features, a more well-endowed power supply allowing delivery of 80 watts' music, and can bi-amp suitable speakers by adding a secondary power amplifier.<ref name=20080306techradar/><ref name=20080714thestar/>
=== NAIT range (2013) === To mark the 40th anniversary of Naim Audio and the 30th birthday of the original NAIT, Naim unveiled a new 3-product range under the NAIT brand: the NAIT 5si, NAIT XS 2 and SUPERNAIT 2. The range has seen a general uprating of the transformer compared with the versions they replaced, allowing for better power delivery. The manufacturer claims use of better components in critical areas and new circuitry. All three models have built-in headphone amplifiers. The digital–analogue converter has been removed as being available either as a separate unit, or as part of the Uniti.<ref name=20130626whathf/><ref name=20130625cymbiosis/>
The NAIT 5si is the entry-level NAIT and the direct replacement of the NAIT 5i (with italic 'i');<ref name=20130626whathf/><ref name=20130625cymbiosis/> the NAIT XS 2 is positioned as the mid-range product.<ref name=20130626whathf/><ref name=20130625cymbiosis/> The SUPERNAIT 2, the flagship integrated amplifier in the Naim stable individually decoupled inputs and no digital circuitry. Both incorporate a headphone output via a class-A headphone amplifier.<ref name=20130626whathf/><ref name=20130625cymbiosis/>{{#tag:ref|2013 UK prices: Naim {{nowrap|SUPERNAIT 2}} – £2,750; Naim {{nowrap|NAIT XS 2}} – £1,595; Naim {{nowrap|NAIT 5si}} – £925<ref name=20130626whathf/><ref name=20130625cymbiosis/>|group=Note}}
== Reception == In ''Stereophile'', Sam Tellig, who was unimpressed with the poor value for money of the NAIT,<ref name=19850808stereophile/> said the {{nowrap|NAIT 2}} "sounds insanely great" and that there was "[no] better-sounding integrated amp at the price".{{#tag:ref| US price of the {{nowrap|NAIT 2}} (1990): $795<ref name=199004stereophile/>|group=Note}} He remarked that the NAIT 2 resembled his Krell KSP-7B / KSA-80 combination sonically, but lacked "ooomph, kick, balls in the bass".<ref name=199004stereophile/> Although his colleague Robert Harley disliked the {{nowrap|NAIT 2}} for its styling, connectors, price, and poor performance on paper, he found it to be the most musically satisfying of several amplifiers in his test.<ref name=198909stereophile/>
Reviewers of NAIT rarely fail to mention their characteristic PRAT (pace, rhythm, and timing) sound of Naim.<ref name=2003TNT/><ref name=200209audioenz/><ref name=200102audiovid/><ref name=200102hfnews/><ref name=200201enjoy/><ref name=2004whathf/><ref name=200808audioenz/><ref name=2001positivefb/> Channa Vithana, wrote comparing the NAIT, {{nowrap|NAIT 2}}, {{nowrap|NAIT 3}} and {{nowrap|NAIT 5}} in the October 2007 edition of ''Hi-fi World'': <blockquote>...the original NAIT had the best musical timing with precision tempos. The {{nowrap|NAIT 2}} had the most tuneful bass with a much quieter musical background in comparison to the NAIT. The {{nowrap|NAIT 3}} had clearer sound overall than all the others, and opened out the music superbly by being the most free flowing. The {{nowrap|NAIT 5i}} was easily the most refined, yet was more immediate too. It proved superb with the tonal qualities of instruments, and added a dash of sweetness to higher frequencies also.<ref name=200710hfworld/></blockquote> David Price, writing in ''Hi-fi News'', said that with the earlier NAITs gave the impression of "something overly reminiscent of British hi-fi's 'cottage industry' past", but remarked that the {{nowrap|NAIT 5}} made "all other integrateds sound positively pedestrian".<ref name=200102hfnews/> Ian White said the {{nowrap|NAIT 5}} "sounds like a {{nowrap|NAIT 3}} that finally finished going through puberty and emerged as a mature adult",<ref name=200201enjoy/> and ''What Hi-fi?'' referred to the {{nowrap|NAIT 5}} as "one of the finest amplifiers available this side of 1000 pounds";<ref name=200011whathf/> In ''The Absolute Sound'', Wayne Garcia noted that the "staggeringly good sound and wonderful value" of the {{nowrap|NAIT 5i}} contributed significantly to raising Naim's profile in the US audio market.<ref name=20081129TAS/> Matthew Masters remarked about the 5''i'' amp and CD player that "it didn't seem to matter how complex or demanding the music was, the Naims would sort out the elements then present them in a perfectly-timed and coherent musical picture that helped me understand – and feel – precisely what the performers were on about".<ref name=200808audioenz/> Commenting on the NAIT XS, Malcolm Stewart wrote that the NAITs were "a musically communicative, minimalist design".<ref name=20090120techradar/>
Confirming Naim's upgrade philosophy – the belief and objective that incremental improvements to their equipment can be gained with improving the quality of the power source,<ref name=199911soundstage/> Martin Colloms of ''Hi-fi Critic'' concluded about adding an external power supply to the top-of-the-range Supernait:<blockquote> ... simply transformed the sound quality, immediately bringing a substantial and obvious improvement. Supernait-with-Hi-Cap has greater poise and dynamic range, is better at getting feet tapping, has less 'character', a bigger soundstage, and the bass is tauter with less 'thump'.<ref name=2009Q4HFcritic/></blockquote>
==Notes== {{Reflist|group=Note}}
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==External links== * [http://www.naimaudio.com/ Naim Audio official website]
{{good article}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Naim NAIT}} Category:Audiovisual introductions in 1983 Category:Products introduced in 1988 Category:Audiovisual introductions in 1993 Category:Audiovisual introductions in 2000 Category:Audiovisual introductions in 2013 Category:Audio amplifiers Category:Naim Audio