Hi folks and welcome to this month’s blog from Audio T Brighton. In this month’s edition we will be reviewing the next chapter in the future roadmap for Naim Audio products - the 300 series including; the NSS 333 streamer/DAC, the NAC 332 pre-amplifier, the NPX 300 power supply and last but not least, the NAP 350 monoblock power amplifiers.

After the successful release of the 200 series of products from Naim in January 2023, the future framework of separates has finally been realised via its latest 300 series components.

Let’s have a look...

Introducing the 300 series...

naim 300 system partnered with linn lp12 klimax & atc scm50’s

Here at Audio T Brighton, we are proud to announce that we have taken delivery of the latest Naim 300 series hi-fi system. To say we have looked forward to this happening would be an understatement. In the following few sections of this blog we’ll break down the individual components of this system to see what they bring to the party. Without giving too much away at this stage, you’ll definitely want to party upon receipt of a system like this.

Naim NSS 333 streamer/DAC...

The Naim NSS 333 streamer/DAC is Naim’s latest standalone streamer, offering the newest power management and DAC architecture.

A natural successor to the established Naim NDX2 streamer, the NSS 333 streamer incorporates Naim’s latest reworking of a modern classic, with enhanced output offerings via balanced connections as well as the traditional single-ended RCA and DIN outputs to satisfy old-school Naimees.

Sporting the same visual design as the 200 series, the NSC 333 is fully upgradeable with NPX 300 power supplies, which conveniently simplifies the myriad of different power supply options Naim had available with their earlier hi-fi offerings.

Upgrades to the NSS 333 are additionally more nuanced than previous generations by having the option to use a *separate NPX 300 power supply on each of the digital and analogue sections. An extra box, but Naim have always been renowned for allowing their users to run upgrades by adding extra power supplies to their components; think HiCap and SuperCap for those familiar with the brand, the difference being that only one type of power supply is available this time, the NPX 300. Far less confusing and user friendly, I must say!

We must point out an E.U. legal caveat with running two separate NPX 300’s on a NSS 333 streamer - it will disable the energy saving 0.5W standby mode when used this way, so you will need to turn the units off to save energy when not in use, which to be fair, you won’t feel like doing that often because you’ll be too busy listening to music!

Naim NAC 332 preamplifier...

The NAC 332 is the latest generation of analogue pre-amplifiers from Naim. A significant step forward for Naim, the NAC 332 is a self-powered pre-amplifier, allowing for standalone use, somewhat of a step off the beaten track for Naim, who traditionally have required a separate power supply to enable their hi-end pre-amps to function at all.

This simplifies matters a lot, reducing box count, whilst still offering a superb level of performance and yet still allowing user upgrade with an NPX 300 power supply if desired. The same caveat applies to the use of two separate power supplies mentioned above, in order to meet EU energy saving regulations.

Naim NPX 300 power supply...

The Naim NPX 300 power supply was the first of the 300 series components released back in January 2023. As part of Naim’s new range of components in the 200 series, the NPX 300 was the first of the 300 range but hinted at what was to come. The streamlined power supply range on offer from Naim means that the complexities of the old Classic components power supply upgrades no longer exist and the NPX 300 works just as effectively with both the 200 and 300 series equipment.

Naim has always considered their power supplies to be fundamental to enhancing sonic performance and the NPX 300 follows on in their design philosophy very nicely, with clearly audible benefits in all implementations of 200 or 300 series systems.

Naim NAP 350 monoblock power amplifiers...

Naim’s latest offering in amplification comes from an update of their famous and coveted NAP 135 monoblock amps from the 1980’s.

inside the naim nap350 monoblock power amplifier

The Naim NAP 350 is a pure class-AB linear amplifier, running from fully regulated DR power supplies producing 175W into 8 ohms and 345W into 4 ohms. It can deliver peak power of up to 1.7kW to drive impedance dips of complex speaker crossover networks, offering unparalleled performance in the range and a significant step on from the Naim NAP 250 stereo power amplifier released at the same time as the NPX 300 power supply.

Naim 300 system as a whole...

The 300 series components by Naim are a re-imagining of the old Classic systems known to Naim fans. They offer a modern twist on established products, with slick operation, efficient running and class-leading sonics with Naim’s famous reliability, after sales servicing and traditionally high residual values.

Naim that tune...

One of the defining qualities of Naim systems over the five decades of their existence and a reason for their customers returning for more, is their ability to play a tune.

The 300 series has a more modern sonic flavour, albeit not the same as older Naim systems, but it hasn’t lost the musical flow, PRAT and dynamics of old, achieving a cleaner, more detailed, resolved and spacious presentation than of yore.

I’m sure Mr Vereker would approve...

We are confident that Julian Vereker, the founder of Naim Audio, would be satisfied to find the sound of the latest 300 series converging towards his playback ideals and, should he still be alive today, a fitting culmination to 50 years of his design philosophy.

As always, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so get in touch to book a demonstration.

Thanks for reading.

Ade, John and Paul - Audio T Brighton

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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