Naim NDX2 Streamer (2020)

LOAN WAYNE

Well 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. This unit is in very good condition with a faint mark on the left side of the fascia – please see photographs. It comes with original packaging, remote control, manual, mains cable, Burndy Plug, BNC Adapter, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Antennas, SNAIC connecting lead, plus of course our standard 3 month warranty.
Naim Say….
With its world-class performance, the versatile and upgradable NDX 2 embodies the current state of the art. A host of features such as high-res UPnP™ streaming, AirPlay, AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth (aptX HD), Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, Roon compatibility, vTuner internet radio and multiroom streaming as well as digital and USB inputs provide all the connectivity you could wish for.
Our main focus in developing the NDX 2 network player, however, was its performance. Along with Naim’s bespoke streaming platform, we implemented an upgraded DAC and discrete analogue stages. These and numerous other improvements over its acclaimed predecessor make the NDX 2 a sonic force to be reckoned with, offering highly immersive and lively replay quality.
The Burr-Brown® PCM1792A digital-to-analogue converter working alongside our new streaming platform is one of the best available. We improved its performance even further by implementing our own digital filters and adding a discrete current-to-voltage converter immediately after the DAC.
The streaming section of the NDX 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 Burr-Brown DAC.
The NDX 2 features an integrated low-noise power supply with a custom-designed toroidal transformer and separate windings for the digital and analogue sections. However, the player can be upgraded with an external XPS DR or 555 PS DR power supply, giving you a marked increase in sonic authority and emotion.
During the development of the NDX 2, our engineers examined every detail, from mechanical construction, component selection and board layout. The result is a network player worthy of the Naim badge, with a sound that’s rich, detailed and engaging.
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
Four 24bit/192kHz capable digital inputs (S/PDIF) to support optimum connection to external sources
5” colour display presenting album artwork as well as track information
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 HD 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.
Bi-directional, Zigbee®-compatible remote control
Roon ready – turning your music collection into a beautifully laid out catalogue
Specifications:
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
Digital: 1 x coaxial BNC
Network Connectivity: Ethernet (10/100Mbps), WiFi (802.11 b/g/n/ac with external antennae)
Formats –
Multiroom: Party Mode Streaming: Sync up to six Naim products and control via the Naim app
Internet Radio Formats: Windows Media-formatted content, MP3, ACC, OGG Vorbis streams and MMS
Internet Radio Provider: vTuner premium 5*
Audio Formats: WAV – up to 32bits/384kHz; FLAC and AIFF – up to 24bit/384Hz; ALAC (Apple Lossless) – up to 24bit/384Hz; 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.
Power Consumption: 19W; Standby mode: <2W; Deep sleep: <0.5W Finish: Brushed and anodised aluminium Dimensions: 432 (W) x 314 (D) x 87 (H) mm Weight: 10kg

For a full review in Hi-Fi Choice magazine click here

For a full “Temptations” review in What Hi-Fi magazine click here