Naim ND5 XS2 Streamer (2019)

Highly respected British Hi-Fi manufacturer, Naim Audio, were normally rather reserved when new technology came to market, but they “bucked” that trend when it came to computer audio and music streaming by investing early, and the fruits are of that really show here in the excellent ND5 XS 2 Network Music Streamer. This unit dates from 2019 and is in excellent condition. It comes in original factory packaging, with manual, mains cable, BNC Adaptor, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Antennas, and SNAIC cable.
Naim Say….
The ND5 XS 2 uses our innovative new streaming platform with an expanded feature set. High-res UPnP™ streaming, AirPlay, AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth (apt X HD), Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, Roon compatibility, internet radio and multiroom streaming – alongside digital and USB inputs for conventional connections – make this versatile player the ideal partner for one of our integrated amplifiers.
Carefully selected and matched parts, an oversized toroidal transformer, decoupled PCB boards: the ND5 XS 2 benefits from classic Naim engineering and fastidious attention to detail to ensure that it delivers natural, engaging sound quality from all sources.
Technology & Craft
The streaming section of the ND5 XS 2 uses the latest Naim network card featuring low-noise, high-speed low-voltage differential signalling (LVDS) to route the digital audio signal. The higher speed is capable of decoding all HD audio formats at up to 32 bits/384 kHz or DSD128. Rather than the source acting as the digital timing master, our new streaming board turns things around and allows our DAC clock to control the flow of audio data. The data is integer-over-sampled in a SHARC DSP to an incredible 40-bit accuracy before it’s fed to the PCM1791A Burr-Brown digital-to analogue converter.
Developing a new streaming platform was one of the biggest projects we have ever taken on. Naim engineers across all disciplines – electronic, industrial, acoustic and mechanical – worked for three years to create a system that could make the most of online services such as TIDAL and Spotify while adding future-proof flexibility through Chromecast built-in. Supporting faster data rates with dual-band Wi-Fi and the latest 802.11ac protocol, this robust platform was designed for the highest performance on every level.
Features:
UPnP-enabled to allow streaming of audio files at up to 32bit/384kHz 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, DSD, Apple Lossless, AIFF, AAC, Windows Media-formatted files, M4A and MP3. Gapless playback on all file formats
Two 24bit/192kHz capable digital inputs (S/PDIF) and two optical inputs to support optimum connection to external sources
Built-in Chromecast allows you to stream from hundreds of supported smartphone or tablet apps (192kHz)
Apple AirPlay – stream music from your iOS device or from iTunes and Apple Music
Spotify Connect built-in to stream millions of songs from the world’s most popular streaming service
Native support for Qobuz with true high-res streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz quality.
Native support for TIDAL streaming service with free 90 day trial of lossless HiFi tier
Front-panel USB port for replay of MP3 player and USB-stored audio (1.6A charge)
vTuner 5* full-service internet radio
Multiroom & Party Mode compatible
iOS and Android Naim Audio app for intuitive control
Bluetooth connectivity with aptX codec for quality audio playback
Thanks to RC5 system integration, you can control compatible amplifiers that are connected to your network player directly from the Naim app on a phone or tablet
Roon ready – turning your music collection into a beautifully laid out catalogue
Product Specification:
Audio Inputs
Streaming: Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay, TIDAL, Spotify® Connect, Bluetooth (AptX HD), Internet Radio, UPnP™ (hi-res streaming), Roon Ready
USB: 2 x USB Type A socket (front and rear – 1.6A charge)
Digital (S/PDIF): 2 x optical TOSlink (up to 24bit/96kHz); 1 x coaxial RCA (up to 24bit/192kHz, DoP 64Fs); 1 x coaxial BNC (up to 24bit/192kHz, DoP 64Fs)
Audio Outputs
Analogue: 1 x RCA pair; 1 x 5-pin DIN
Formats
Internet Radio Formats: Windows Media-formatted content, MP3, ACC, OGG Vorbis streams and MMS
Internet Radio Provider: vTuner premium 5*
Audio Formats:
Digital 1 x coaxial BNC
WAV – up to 32bits/384kHz
FLAC and AIFF – up to 24bit/384kHz
ALAC (Apple Lossless) – up to 24bit/384kHz
MP3 – up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit)
AAC – up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit)
OGG and WMA – up to 48kHz (16 bit)
DSD – 64 and 128Fs
M4A – up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit)
Note: Gapless playback supported on all formats.
Physical
Finishes: Brushed and anodised aluminium
Weight: 6.6kg
Power
Mains Supply: 100V, 115V or 230V; 50 or 60Hz
Power Consumption: Typical use: 11W; Network standby mode: <2W; Deep sleep: <0.5W
User Control: Naim App for iOS and Android

For a review from Hi-Fi World magazine please click here

For a review from Gramophone magazine please click here