It’s the announcement everyone has been waiting for, the next step in Naim Audio’s half century history at the beginning of it’s 50th Anniversary year. New Naim Classic range has arrived.

200 Series – three new products and a new level of Classic performance from Naim.

~ NSC 222 Streaming Preamplifier

~ NAP 250 Power Amplifier

~ NPX 300 Power Supply Upgrade

These are major products for Naim, for Loud & Clear and for many customers, old and new, so we’re delighted to also announce a joint Classic range launch event with Naim staff over three days this month – Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st January – in the shop. All the event details and registration are here:

Classic Range 200 Series Launch Event with Naim

Our demo system arrived today so if you can’t wait until the 19th, get in touch to arrange a listen on 0141 221 0221 or glasgow@loud-clear.co.uk.

Introduction from Naim
“Naim Audio launched in 1973 with a simple aim: to experience music replayed in its truest and purest possible form. That meant pushing the boundaries of what is viable, applying an obsessive attention to detail in the pursuit of musical authenticity.

Half a century on, our end goal still starts with the music that moves us; an unwavering line from the first Naim products to this latest Classic range – exceptional hi-fi separates that seamlessly combine to create the music system you have always wanted.

New Classic products feature cutting-edge innovation, are expertly engineered and brimming with new technology – all in service of the sound. Everything we do, each design decision we make, is about how we can create a deeper emotional connection to the music we love.

Designed and engineered by specialists in England, the New Classic range is crafted with care and built to last. Sophisticated yet simple to use, these timeless products aim to bring you years of listening pleasure.

Whether you have known Naim Audio for 50 years, five minutes or anything in between, we welcome you to the next milestone in our – and your – musical journey.”

So what does the new range look like?

NSC 222 Streaming Preamplifier
Where streamlined design meets audiophile quality.

The NSC 222 is a feature-packed streaming pre-amplifier that keeps things simple without compromising on musical quality. Precision engineered and designed in the UK, this new design features a world of music and radio streaming, alongside vinyl and headphone support – plus a full-spec analogue pre-amplifier. Partner with the new NAP 250 power amplifier for the ultimate ‘just add speakers’ pairing.

Key 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.

Multi-room 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 the new NAP250 power amplifier.

Twin fixed frequency (44.1kHz and 48kHz 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.

RRP £5,700

NAP 250 Power Amplifier
Naim’s iconic amplifier: back and better than ever.

In production since 1975, the NAP 250 power amplifier has gained iconic status. This new sixth-generation model delivers more power than ever before; state of the art engineering provides unrivalled performance, greater system-matching and flexibility. Designed in the UK, it is ready to drive the speakers of your choice — taking your music to new heights.

Key features:

Can be used with legacy products via the legacy range of cables.

Separate DR PSUs for power amplifier, including the XLR input stage.

Eight NA009 Naim custom designed power transistors as developed for Statement (4 for the PSUs and 4 for the output stages). Each mounted on ceramic insulators for ultra low capacitive coupling.

New triple transistor constant current source (CCS) in delicate gain stage – uses a newly developed CCS for improved sound quality.

Party-proof: new heatsink design responds to temperature fluctuation, keeping things cool.

20 minute auto power off for legacy systems, will wake on detecting music (auto off can be disabled).

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.

Soft-start power up sequence, preventing the large toroidal transformers from tripping mains circuit breakers due to the large influx of voltage required.

3.5mm optical inter-product communications for synchronised system control, preventing ground loops. This facility offers LED brightness and power control.

Eddy current divide situated between speaker output terminals for improved sound quality.

Custom audiophile components such as polystyrene capacitors in filter circuits for low dielectric absorption.

Through-hole components reducing microphones picked up via the circuit board fluctuations.

RRP £5,700

NPX 300 Power Supply Upgrade
Upgraded power and performance.

Take musical performance to the next level with this instant upgrade for new Naim 200 Series sources and preamplifiers, including the NSC 222 streaming preamplifier. It disables the internal power supply – immediately reducing the noise floor further still – and provides a superior transformer and cleaner power. Connect multiple NPX 300 upgrades within the same set-up for the ultimate musical experience.

Key features:

Instant power supply upgrade for Naim 200 Series sources and pre-amplifiers.

Scalable: add an NPX-300 power supply to any or all the above.

Provides a superior and cleaner power supply.

Superlative build quality and beautifully designed in the UK.

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.

Legacy mode for compatible legacy products such as the NDX2, NAC 272 (note legacy cable required).

RRP £5,700