Rating: 
Hot: Signature Naim sound with immaculate pace and timing with all sorts of music. It communicates effortlessly and fluidly, creating an expansive and holographic sound stage, especially with acoustic material. Significant gains to be made in performance using Naim’s own power cord, which evens out tonal response, and outboard power supplies. Clear upgrade path augurs well for those who keep seeking one.
Cold: The highs possess a hint of darkness and some may also perceive this spectrum as a wee bit too well-behaved. There is much to choose from in the price bracket and perhaps even lower down, where its less expensive sibling, the 5i-2, is a surprisingly eloquent competitor.
Encore: This is another great Naim offering, although whether wholly worth the premium over its cheaper sibling remains a personal preference. On its own, the Nait XS is a remarkably zestful amp, with an impressive array of capabilities in any musical situation. If you’re looking to build a mid-level all-Naim system, here’s where to start. Heck, even otherwise, this amp warrants a recommendation.
Specs: 60W per channel into 8 Ohms / 6 DIN/RCA analogue inputs / 3.5mm jack input / Preamp, sub, tape analogue outputs / 1 pair of speaker outputs / Remote control / Dimensions – 70 x 432 x 301mm (h/w/d) / Finish: Black
What others say:
What Hi-Fi: “Brilliantly cohesive, balanced and downright musical performance … excellent built … but loses grip on deepest bass.”
6moons audio: “For somewhat tired systems, Naim’s integrated is quite the wake up call, injecting a goodly dose of rhythmic drive without going overboard. If you’re shopping this price class, the Naim Nait XS definitely deserves an audition.”
Techradar: “Extremely persuasive musical performer, and the longer you listen, the more this amplifier convinces you of its potential.”
