CES 2023 – Naim 200 Series: a new era of musical pleasure

British manufacturer Naim took advantage of CES 2023 in Las Vegas to announce the new Naim 200 Series. Designed to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary, this New Classic series includes three ultra-prestigious electronics: the Naim NSC 222 connected preamplifier, the Naim NAP 250 power amp and the Naim NPX 300 separate power supply.

Naim Classic: a hi-fi reference

Since the first Naim NAP 200 power amp was introduced in 1973, the Naim Classic range has delighted audiophiles around the world by bringing together the best of the British specialist’s hi-fi components. For its 50th anniversary, the manufacturer wishes to renew this range with the new Naim 200 Series. It promises to “take listening to the next level” with three sophisticated electronics, all designed and developed by Naim engineers in Salisbury, UK.

Naim NSC 222: preamp and network player

The musical journey of the new Naim Series 200 begins with the Naim NSC 222 preamp. A central element of the Naim ecosystem, this preamp is ultra-versatile, allowing the combination of all analogue and digital sources, but also offering numerous streaming options. The integrated network module allows you to play music in UPnP (32-bit/384kHz and DSD128), access many online music services (Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz…) as well as numerous Internet radios, and receive music in AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth aptX.

In addition to its network player functions, the Naim NSC 222 also acts as a DAC thanks to its two optical inputs, one RCA coaxial input and one BNC SPDIF input. The analog section consists of an MM phono input and an 8-pin DIN line input. At the output, there is a double RCA and XLR, as well as a 6.35mm headphone jack. The latter benefits from a dedicated headphone amp based on the technologies introduced with the prestigious Uniti Atom Headphone Edition.

Like the brand’s previous models, the Naim NSC 222 preamp promises to process all sources with the greatest possible precision thanks to the use of truly innovative technologies. This is evidenced by the CES Innovation Award, which was given to it as soon as Naim made an official announcement.

Naim NAP 250: pure power

The Naim NAP 250 power amp, first released in 1975, has become an essential reference. Thanks to its aesthetic and technical evolutions, it has been able to maintain its first-rate performance over the years. The new Naim NAP 250 is the sixth generation of this legendary model. It is the ideal partner for the Naim NSC 222 preamplifier and promises to bring out the best in it. This new iteration operates in Class AB to deliver 2 x 100 watts into 8 ohms or 2 x 190 watts into 4 ohms. Numerous technical innovations promise fully regulated and perfectly controlled power with any pair of speakers.

Naim NPX 300: the audiophile power supply

The Naim NSC 222 preamp and network player incorporates a very high quality power supply, but the British manufacturer allows you to go even further with the separate Naim NPX 300 power supply. The aim is to allow the preamplifier to concentrate on its main task: signal management. To improve the power supply, the Naim NPX 300 exploits a newly designed toroidal transformer that works in synergy with a set of six Naim regulators. The latter benefit from Naim’s exclusive DR (Discrete Regulator) technology to ensure a perfectly smooth and stable flow.

Up to two Naim NPX 300 power supplies can be connected to the Naim NSC 222 preamplifier, one for the analogue section and a second for the digital stage. Note that this power supply is also compatible with other Naim 200 Series sources, as well as the Naim NDX 2 and Naim NAC-N 272.

Naim Series 200: the price of excellence

Each device in the new Naim 200 series is available for €7000, that is to say €21,000 for the whole system. A price that reflects the excellence of this range, promising many years of musical pleasure.