Nait 3 -- increased power
Posted by: billkenney on 09 March 2017
I have a recently serviced Nait 3 with a Flatcap2 that I would like to pair with Harbeth P3ESR's. Because the Harbeth's require some power to perform at their best, am wondering if any users have ever hooked a separate NAP power amp up to a Nait 3. Is a combination like that capable of producing effective results with a speaker like the P3ESR, or is the preamp section of the Nait 3 too much of a limiting factor? If it is capable of producing effective results, which NAP units might make sense? Thank you.
I would try the Nait 3 and FC2 first and see how that is with the Harbeths. The obvious NAP would be the slimline olive NAP90 though I don't know that it would give more power than your existing Nait 3, probably just more finesse by virtue of separating pre and power amp functions.
Why have you apparently settled on the Harbeths? And what did you hear them driven by?
Chris
The Harbeth's would replace Proac Super Tablettes (late 1980's). I like the smoothness and character of the Harbeths (mostly listen the classical and jazz). Sensitivity is 83.5 db into 6 ohms. While the Nait would work at modest volumes, the Harbeths would bloom with more power. I heard them with a Parasound Halo (180 watts into 8 ohms). Thanks for your response.
If the Nait doesn't work well, you are likely to be better off with something like a 72/180. Or you could just choose speakers that work well with the Nait in the first place.
Thanks Bill. My concern for you is the sensitivity (or lack of) in the Harbeths which blossom with power, as you say.
One of my brothers has a Nait 3 which I hear with his Rega Elas. This seems a good match. I'm sure the Naim Intros and Credos of the time would be too. But if your heart is set on Harbeths, then it's Harbeths.....
C.
Christopher--that's a great suggestion that I had not considered. I'm glad I sought some advice -- thank you! Bill
HH--thank you. I do like my old Nait, even if it's as much emotion as anything else. If I were to look for a 180 to pair up with the Nait, would that be an audible step down from a 72/180? Bill
Did you have a chance to hear to the new Proac Tabellettes 10? They are excellent. I have been using floor standing Proacs (1.5) with my Nait 3 / Flatcap for the last 17 years, listening to the same type of music in a medium size room and never had an urge to change anything.
Haim, I heard the Anniversaries but not the 10's. I will check out, as I do want to hang on to the Nait and keep it going. Thanks-Bill
The little Nait 3 is a fine amp if you like to stick with this
Need a bit of a warm up and serviced is a big thumb up for next troublefree decade
It allready contain the slimline 90 powersection, so adding such separate gain next to nothing
Added Flatcap should perform better indeed
Harbeths have a nice tone for classical but rhytmic they are weak imo
Would love to hear Tablette 10 myself, have a feeling they tick most boxes beeing non ported
Rega Ela's are VFM indeed if you can find a fine pair, easy driven will suddenly provide more power and headroom if needed
I have owned Nait 3 years back running amo Royd shoebox and Heybrook Quartet speakers, both excellent choices into smaller room
By todays second hand prices one can get really excellent performance amp/speakers at less than a pair of Lumina jumpers
B Lund--thank you. Have never heard the speakers you mention but will investigate. My listening area is small so your past experience with the Nait makes sense....
billkenney posted:Haim, I heard the Anniversaries but not the 10's. I will check out, as I do want to hang on to the Nait and keep it going. Thanks-Bill
If you like what the Nait 3 is doing then don't hook it to any another amp or use inefficient monitors with it. New speakers that are getting very good reviews and are worth checking are the Totem Sky. Good luck with your search.
Alba--Sources are Rega P25/Dynavector, NAT 03, CD5 and Sony HAP Z1ES. Have never heard the Epos -- will need to run down.
Haim--Will have to check on Totem's as well.
All--Seems like the consensus is to not add a separate power amp on to the Nait. My heart was hoping that something like the NAP 180 might be an elegant way to extend the life of my Nait should I decide to stick with the Harbeths. My head, on the other hand, tells me that a Supernait would be the better choice.
Thank you all for your input and suggestions. Much appreciated!
Can also endorse the Nait 3 with Rega Ela's having owned both myself for many years previously. In fact the Ela's are back in their boxes.....couldn't quite bear to part with them after upgrading!