Naim NAC 202 stereo line level Pre-amplifier

What we Say:

Overview:

The Naim NAC 202 (Naim Audio Control) is the first step in the Naim Pre-amplifier ladder. The NAC 202 features 6 line level inputs (2 with Din and RCA). One of the inputs can also power a Naim phono stage should you want to connect up a turntable. On the front panel it simply has selector switches, a volume control and a mute button. This minimalist approach is typical Naim philosophy, spend the money on things that give the best performance at the price point. It is this approach that gives the Naim NAC 202  2 such a high level of performance for the money.

Performance:

Moving from an Integrated amplifier to a separate Pre and Power amplifier give big performance advantages. The delicate incoming signal no longer has to live in the same space as the large power supply. This quieter environment means that the integrity of the incoming signal is preserved. The NAC 202 is powered from an external source such as a NAP 200 DR. Inside the NAC 202 the main feature is a large circuit board. Careful circuit layout and grounding is used throughout as is mechanical decoupling to reduce microphony. Naim use a high quality Alps motorised potentiometer for volume control . No other company makes amplifiers in quite the same way Naim do. This attention to detail is what gives the Naim amplifier range such a distinctive dynamic sound.

Upgrade path:

The NAC 202 is a future proof product. Hook it up to a NAP200 DR power amplifier for a great sounding combination. To improve the performance a number of different options are available. The NAPSC 2 power supply is the first step because it separates digital and analogue circuits. Adding a Hi-cap DR will improve because it provides a separate low noise supply for each channel. It is possible to use a supercap and although this would sound great this would be the point where the next logical step is to consider a 282.

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