Naim NAC N-172 XS Streaming Pre Amplifier (2012)

Tiny scratch on top

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Date from serial no. 2012 but N-172 XS not launched until 2014   –  SDC

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Here we have an example of the NAC-N 172 XS Preamplifier from British Hi-Fi specialist Naim Audio. Originally launched in 2014, the NAC-N 172 XS is actually far more than just a simple pre-amp. It’s a preamplifier with network music player capability that has both digital and analogue inputs plus a choice of fixed or variable-level outputs, and that’s just for starters. For more detail please do continue below. Our example comes in very good condition, and is supplied in full factory packaging, with remote control, manual, mains cable, plus of course our standard three month warranty.
Naim Say….
Audio equipment has always fallen easily into established categories: preamplifier, power amplifier or source. However, the NAC-N 172 XS is different. It requires an entirely new category definition: the network-connected streaming preamplifier.
But what’s in a name? For a start, the NAC-N 172 XS is a very high performance and inherently musical preamplifier. It combines a mix of analogue and digital audio inputs, a digitally controlled analogue volume knob, and analogue outputs to connect to a power amplifier. And the NAC-N 172 XS offers even more besides, because along with its conventional inputs it includes a front panel USB audio interface for iPad, iPod and iPhone input, and a wired or wireless network connection to access internet radio stations or stream from UPnP™ music servers. The NAC-N 172 XS defines a creative point at which two worlds collide – the traditional world of separate pre and power amplifiers, and the new world of network streaming.
The NAC-N 172 XS incorporates two products in one. It is a conventional preamplifier, perfectly at home in a Naim separates environment where, partnered by a Naim NAP 155 XS power amplifier perhaps, it can reproduce music from CD or vinyl in such a way that stirs the soul and quickens the pulse. But the NAC-N 172 XS also opens a door to the new sphere of high-resolution audio, internet radio and streamed music. This sphere has the very same soul-stirring potential as conventional audio sources but is effectively limitless in scope and content.
The arrival of streamed audio marks a transformation in music in the home and the NAC-N 172 XS gives access to its full potential. Through a wired or wireless network connection, the NAC-N 172 XS can play literally thousands of internet radio stations – many of them a voyage of musical discovery in their own right. DAB and FM stations are also available through an optional module. With a front- panel USB interface, the NAC-N 172 XS can play audio files stored on USB memory sticks, as well as music from an iPad, iPod or iPhone. The UPnP™ capabilities of the NAC-N 172 XS also enable it to play audio files and access iTunes libraries stored on a computer or network drives. There are no limits in terms of audio file type or resolution. With both USB/iPod and UPnP™ inputs, the NAC-N 172 XS can play the full range of file and stream formats at up to 32bit/192kHz resolution: WAV, FLAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF, Windows-Media-formatted content, MP3, M4a, MMS, AAC, AIFF and Ogg Vorbis. It can also handle M3U and PLS playlist formats and supports gapless playback.
For more conventional external audio sources, the NAC-N 172 XS offers three conventional analogue inputs and five S/PDIF digital inputs. The five digital inputs can handle signals at up to 24bit/192kHz resolution and use a mix of optical TOSlink and coaxial phono options to provide both versatility and optimised sound quality.
As the first Naim streaming preamplifier, the NAC-N 172 XS introduces numerous innovative techniques for signal processing and isolation to ensure that each audio signal or stream is output with maximum fidelity. It employs a Burr Brown digital-to-analogue converter chip that offers the same performance as the chip fitted to the digital benchmark Naim NDX network player. And it benefits from all the filtering and signal management techniques that have placed Naim at the forefront of digital music in the home.
