Naim NSC 222 New Classic Streaming Pre Amplifier

Here we have from the experts in Salisbury an example of one their “New Classic” units. It is a Naim NSC 222 Streaming Pre Amplifier that also incorporates a built in Digital to Analogue Converter and Moving Magnet Phono Stage. The sleek new design can be further upgraded with a dedicated power supply the NPX 300. Our example is in generally good condition noting some light marks as shown in the photographs. It is supplied in original factory packaging, along with remote control unit, manual, mains cable; Burndy plugs and our standard three month warranty. We (hifisound limited), are an authorised NAIM dealer.
Naim Say….
The NSC 222 is a versatile streaming preamplifier designed to elevate your listening experience. With its cutting-edge engineering and elegant British design from Naim, this product delivers impeccable sound quality. It allows you to stream music and radio seamlessly and supports vinyl and audio headphones. Plus, it functions as a high-performance analogue preamplifier. To create an exceptional setup, simply pair it with the NAP 250 power amplifier and your favourite loudspeakers. Enjoy unparalleled audio quality like never before.
Embark on a delightful musical journey with the versatile NSC 222 preamplifier. You can access a vast array of music streaming platforms like Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, and many online radio stations with ease. The NSC 222 preamplifier can handle bitrates up to 32bit/384kHz, ensuring that you experience the best sound quality. If you’re a vinyl lover, you’ll be pleased to know that the NSC 222 has a MM phono input. Additionally, the NSC 222 is equipped with the full Naim technology for headphone listening, derived from the award-winning Uniti Atom Headphone Edition amplifier-DAC, providing you with a world-class solo listening experience.
The streaming platform on NSC 222 is state-of-the-art and has been created by our team of experts in Salisbury. It delivers unparalleled performance, functionality and ease of use, and provides a true Hi-Fi experience with the renowned Naim sound. The Naim App, which is compatible with both Apple and Android devices, simplifies the control of your NSC 222 and allows you to connect other music systems in your home, creating a stunning multi-room setup. With the App, you can easily access all your music, including your preferred radio stations, streaming services, and playlists, and explore artist discographies and biographies.
Naim’s products are designed to be modern, timeless, and performance-driven. The NSC 222 has a sleek and innovative design, crafted with high-quality materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable user experience. Our founder, Julian Vereker, was ahead of his time in using aluminium to protect our electronic components from magnetic fields, temperature fluctuations, and unwanted vibrations. This switch from thin steel sheets to aluminium further demonstrates our commitment to quality and innovation.
The NSC 222 is designed to provide a seamless and pleasurable experience to its users. You can effortlessly manage it using the Focal & Naim app, which is available on both iOS and Android, or with the help of the Zigbee smart remote control that accompanies the device. The NSC 222 is equipped with a backlit volume button and a 5.5″ colour screen that displays the currently playing tracks, enhancing your listening experience.
Our Technical Director guided Naim’s engineers in developing simple yet elegant circuits, coupled with our DR technology, to ensure a stable and fluid power supply, resulting in exceptional performance. We use the highest quality components and conduct ultra-precise measurements to achieve an uncompromising outcome.
Features:
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.
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, UPnP™ 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).
ZigBee RF bi-directional remote control, line of sight not needed, volume changes reflected on the remote.
Dual optical 3.5mm inter-product communications for synchronised standby and lighting, compatible with NAP 250 power amplifier.
Twin fixed frequency (44.1 kHz and 48 kHz 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.
Specifications
Analogue Inputs: 1 x moving magnet phono; 1 x 8-pin DIN (47 kΩ, 2.2 V typical, 7.5 Vrms max); 1 x RCA (47 kΩ, 2.2 V typical, 7.5 Vrms max) pair; 8-pin DIN compatible with 5-pin DIN; 8 pin DIN has +/-18 V (for compatible external phono stages e.g. NVC TT); MM phono: 47 kΩ/470 pF, 5 mV, 23 dB overload (75mV max)
Analogue Outputs: 1 x XLR pair (balanced 7 Vrms max); 1 x RCA pair (7 Vrms max); 1 x 6.35 mm headphone jack (1.5 W into 16 Ω)
USB: 2 x USB Type A socket (front and rear – 1.6 A charge)
Digital Inputs (S/PDIF): 2 x Optical TOSLINK (up to 24-bit/96 kHz); 1 x coaxial RCA (up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DoP 64 Fs); 1 x coaxial BNC (up to 24-bit 192 kHz, DoP 64 Fs)
Audio Formats: WAV – up to 32-bit/384 kHz; FLAC and AIFF – up to 24-bit/384 kHz; ALAC (Apple Lossless) – up to 24-bit/384 kHz; MP3 – up to 48 kHz, 320 kbit (16-bit); AAC – up to 48 kHz, 320 kbit (16-bit); OGG and WMA – up to 48 kHz (16-bit); DSD – 64 and 128 Fs; M4A – up to 48 kHz, 320 kbit (16-bit); Gapless playback supported on all formats
Analogue Gain: Preamplifier at max volume: 15.5 dB; Phono stage MM: 40 dB
Digital Level: 2.1 V at 0 dB FS volume at 0 dB
Frequency Response: MM: – 3 dB at 10 Hz, RIAA +/- 0.1 dB; Line: 3 Hz to 40 kHz – 3 dB; Digital: 3 Hz to 27 kHz -3 dB
Signal To Noise Ratio: MM: 80 dB ref 5 mV A-wtd volume at 0 dB; Line: 104 dB ref 2.2 V A-wtd volume at 0 dB; Digital: 102 dB ref 0 dB FS A-wtd volume at 0 dB
Distortion: MM: < noise floor; Line: 0.0025% @ 2.2 V input volume at 0 dB, 1 kHz; (Line: 0.015% @ 2.2V input volume at 0 dB, 20 kHz); Digital: 0.0035% @ 0 dB FS volume at 0 dB, 1 kHz
Cross Talk: MM: 90dB at 1kHz, volume at 0 dB; Line: 90 dB at 1 kHz, volume at 0 dB (Line: 70 dB at 20 kHz, volume at 0 dB) Digital: 90 dB at 1 kHz, volume at 0 dB
Control: App control (iOS and Android), bi-directional ZigBee remote and front panel. Control of NSC 222 via Zigbee Optical 3.5mm output for synchronised control of compatible products e.g. NAP 250/350
Network: Ethernet (10/100 Mbps), Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac)
Typical Use Consumption: 25 W
Network Standby Mode Consumption: < 2 W
Standby Mode Consumption: < 0.5 W
Mains Supply: 115 V or 230 V, 50/60 Hz
Dimensions: 432 (W) x 317.5 (D) x 91.5 (H) mm
Weight: 11.0 kg