Naim has comprehensively reimagined its Classic Series, which has been around for some 20 years with improvements along the way. Included in the new range of products is the 200 series, comprised of two products: the NAP 250 power amplifier, which I reviewed in the November issue of Stereophile,1 and the NSC 222 streaming preamplifier ($8999), which is reviewed here. A third component in the New Classic series, the NPX 300 power supply (also $8999), which is intended to be paired with the NSC 222 and other Naim components, is also considered in this review.
In brief, the NSC 222 is a line preamplifier sporting a precision, microprocessor-controlled, click-free, 100-step discrete-resistor volume stage, a medium-sensitivity moving magnet phono preamplifier, a comprehensive streamer/DAC that can be controlled with the matching Naim app, and a dedicated headphone amplifier. The fully loaded NSC 222 packs quite a punch in terms of facilities and features.
Continuing a Naim tradition, the NSC 222 streamer-preamplifier may be paired with the NPX 300 auxiliary power supply; for the seriously committed enthusiast, a second NPX 300 may be added to the system, providing the option of entirely separating the digital and analog domains. When one or more NPX 300 is installed, the mains-powered supplies inside the NSC 222 are disabled, removing interactions between the local transformer and the digital and analog components inside the NSC 222, including those resulting from radiated electromagnetic fields and core vibrations. Utilization of the external supply allows full electrical separation of the analog and digital sections within the unit. Two separate, high-performance, ring-locking umbilical cables link the auxiliary supply to the two internal sections of the streamer-controller.
This modular design approach allows the user to start with the basic component—the NSC 222—then advance to higher performance levels in logical steps without incurring redundancy.
The physical appearance of these components is classic Naim, with modest changes. The fascia is all black, with heavy sections of satin aluminum alloy flanking a heavy block of polished acrylic. On the far left is the large, illuminated volume knob/encoder, supporting a volume control that suppresses contact noise for smooth, silent operation and delivers a 100dB numeric range in 1dB steps up to 58 and smaller steps thereafter, via a precision discrete resistor ladder circuit, derived from the design from the flagship Naim Statement. To the right of the volume control is a standard 6.35mm (/ ") headphone socket and a Type-A USB socket for connecting an external storage USB stick.
