Supernait - NAIM SUPERNAIT 3 Reference Manual

4. SUPERNAIT 3

The SUPERNAIT 3 is a very high performance stereo integrated amplifier that combines a
preamplifier providing five line-level analogue inputs and one moving magnet phono input with
a power amplifier rated at 80 Watts per channel. The SUPERNAIT 3 can be controlled by either
its remote handset or by front panel mounted volume and balance knobs, and mute and input
selection buttons. The SUPERNAIT 3 remote handset is described in Section 15 of this manual.
A front panel 6.3mm jack socket enables the use of headphones with the SUPERNAIT 3.
A variety of power supply upgrade, alternative preamplifier and alternative or additional power
amplifier options are possible for the SUPERNAIT 3. Diagrams illustrating the connection of
some of these are shown in Section 6. If no power supply or alternative amplifier options are to
be employed, the SUPERNAIT 3 preamp/power amp link plug, supplied in the accessory pack,
must be fitted to the rear panel "preamp out" and "power amp in" sockets. The link plug is
shown fitted in Diagram 5.2.
Your SUPERNAIT 3 should be installed on a dedicated equipment stand intended for the
purpose. Do not stand it directly on top of another item of equipment. Care should be taken to
ensure that it is level. The amplifier should be installed in its final location before connecting
cables or switching on. Ensure that the volume is turned down before switching on.
4.1 Mains Power Connection
Connect the SUPERNAIT 3 to a mains power socket using
either the mains cable supplied or a Naim Power-Line.
4.2 Signal Inputs
The SUPERNAIT 3 front panel input buttons select the
source input signal to be routed to the integral power
amplifier and the loudspeakers headphones. The six buttons
are labelled cd, tuner, stream, av, phono and aux.
The cd, tuner, stream and av input buttons correspond to
parallel DIN and RCA phono input sockets on the rear panel.
The phono input button corresponds to a pair of rca phono
sockets compatible with moving magnet (mm) cartridges.
The turntable earth lead should be connected to the ground
terminal when this input is being used.
Note: The stream and av sockets carry both inputs and
outputs. See Section 4.4 for more information.
The aux 2 input button corresponds to a DIN input socket
on the rear panel. The aux 2 DIN socket also carries a power
supply output intended to power a Naim StageLine or
SuperLine phono preamplifier.
Note: For optimum sound quality DIN sockets should be
used in preference to RCA phono sockets.
Note: Where an input has DIN and phono socket options
only one should be connected at any one time.
Always use high quality interconnect cables to connect
sources to inputs. The Naim Hi-Line will produce the best
results.
4.3 Speaker Outputs
A set of stereo speaker connection sockets is provided on
the rear panel. Custom Naim loudspeaker connectors are
supplied to make the connection and in order to comply
with current European safety regulations these should
always be used. Naim speaker cable will provide the best
results, however, a wide range of speaker cable types can
be used without risk of damage to the amplifier.
Ensure when connecting speakers that they are "in phase".
That is, the positive and negative connection orientation at
both the speaker and amplifier ends of the cable is the same
for both channels.
4.4 av and stream Outputs
The SUPERNAIT 3 av and stream inputs have associated
outputs that enable the selected input signal to be routed
externally; to an audio recording component for example.
Note: The av and stream outputs remain active while
their corresponding inputs are selected. Take care that
a feedback loop is not inadvertently created by the
simultaneous selection of input and output.
4.5 Headphone Output
The SUPERNAIT 3 headphone output is able to drive most
headphone types. The 6.3mm (1/4") jack socket, rather
than the smaller 3.5mm jack socket, provides more reliable
connection and potentially higher sound quality. Most
high-quality headphones are supplied with an adaptor that
enables use with either 3.5mm or 6.3mm sockets. Inserting a
headphone plug will mute the SUPERNAIT 3 speaker outputs.
Removing the headphone plug will restore the outputs.
4.6 AV Bypass
The SUPERNAIT 3 can be integrated within a multi-channel
home theatre system, driving the front left and right
channel speakers, by engaging its AV Bypass mode. AV
Bypass mode enables a home theatre processor to take over
volume control of signals connected to the SUPERNAIT 3 av
input. It is engaged using the switch on the rear panel. The
SUPERNAIT 3 volume control indicator will extinguish when
AV Bypass mode is engaged and the av input is selected.
The remote handset volume control will also be disabled.
E3
Note: The SUPERNAIT
3 incorporates an AV
Bypass switch on its rear
panel. The switch should
only be set to "On" if the
amplifier is to be used
in conjunction with an
AV processor in a home
theatre system. In all
other installations the
AV Bypass switch should
be set to "Off". Speaker
and amplifier damage
may occur if a signal is
inadvertently connected
to the SUPERNAIT 3 av
input while the AV Bypass
switch is "On".