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The NSC222 streaming pre-amplifier is the long-awaited replacement for the NAC-n272 from Naim Audio’s ‘New Classic’ series, released in 2023.
Begin your New Classic musical journey with the highly versatile NSC222 preamplifier. Access a wide range of music streaming platforms (Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, etc.), a very large number of online radio stations, handling bitrates 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, which is inherited from the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition: our amplifier-DAC, the recipient of several awards all around the world.
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 a simple ‘just add speakers’ pairing, and add the NPX300 power supply to further enhance its performance.
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.
• 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.
Audio inputs:
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
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)
USB
2 x USB Type A socket (front and rear – 1.6A charge)
Digital inputs (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 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
Analogue gain
Pre-amplifier at max volume 15.5dB
Phono stage MM 40dB
Digital level
2.1V at 0dBFS volume at 0dB
Frequency response
MM: -3dB at 10Hz, RIAA +/-0.1dB
Line: 3Hz to 40kHz -3dB
Digital: 3Hz to 27kHz -3dB
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
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
Cross talk
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
Control
App control (iOS and Android), bi-directional ZigBee remote and front panel
Optical 3.5mm output for synchronised control of compatible products
Network
Ethernet (10/100Mbps), Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac)
Typical use consumption
25W
Network standby mode consumption
<2W
Standby mode consumption
<0.5W
Mains Supply
115V or 230V, 50/60Hz
Dimensions (HxWxD)
35/8x17x121/2″ (9.15×43.2×31.75cm)
Weight
24.25lbs (11kg)
