Naim Audio NSC 222
Naim streaming preamplifier incorporating an MM phono input and a headphone amplifier, designed to drive an analogue and digital hi-fi system.
Description
The NSC 222 is a streaming preamplifier from Naim Audio, combining digital and analogue functions within a single chassis. It brings together a line preamplification stage, an MM phono input and a network player, allowing vinyl, digital sources and streaming services to be centralised without multiplying devices.
Its measured characteristics reflect particular care given to signal quality: distortion of 0.0025% on line input and 0.0035% on digital input indicates very low sonic colouration, while a signal-to-noise ratio of 104 dB on line input and 102 dB on digital input guarantees a silent background, even at high volume. The phono input, with a gain of 40 dB and a signal-to-noise ratio of 80 dB, is calibrated for MM cartridges. Frequency response extends from 3 Hz to 40 kHz on line input and from 3 Hz to 27 kHz on digital input, comfortably covering the audible spectrum.
This preamplifier is aimed at users wishing to unify several sources, online streaming, turntable, headphones, within a single hi-fi system, without sacrificing sonic precision. It suits those seeking a central hub capable of driving a separate power amplifier, in a system where sound quality takes precedence over the simplicity of a conventional all-in-one unit.
Technical specifications
| Streaming services | Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz |
| Analogue input gain | 15.5 dB |
| Phono input gain | 40 dB |
| Line input frequency response | 3 Hz to 40 kHz (-3 dB) |
| Digital input frequency response | 3 Hz to 27 kHz (-3 dB) |
| Phono input signal to noise ratio | 80 dB |
| Line input signal to noise ratio | 104 dB |
| Digital input signal to noise ratio | 102 dB |
| Line input distortion | 0.0025 % |
| Digital input distortion | 0.0035 % |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 91 x 432 x 317 mm |
| Weight | 11 kg |
What to check before buying used
On a device of this category, the points to check mainly concern the internal electronics: verify the correct operation of the input switching relays and the absence of background noise or crackling from the potentiometers and selectors. Also check that the streaming module connects correctly to the network and recognises the various services (Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz) without error, as well as updates via the Naim app. Finally, test the phono input and headphone output, two circuits that can reveal component ageing if the unit has seen little use.
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