Naim Audio NDX2 Network Player

Description

Naim Audio NDX2 Network Player

The Naim Audio NDX2 Network Player has a host of features such as high-res UPnPTM streaming, AirPlay, AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth (aptX HD), Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, Roon compatibility, vTuner internet radio and multiroom streaming as well as digital and USB inputs provide all the connectivity you could wish for.

Our main focus in developing the NDX 2 network player, however, was its performance. Along with Naim’s bespoke streaming platform, we implemented an upgraded DAC and discrete analogue stages. These and numerous other improvements over its acclaimed predecessor make the NDX 2 a sonic force to be reckoned with, offering highly immersive and lively replay quality.

Reviews

• Hi-Fi World | NDX 2 | Best Network Player, Nov 2019 – “It is both dynamic yet detailed, with a punch few other streamers can match.“
• HI-FI World | NDX 2 | 5 Globes , Sep 2019 – “Sonically it was supremely well-honed, something of a reference for what is possible from streaming.“
• HI-FI+ | NDX 2/XPS DR | Review , May 2019 – “The Naim reflects the intrinsic nature of both the recording and the music with everything you choose to play.”
• What Hi-Fi? | NDX 2 | 5 Star Review, Feb 2019 – “For most, a stand-alone Naim NDX 2 will be all the streamer they could ever want. It is well made, carefully conceived and sounds excellent for the money. Naim also has a great track record on supporting its products, which really matters when the investment is as heavy as this. In short, buy the NDX 2 with confidence.‘

Features

• The NDX 2 allows for streaming of high-quality audio files from different sources. It supports various music formats such as WAV, FLAC, DSD, AAC, and MP3, and comes with four digital inputs for external connections.
• It features a 5″ colour display to show album artwork and track information.
• The device also has built-in Chromecast and Apple AirPlay to stream music from your smartphone, iTunes, or Apple Music.
• It has Spotify Connect and supports high-resolution streaming via Qobuz and TIDAL.
• You can control the device using an iOS or Android app, and it also has Bluetooth connectivity.
• A front-panel USB port lets you listen to music from MP3 players or USBs. It also has internet radio and is compatible with multiroom and party mode.
• The NDX 2 is Roon ready, and you can control compatible amplifiers through the Focal & Naim app on your phone or tablet.
• The device comes with a remote control and is designed for easy use.

Technology & Craft

The Burr-Brown® PCM1792A digital-to-analogue converter working alongside the streaming platform is one of the best available. Naim improved its performance even further by implementing their own digital filters and adding a discrete current-to-voltage converter immediately after the DAC.

The streaming section of the NDX 2 uses the latest Naim network card featuring lownoise, high-speed low-voltage differential signalling (LVDS) to route the digital audio signal.

The higher speed is capable of decoding all HD audio formats at up to 32 bits/384 kHz or DSD128. Rather than the source acting as the digital timing master, their new streaming board turns things around and allows the DAC clock to control the flow of audio data.

The data is integer-over-sampled in a SHARC DSP to an incredible 40-bit accuracy before it’s fed to the Burr-Brown DAC.

The NDX 2 features an integrated low-noise power supply with a custom-designed toroidal transformer and separate windings for the digital and analogue sections. However, the player can be upgraded with an external XPS DR or 555 PS DR power supply, giving you a marked increase in sonic authority and emotion.

During the development of the NDX 2, the Naim engineers examined every detail, from mechanical construction, component selection and board layout. The result is a network player worthy of the Naim badge, with a sound that’s rich, detailed and engaging.

Connections

• AirPlay
• Bluetooth
• Google Cast
• Digital Input (Optical)
• Internet Radio
• Multiroom
• Roon Ready
• Spotify Connect
• Tidal
• UPnP™ Streaming
• Analogue Input
• HDMI Arc
• USB

Specifications

Technical Specifications

• Audio Format :
  • WAV – up to 32bits/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)
  • Note: Gapless playback supported on all formats.

Inputs/Outputs Specifications

• Analogue outputs :
  • 1 x RCA pair
  • 1 x 5-pin DIN
• Digital inputs :
  • 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)
• Digital outputs : 1 x coaxial BNC (up to 24bit 192kHz)
• USB ports : 2 x USB Type A socket (front and rear – 1.6A charge)

Streaming / Sources

• WiFi : WiFi (802.11 b/g/n/ac) with external antennae
• Internet Radio Formats : Windows Media-formatted content, MP3, ACC, OGG Vorbis streams and MMS
• Multi-Room : Multiroom streaming (play several streamers in simultaneously) and its “Party Mode” (sync up to six Naim streamers), and control them via the “Focal & Naim” application
• Network : Ethernet (10/100Mbps), Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), BLE v4.2

Control

• App control : Focal & Naim App
• Control system : Zigbee® RF4CE
• Supported mobile operating system : Android, iOS
• User control product : 5″ colour LCD display and four buttons

Power Supply

• Power consumption in standby mode (deep sleep) : < 0.5W
• Power consumption in network standby mode : < 2W
• Consumption in normal use : 19 W
• Mains power supply : 115V or 230V, 50/60Hz

Design

• Depth : 31.4 cm / 12.2 in
• Height : 8.7 cm / 34.25 in
• Width : 43.2 cm / 17 in
• Weight : 10 kg / 22 lb

Compatibility

• Power Supply Options : 555 PS DR
• Upgrade products : 555 PS DR or ND 555

Included Accessories

• Cables provided : Power supply