Naim Supernait 3 vs. current NAP 250, more

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1125fps

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System: custom high powered Linux server/music player > Infigo Audio Method 3 DAC > icOn 4PRO copper-wired Slagleformer "preamp" with a super-refined op-amp balanced output and current for any load.

(Two) kilowatt sub amps > 4 compact subs in a distributed array throughout the room; properly tuned, cross up to 140 Hz without proximity effect even standing directly over a floor-mounted sub.

Main speakers comprise a selection of constant-directivity OS and SEOS horn 2-way satellites, natural cutoff between 80 to 140 Hz depending on port tuning, adequate power handling to 20 Hz, pro-sound drivers, award winning designer, true 94 dB to 96 dB, benign phase angles, minimum 6-ohm impedance.

As per above the main amp contributes little to no energy below about 100 Hz and this condition is permanent.

Various power amps in use tube and SS. Ultra-refined cables throughout. Large symmetrical treated dedicated sound room, moderately lively/not overdamped!

I am interested in power amps only; no interest in any integrated even though Supernait 3 has a power amp input. Slagleformers properly used outperform any other active circuit preamp.

Supernait 3's power amp stage may perform perfectly but I just can't stand the thought of using something with unused circuits, controls, inputs and components including the entire preamp stage.

All Qs apply only to my specific application defined above, IOW only above about 100 Hz and up to about 80W. Does the current $9k USD NAP-250 outperform the power amp stage in Supernait 3? Can you compare the NAP-250 to any of the most-recent amps Naim discontinued below the NAP-250?

Supernait 3's 80 solid-state watts @ 8-ohms likely makes enough power; 50W minimum may be OK.

Thank you!
 
1125fps said:
I am interested in power amps only; no interest in any integrated even though Supernait 3 has a power amp input. Slagleformers properly used outperform any other active circuit preamp.

Supernait 3's power amp stage may perform perfectly but I just can't stand the thought of using something with unused circuits, controls, inputs and components including the entire preamp stage.

All Qs apply Does the current $9k USD NAP-250 outperform the power amp stage in Supernait 3?
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I'm legitimately confused - I believe you said you don't care how the SN3 performs but then you ask how it performs/compares to the NAP-250?
 
Sorry, I was sleepy when I typed that.

I heard and like SN3 but I need power amps only. IOW my only interest in SN3 is its power amp stage. 1st is that my Slagleformer preamp w/output buffer outperforms by huge margin any known gain stage preamp up to at least $20k (more like $40k,) more so any preamp in a $5k integrated. 2nd is the preamp in this system requires good current to drive at least two 12k-ohm line inputs for sub amps plus the main amps.

So what Naim straight power amp (no integrated) sounds as good or better or similar to the power amp stage in SN3? RCA or XLR input is OK. Note my application is not universal, the speaker load is a lot easier than average and reproduces the range only above about 100 Hz, IOW nothing or almost nothing of the lowermost 2.5 octaves which is a huge difference from a univeral load especially one that covers 20 Hz.

I like SN3 enough to consider removing everything except the power amp stage. Possible, impossible, difficulty? I'd much rather just find a power amp.

IIRC in the last year or so Naim dropped 2-3 power amps below the now-entry NAP-250. What were the models? How do they compare to the power amp in SN3? Does Naim plan new power amps below NAP-250? Estimated power, SRP in USD?
 
1125fps said:
Sorry, I was sleepy when I typed that.

I heard and like SN3 but I need power amps only. IOW my only interest in SN3 is its power amp stage. 1st is that my Slagleformer preamp w/output buffer outperforms by huge margin any known gain stage preamp up to at least $20k (more like $40k,) more so any preamp in a $5k integrated. 2nd is the preamp in this system requires good current to drive at least two 12k-ohm line inputs for sub amps plus the main amps.

So what Naim straight power amp (no integrated) sounds as good or better or similar to the power amp stage in SN3? RCA or XLR input is OK. Note my application is not universal, the speaker load is a lot easier than average and reproduces the range only above about 100 Hz, IOW nothing or almost nothing of the lowermost 2.5 octaves which is a huge difference from a univeral load especially one that covers 20 Hz.

I like SN3 enough to consider removing everything except the power amp stage. Possible, impossible, difficulty? I'd much rather just find a power amp.

IIRC in the last year or so Naim dropped 2-3 power amps below the now-entry NAP-250. What were the models? How do they compare to the power amp in SN3? Does Naim plan new power amps below NAP-250? Estimated power, SRP in USD?
Click to expand...

That's a very bold statement. How many $20K+ active line stages have you compared your beloved Slagleformer preamp against in your own system?
 
One in particular in my sound room now. I won't name names. That's OT anyway. You can't pay me money (well maybe) to convince anyone of my audio choices. If you want other's opinions backing my position, search "Slagleformer review" and read comments of the most hard-core lifetime fanatics who compared active line stages up to $40k vs. a Slagleformer that supplied adequate current (those last 4 words are absolutely critical.) If you read for 100 hours you won't find one independent user who contradicts anything I typed Re. the Slagleformer. I have absolutely no business relationship with Dave Slagle or Slagleformers. And obviously, I'm crystal clear that most if not all luxury normal active gain stage preamps supply more current and have more features than any auto-former alone. At least one brand sells a Slagleformer with one of two of the world's best op-amp buffers to increase current and convert the unbalanced output to balanced. EMIA (Dave Slagle and his business partner) offer fully balanced silver-wound stereo Slagleformers, 4 autoformers.
 
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