NAX: Immersive Depth and Expansive 3D Perspective

I had been using AIM’s NA9 as the main component in my home system for a long time, but when I replaced it with the NAX, I was genuinely stunned. The only differences between the NA9 and NAX are the domestically produced pure-silver–coated OFC single conductor and the asymmetric structure created by grounding the shield on only one side. The four-layer “Pulshut MU” shielding structure and the Telegärtner RJ45 connectors are otherwise identical. And yet, the picture and sound are so different!

What surprised me the most in terms of sound was the dramatic increase in transparency, which brought faint details vividly to the surface, and the expansive three-dimensional perspective that unfolded with remarkable depth. Vocals now convey more lifelike expressions, with subtleties in accents and intonation becoming even more refined. The same improvement applies to the reproduction of instrument texture, where minute variations in inflection and dynamics are rendered in sharp detail. It’s as if the clarity of a flowing river has increased, letting you clearly see the riverbed beneath the surface.

I also watched streaming video content and was dumbfounded by the overwhelming expansion of the contrast range. The white peak is extended, and the black becomes tighter, making the dark-area gradation more dense. I am particularly sensitive to dark-area gradients, and this was the first time I truly realized how significantly the quality of streamed video depends on the transmission environment.

The NA9 had been holding the flagship position until now, yet the NAX—at the same length—costs about twice as much. But the difference between them is no trivial matter. There’s simply no going back.