Naim have built a solid reputation for their unique approach to how they connect their hardware together, allowing old and new ranges to work seamlessly. You may even have heard the term “Hi-Fi Lego” used in the past to describe how easily their systems can be built and improved with simple add-ons. The New Classic Range is no different, in spite of the fact they have mostly moved away from their famed composite DIN connections to XLR.

Whilst die hard Naim users have celebrated the exclusivity of the “all Naim eco-system” for decades, it has meant that other Hi-Fi enthusiasts and Audiophiles who like to cherry-pick their components have been somewhat left out of the equation. But this doesn’t mean that Naim aficionados have to worry…

What is XLR?

To the everyday Hi-Fi admirer, XLR isn’t a connection that you often come across, so it is understandable if you’ve not used one before.

XLR is a three-pin connection electrical connector, More often found in professional audio, video and stage lighting equipment. In audio, it is a balanced connection which three pins utilise a positive, negative and ground/shield.

As with most types of audio connection, there are two types of XLR, Male and Female. Male gives the sound and the Female receives it.

FEmale XLR and male XLR (Female with three sockets and male with three pins)

How to connect the new NSC 222 Streaming Preamplifier Series to the Legacy Naim Products

Let’s say you are looking to upgrade your existing Naim 200 series Streamer and/or Preamplifier but don’t wish to upgrade your current Power Amplifier. Then you will need a specific cable or cable assembly depending on your current power amplifier to integrate the NSC 222 into your system.

NAP 200

If you’re looking to connect the new NSC 222 to a power amplifier such as the NAP 200, you will need a cable that goes from the two Male XLR outputs of the Streaming Preamplifier to the 4-pin DIN input of the Power Amplifier (as below) -

The Lead Assembly you will need is the Naim Signal Interconnect NSC 222 - NAP 200 (2XLR - 4 Pin DIN).

NAP 250

Connecting the NSC 222 to the NAP 250 power amplifier is slightly different and will require a cable that goes from the two Male XLR outputs of the NSC 222 to a single female XLR input on the NAP 250 (as below) -

This this connection you’ll need the Naim Signal Interconnect Naim NSC 222 - NAP 250 (2XLR - 1XLR).

NAP 300

Connecting the NSC 222 to the NAP 300 Power Amplifier, will require two cables, that go from the two male XLR outputs of the NSC 222 to the two Female XLR inputs (Left and Right Channels) on the NAP 300 (as below) -

For this connection you’ll need the Naim Signal Interconnect Naim NSC 222 - Naim NAP 300 (XLR - XLR) - These are sold individually, so you’ll need the specially tuned Left & Right channel cables.

If you want to use something other than Naim, you could check out the Chord Company ChordMusic, Clearway or Shawline XLR interconnects.

The NSC 222 would make the perfect replacement for the NAC-N272. With its increased bitrate for streaming and digital inputs from 24bit/192kHz to 32bit/284kHz as well as an MM phono stage and impressive headphone amplifier inherited from the Uniti Atom headphone edition. The NSC 222 is also equipped with an 8 pin DIN (5 pin compatible) for use with external phono stages such as the NVC TT for any of the Naim Solstice owners.

XPS/DR

The NSC 222 is also compatible with the older Naim XPS/DR Power Supply upgrade using a 19 way single Burndy Cable from the Naim XPS/DR power output to a 12 and 23 way Burndy cable to the power input of the NSC 222 (See below).

Naim NSC 222 Streamer with external xps power supply

For this connection you’ll need the Naim Burndy XPS - New Classic.

And there we have it! If you have older Naim Classic 200 Series & want to experience the improved sound quality the new 200 Classic Series brings, or 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.

Thanks for reading.

Luke, Nick and Stephen - Audio T Portsmouth

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