are older Naim integrated amps considered high current?


I see alot of NAIM used amps selling locally at good prices and wnat to pick one up , i.e. first edition  NAIM Nait XS

would units like this be considered high current?

 

thanks in advance

 

audiocanada

searching for a used $1.5k-ish high current integrated

I see Regas in that price  range also

any other recommendations would be appreciated also

 

high or low current are words, descriptives that are held in the eye of the beholder

that said, naims are considered by the knowledgeable owner base over time to be pretty stout in delivering current into lower impedance, tough loads beyond what their traditionally fairly modest and conservative power ratings would superficially indicate

What are you trying to drive, how big of a room and how loud do you want it?  Most speakers don't need alot of power to make loud noises, typically they only draw a few watts in most usage, but that really depends upon those 3 questions. The NAIM XS is very impressive for its size and weight but there may be better options in that price range depending upon your needs. Personally I'd look for a Willsenton R8. 

while i agree that it would be helpful for us to know what your speaker choice and room size are... in order to help you gauge whether a naim xs/xs2 integrated might make sense... i do not agree that a willsenton r8 tube amp should be considered as an alternative

those two are very different amps with very different capabilities and sound -- if you are worried about ample current delivery by a solid state amp, the last alternative you should consider is a classic design transformer coupled tube amplifier

Not necessarily.  It all depends upon why OP is asking about current. I'm assuming its because the XS is rated at 70 watts and they are worried it will sound thin and anemic and won't properly drive their speakers.  They probably read something about current being more important which adds to the confusion since power is still generally specified in watts. The R8 has an extremely thick and robust sound despite only putting out 25 or 45 watts. Meat on the bones as they say. I can't think of many other integrateds in its price range that sound as full bodied and smooth. 

Now on the other hand, if they have concerns about current because their speakers are difficult to drive and dip well below 4 ohms like electrostats, or speakers with an array of drivers, then yes, avoid tubes. But that seems unlikely given the price point of the integrated. 

In my book, only Supernait 2 or 3 is worth considering if going with Naim integrateds. The Nait XS is underpowered in most applications. 

For used prices, the Krell KAV-300i or KAV-400xi have much better current capabilities than the Nait XS and are more capable of driving difficult loads. 

i really enjoy my xs2 with teddycap in my second home system... very synergistic with spendor sp1’s (and a rel t9)

when we spend time there i am always reminded how superbly musical and enjoyable this modest system is