NAIM NSC 222 Streaming Pre-Amplifier

$11,999.00

The NAIM NSC 222 is a feature-packed streaming preamplifier that keeps things simple without compromising on musical quality. Precision engineered and designed in the UK, this new design features a world of music and radio streaming, alongside vinyl and headphone support – plus a full-spec analogue preamplifier. Partner with NAP 250 power amplifier for the ultimate ‘just add speakers’ pairing.

Out of stock

Description

The NAIM NSC 222 is a feature-packed streaming preamplifier that keeps things simple without compromising on musical quality. Precision engineered and designed in the UK, this new design features a world of music and radio streaming, alongside vinyl and headphone support – plus a full-spec analogue preamplifier. Partner with NAP 250 power amplifier for the ultimate ‘just add speakers’ pairing.

Statement volume control architecture using Reed Relays. Premium sound quality of fixed resistor volume control, providing precise channel balance. This miniaturised version of the Statement volume control uses super smooth fly-by-wire optical encoder with precision ball raced bearing.

Begin your New Classic musical journey with the highly versatile NSC 222 preamplifier. Access a wide range of music streaming platforms (Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, etc.), a very large number of online radio stations, handling bitrates of up to 32bit/284kHz. Want to enjoy vinyl? The NSC 222 has a MM phono input. Do you like headphones and want to dive into a world of solo listening? NSC 222 is also equipped with the full Naim technology for headphone listening, which is inherited from the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition: our amplifier-DAC, the recipient of several awards all around the world.

NSC 222 incorporates the very latest Naim streaming platform. Made by our experts in Salisbury, it sets new standards in terms of its prowess, functionality and ease of use. It is designed to offer true Hi-Fi performance, with the legendary Naim sound. Play all your favourite radio stations non-stop, as well as any music you choose from Spotify Connect, Apple Music, TIDAL, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, UPnP™ servers, USB key, Roon Ready, and more.

The Naim App – available for Apple and Android devices – makes it simple to control your NSC 222, and even link up other music systems around your home into a stunning multi-room set-up. Use the App to access all your music, including your favourite radio stations, streaming services and playlists, and explore artist discographies and biographies.

Under the guidance of our Technical Director, Naim’s engineers have developed simple but elegant circuits, combined with our acclaimed and high-performing DR technology, guaranteeing the stable and fluid power supply so essential for superior performance. Our teams opt for the highest-quality components and perform ultra-precise measurements for an uncompromising result.

Naim products are designed to be both contemporary and timeless. Our creations forego any unnecessary decoration that does not contribute to performance targets or add to the sound quality. The design of the NSC 222 streamer and preamplifier combines extreme precision, impressive functionality, sleek design and innovative materials to make it easy and enjoyable to use.

See full specifications here.

Key Points

  • Reed relay input switching
  • Single ended discrete transistor class A input (buffers and filter circuits; using hand soldered polystyrene capacitors)
  • Built in high quality MM phono stage
  • 5.5 inch colour display
  • Configurable inputs: Input sensitivity pre-set, naming, AV bypass mode and unused input disabling.
  • Uses Naim’s latest NP800 streaming card with LVDS balanced digital signals for low noise. Stream internet radio stations, music from Spotify Connect, Apple Music, Tidal (and Tidal Connect), Qobuz, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, UPnPTM servers, USB attached storage and Roon Ready
  • aptX Adaptive Bluetooth®
  • App control continuity from Mu-so through to Classic range
  • Multiroom capability with other Naim streaming products (right up to Classic range and 500 Series)
  • Tactile buttons on front panel for quick access to standby, play/pause, inputs and favourites
  • Balanced impedance class A output amplifier for long and regular length cable runs via XLR
  • Second set of outputs via RCA for bi-amping or subwoofer connection
  • ZigBee RF bi-directional remote control, line of sight not needed, volume changes reflected on the remoteDual optical 3.5mm inter-product communications for synchronised standby and lighting, compatible with NAP 250 power amplifier
  • Twin fixed frequency (44.1kHz and 48kHz based sample rates) master clocks for ultra low jitter
  • DSP RAM buffer for SP/DIF inputs, eliminates jitter caused by SP/DIF modulation (4x SP/DIF inputs)
  • Naim’s proprietary DSP 705.6kHz/768kHz integer oversampling filter
  • PCM1791A DAC Custom polystyrene ultralow dielectric absorption Post DAC filter components
  • PSU upgrade with NPX 300 via two Burndy cables (one digital and one analogue)
  • 0.5W standby power: Using two internal power supplies; one is a high quality audiophile linear type, based on a large toroidal transformer. The other is a highly efficient SMPSU for 0.5W power consumption in standby during standby mode.
  • Galvanic isolation of control and audio circuits

Naim & Aluminum

Our founder, Julian Vereker, immediately understood the many benefits of aluminium as a material for wrapping Naim electronic components. He knew that delicate audio components are very sensitive to the effects of magnetic fields, unstable temperatures, unwanted vibrations, etc. While other manufacturers were bending thin sheets of steel, Naim used thick plates of aluminium.

The Naim Classic range maximises this highly technical and durable approach, with aluminium housings rivalled only by Statement, our flagship product. Naim chose a superior-quality aluminium, which optimally combines thermal and microphonic properties. The front panels are treated with solid 20mm-thick aluminium billets; heat sinks frame the side panels and 5mm plates cover the top and bottom surfaces of the products. The aluminium is brushed, sandblasted and anodised to guarantee unalterable beauty throughout the product’s life. The New Classic range can be immediately distinguished with one look and one touch, before the first note of music even plays.