NAC-N 172 XS component selection is entirely optimised for sound quality and the XS style case construction helps minimise microphony by providing a rigid, non-resonant foundation for the electronics. As with every Naim product, fastidious attention to power supply noise and regulation, PCB layout and earthing topology is a fundamental aspect of NAC-N 172 XS performance.
The result of this extraordinary technology is extraordinary music reproduction that lives, breathes and satisfies. Integrate a NAC-N 172 XS into an existing audio system or build a new pre/power amplifier system around it and the world of high-resolution audio, UPnP™ streaming, and the vast resources of internet radio can be connected seamlessly with your existing world of CD and vinyl.
The NAC-N 172 XS is as versatile in its use as it is in its applications. Three user interfaces provide alternative methods of control – each one suitable for different situations and personal preferences. It can be operated using the front panel buttons and rotary volume control, from a remote control handset, or using the free Naim n-Stream control app for iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch. Control is simple, straightforward and satisfying and, with the n-Stream app, uniquely liberating.
Features:
High quality preamplifier including digitally controlled analogue volume control
UPnP-enabled to allow streaming of audio files at up to 24bit/192kHz resolution from Naim Audio hard disk servers, network-attached storage (NAS) devices or any home computer
Supports a broad range of music formats: WAV, FLAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF, AAC, Windows Media-formatted files, Ogg Vorbis and MP3
Six 24bit/192kHz-capable digital inputs (S/PDIF) to support optimum connection to external sources
Spotify Connect built-in to stream millions of songs from the world’s most popular streaming service
Native support for TIDAL streaming service with free 90 day trial of lossless HiFi tier
Bluetooth connectivity with high-quality aptX audio codec
Optional DAB+/DAB/FM radio module
vTuner 5* full-service internet radio
Multiroom & Party Mode compatible
iOS and Android Naim Audio app for intuitive control
Specifications:
Audio Inputs –
USB/iPod: 1 front panel socket
Sample Rates Maximum: 192kHz (coaxial); 96kHz (optical)
Other Digital Inputs: 5 x S/PDIF – 2 x coaxial RCA; 2 x optical TOSLINK; 1 x 3.5mm front panel (mini-TOSLINK)
UPnP: Ethernet (RJ45) or Wi-Fi
Input Impedance: 30kΩ
Analogue Input: 1 x 5-pin DIN, 1 x RCA pair, 1 x front panel 3.5mm jack (combined optical)
Input Sensitivity: 200mV
Audio Outputs –
Audio Outputs: 1 x variable (4-pin DIN, 1 x RCA pair), 1 x fixed (1 x RCA pair)
Crosstalk: 80dB
Other Outputs: Headphones Outputs: Stereo (front panel 3.5mm jack)
Line Outputs Variable (level): 775mV RMS
Line Outputs Fixed (level): 1 x RCA pair
Load Impedance: 10kΩ (min.)
Output Impedance: <47Ω (variable outputs), <600Ω (fixed output)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 90dB
THD: 0.015%
Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
Connectivity –
USB: 1 x USB Type Mini-B
Remote Output: 1 x rear panel 3.5mm jack (RC5 modulated and unmodulated)
Remote Input: 1 x rear panel 3.5mm jack (RC5 modulated and unmodulated)
Network: Ethernet (Cat5), Wi-Fi
Finish –
Case: Black powder coated
Front: Brushed and black anodised
Formats –
CD Formats: Audio CD (Red Book, CD and CD-R)
FM Tuning Range: 87.5 – 108MHz
DAB Tuning Range: Band III and L Band
Internet Radio Formats: Windows Media-formatted content, MP3, ACC, Ogg Vorbis streams and MMS
Internet Radio Provider: vTuner 5* full service
Audio Formats: WAV (up to 32bit/192kHz); AIFF (up to 32bit/192kHz); FLAC (up to 24bit/192kHz); ALAC (up to 24bit/96kHz); WMA (up to 16bit/48kHz) must be WMA 9.2; Ogg Vorbis (up to 16bit/48kHz); M4a (CBR and VBR up to 320kbit/s); MP3 (CBR and VBR up to 320kbit/s); Playlists (M3U, PLS)
Power Supply Voltage: 100V, 115V, 230V; 50 or 60Hz
Dimensions: 432 (W) x 301 (D) x 70 (H) mm
Weight: 5.65 kg