Naim Audio

NSC 222 Streaming Preamplifier

£6,200

A new era in sound is Naim’s bold prediction for new Classic range for 2023 and NSC 222 is the  linchpin and source of that new era.

A streaming preamplifier, NSC 222 includes a moving magnet and headphone output and is an excellent and comprehensive music streamer. The 5.5″ front panel screen can display album art, track information, volume level and active input with streaming support for Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Apple Music, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Internet Radio and aptX Bluetooth. Everything you need for a complete high resolution streaming system: pair with active speakers or power amplifier and passive speakers.

In-store purchase only, please call 0141 221 0221 or email glasgow@loud-clear.co.uk to reserve/enquire.

New Naim Classic 2023
Reach a higher level, with New Classic. The 200 Series line includes the NSC 222 preamplifier and streamer, the NAP 250 power amplifier, as well as the uncompromising NPX 300 power supply.

Designed and developed by Naim engineers in Salisbury, these timeless products are the fruit of Naim’s unique electronics expertise. They are at the cutting edge of innovation and technology, bringing you years of listening pleasure.

NSC 222 Streaming Preamplifier
Sleek design meets audiophile quality.

NSC 222 is an easy-to-use streaming preamplifier with multiple functions, offering uncompromising sound quality. With its high-precision engineering and exclusive British design from Naim, this product brings you a world of streamed music and radio, also handling vinyl and headphones, as well as creating a high-performance analogue preamplifier. Use directly with active loudspeakers or combine it with the NAP 250 power amplifier for an exceptional assembly: just add loudspeakers.

New Naim Classik range NSC 222

NSC 222
Begin your New Classic musical journey with the highly versatile NSC 222 preamplifier. Access a wide range of music streaming platforms (Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, etc.), a huge number of online radio stations, handling bit-rates of up to 32bit/284kHz.
Want to enjoy vinyl? The NSC 222 has a MM phono input. Do you like headphones and want to dive into a world of solo listening? NSC 222 is also equipped with the full Naim technology for headphone listening, inherited from the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition: Naim amplifier-DAC, the recipient of several awards all around the world.

A unique streaming platform
NSC 222 incorporates the very latest Naim streaming platform. Made by our experts in Salisbury, it sets new standards in terms of its prowess, functionality and ease of use. It is designed to offer true Hi-fi performance, with the legendary Naim sound. Play all your favourite radio stations non-stop, as well as any music you choose from Spotify Connect, Apple Music, TIDAL, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, UPnP™ servers, USB key, Roon Ready, and more.

Easy App control – in one room or many
The Naim & Focal App – available for Apple and Android devices – makes it simple to control your NSC 222 and even link up other music systems around your home into a stunning multi-room set-up. Use the App to access all your music, including your favourite radio stations, streaming services and playlists, and explore artist discographies and biographies.

Simple and enjoyable to use
The NSC 222 is very simple to use – you can easily control it using the Focal & Naim App but also with the Zigbee smart remote control supplied. Of course, you can also access many features via the NSC 222 itself and its backlit volume button. For your listening pleasure, the 5.5” colour screen displays the tracks being played.

Naim know-how
Under the guidance of our Technical Director, Naim’s engineers have developed simple but elegant circuits, combined with our acclaimed and high-performing DR technology, guaranteeing the stable and fluid power supply so essential for superior performance. Our teams opt for the highest-quality components and perform ultra-precise measurements for an uncompromising result.

A timeless design
Naim products are designed to be both contemporary and timeless. Our creations forego any unnecessary decoration that does not contribute to performance targets or add to the sound quality. The design of the NSC 222 streamer and preamplifier combines extreme precision, impressive functionality, sleek design and innovative materials to make it easy and enjoyable to use.

The story of Naim and aluminium
Naim Audio founder, Julian Vereker, immediately understood the many benefits of aluminium as a material for wrapping Naim electronic components. He knew that delicate audio components are very sensitive to the effects of magnetic fields, unstable temperatures, unwanted vibrations, etc. While other manufacturers were bending thin sheets of steel, Naim used thick plates of aluminium.

The Naim Classic range maximises this highly technical and durable approach, with aluminium housings rivalled only by Statement, our flagship product. Naim chose a superior-quality aluminium, which optimally combines thermal and microphonic properties. The front panels are treated with solid 20mm-thick aluminium billets; heat sinks frame the side panels and 5mm plates cover the top and bottom surfaces of the products. The aluminium is brushed, sandblasted and anodised to guarantee unalterable beauty throughout the product’s life. The New Classic range can be immediately distinguished with one look and one touch, before the first note of music even plays.

New Naim Classik range NSC 222

New Naim Classik range NSC 222

Audio Inputs
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 Input 1 x moving magnet phono
1 x 8-pin DIN (compatible with 5-pin DIN cables)
1 x RCA stereo pair
Line level inputs (RCA/DIN): Impedance 47k, 2.2V typical, 7.5Vrms Max
8 pin DIN has +/-18V for compatible external phono stages such as Solstice NVC TT
Compatible with 5 pin DIN
MM phono: 47k/470pF, 5mV, 23dB overload (75mV max)
Audio Outputs
Distortion MM: < noise floor
Line: 0.0025% @2.2V input volume at 0dB, 1kHz
(Line: 0.015% @2.2V input volume at 0dB, 20kHz)
Digital: 0.0035% @0dBFS volume at 0dB, 1kHz
Digital level 2.1V at 0dBFS volume at 0dB
Audio Outputs Analogue
1 x XLR pair (Stereo XLR balanced impedance 7Vrms max)
1 x RCA pair (Stereo RCA 7Vrms max)
1 x 6.35mm headphone jack (Headphone 1.5W into 16)
Crosstalk MM: 90dB at 1kHz, volume at 0dB
Line: 90dB at 1kHz, volume at 0dB
(Line: 70dB at 20kHz, volume at 0dB)
Digital: 90dB at 1kHz, volume at 0dB
Analogue Pre-amplifier at max volume 15.5dB
Phono stage MM 40dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio MM 80dB ref 5mV A-wtd volume at 0dB
Line 104dB ref 2.2V A-wtd volume at 0dB
Digital 102dB ref 0dBFS A-wtd volume at 0dB
Frequency Response MM: -3dB at 10Hz, RIAA +/-0.1dB
Line: 3Hz to 40kHz -3dB
Digital: 3Hz to 27kHz -3dB
Connectivity
Network Ethernet (10/100Mbps), Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac)
Formats
Audio Formats WAV – up to 32bit/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)
Gapless playback supported on all formats
Physical
Weight 24.25lbs (11kg)
Dimensions (HxWxD) 35/8x17x121/2″ (9.15×43.2×31.75cm)
Power
Mains Supply 115V or 230V, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption Typical use consumption:  25W
Network standby mode consumption: <2W
Standby mode consumption: <0.5w
Product Type
Type Preamplifier
User Control
App Control App control (iOS and Android), bi-directional ZigBee remote and front panel
Optical 3.5mm output for synchronised control of compatible products