Today, we would like to introduce you to the British NAIM Audio NSC 222, NPX 300 and NAP 250 Family Bucket – a hi-fi system that blends classic design with modern technology. In a world of competition where there are only a handful of hi-fi companies that have been doing so for 50 years, Naim is celebrating this milestone with its new Classic series, the first major update to the Classic series in 20 years.
The new Classic series kicks off with three products: the NSC 222 preamplifier Stream*** digital-to-analog converter, the NPX 300 – an optional external power supply designed specifically for the NSC 222, and the NAP 250 power amplifier, which has been the signature of NAIM's product line since 1975. The NAP 250 retains the quality of Naim's signature while increasing the power to today's 100W design.
The NSC 222 is a new product that offers both digital and analogue inputs, a turntable with a built-in MM cartridge, and a full-featured streaming device that supports multiple services such as Tidal Connect and Qobuz. It's also fully adapted to wireless streaming*** to receive Bluetooth signals in Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and APTX formats. All inputs can be adjusted to ensure the approximate volume level of different source devices is consistent, and the digital inputs can be adjusted synchronously.
The NSC 222's volume control inherits the style of the Statement preamp and uses an optical encoder to control the resistor network, a technology derived from Naim's top-of-the-line Statement series. In addition, all controls on the rear panel of the NSC 222 can be adjusted via the Focal & NAIM App, and most of the functions can also be found on the supplied remote control.
In terms of digital-to-analogue conversion, the NSC 222 supports PCM and DSD128 formats up to 32-bit 384kHz. Naim has never played numbers games, and they have opted for a converter that sounds better than what it looks like in specs.
Compared to the previous NAP 250 DR, the NAP 250 of the new Classic series has been modified in the input interface to be compatible with almost all preamplifiers on the market. In addition, it provides a trigger connection using a fiber optic connection, so that the user can control the entire system on and off with a single button or app.
The NAP 250 still uses DR (Discrete Regulator) technology and a large toroidal transformer inside. Compared to the 80W of the NAP 250 DR, the **NAP 250 achieves 100W output power by incorporating a special cooling section and a small fan into the body.
During the audition, the NSC 222 was powered by an NPX 300 power supply via a Melco N10 server, a Network Acoustics Muon filter, and an English Electric 8Switch. Connect the NAP 250 and Townshend Fractal F1 speaker cables using Naim's XLR termination cable to deliver the PNAC Twenty526i floorstanding speakers deliver signals. On top of that, the experience becomes so engaging that it's hard to stop.
Focal & Naim's latest app is very easy to set up and navigate. The NSC 222 sounds more Naim than the NAP 250 DR we remember. The NAP 250 is particularly good at creating a sense of rhythm, making it easy to open even the most complex clips. The way it handles bass precisely is also a highlight.
Using the combination of NSC 222 and NAP 250, it shows excellent control and performance in any genre. For those who love **, this system of NAIM Audio's new Classic series is undoubtedly worth looking forward to.
Reference selling price: 5,700 pounds x 3 = 17,100 pounds, about 152,000 yuan.