Naim ND5 XS 2 High performance Network streaming DAC.
Naim audio ND5 XS 2 high performance network streaming DAC.
What we Say:
Overview:
The Naim Audio ND5 XS 2 is the first step in the Naim streaming ladder. The ND5 XS 2 features two analogue outputs on Din and RCA. It also has digital inputs to allow other digital sources to be added. 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 Audio ND5 XS 2 such a high level of performance for the money.
Performance:
Careful circuit layout and grounding is used throughout as is mechanical decoupling to reduce microphony. Naim use Burr Brown DACs and a fully discreet analogue filter which gives allows them to extract every last bit of performance from the source material. Naim use a high quality components throughout. No other company makes products 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 ND5 XS 2 is a future proof product.  In order to achieve this software updates will offer increase functionality and improve operational performance. For example if a new standards require new functionality, Naim will try and incorporate this into a future software update.
We love the Naim ND5 XS 2 streamer – it’s always on in our listening room. Why? Because it offers a stunning, unadulterated streaming experience.
Get in touch with us to hear it for yourself.
http://www.the-ear.net/review-hardware/naim-nd5-xs-2-network-streamer
https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/naim-nd5-xs-2
https://www.naimaudio.com/news/26231/hi-fi-news-nd5-xs-2-review-highly-commended
For more products from Naim Audio.
https://dnaaudio.co.uk/product_brand/naimaudio/
Enquire about the Naim ND5 XS 2 High performance Network streaming DAC. >Contact me when this ex-demo becomes available >
What they say:
The ND5 XS 2 uses our innovative new streaming platform with an expanded feature set. High-res UPnP™ streaming, AirPlay, Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth (apt X HD), Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Roon compatibility, internet radio and multiroom streaming – alongside digital and USB inputs for conventional connections – make this versatile player the ideal partner for one of our integrated amplifiers.
Carefully selected and matched parts, an oversized toroidal transformer, decoupled PCB boards: the ND5 XS 2 benefits from classic Naim engineering and fastidious attention to detail to ensure that it delivers natural, engaging sound quality from all sources.
- UPnP-enabled to allow streaming of audio files at up to 32bit/384kHz resolution from Naim Audio hard disk servers, network-attached storage (NAS) devices or any home computer
- Supports a broad range of music formats: WAV, FLAC, DSD, Apple Lossless, AIFF, AAC, Windows Media-formatted files, M4A and MP3. Gapless playback on all file formats
- Two 24bit/192kHz capable digital inputs (S/PDIF) and two optical inputs to support optimum connection to external sources
- Built-in Chromecast allows you to stream from hundreds of supported smartphone or tablet apps (192kHz)
- Apple AirPlay – stream music from your iOS device or from iTunes and Apple Music
- Spotify Connect built-in to stream millions of songs from the world’s most popular streaming service
- Native support for TIDAL streaming service with free 90 day trial of lossless HiFi tier
- Front-panel USB port for replay of MP3 player and USB-stored audio (1.6A charge)
- vTuner 5* full-service internet radio
- Multiroom & Party Mode compatible
- iOS and Android Naim Audio app for intuitive control
- Bluetooth connectivity with aptX codec for quality audio playback
- Thanks to RC5 system integration, you can control compatible amplifiers that are connected to your network player directly from the Naim app on a phone or tablet
- Roon ready – turning your music collection into a beautifully laid out catalogue
The streaming section of the ND5 XS 2 uses the latest Naim network card featuring low-noise, high-speed low-voltage differential signalling (LVDS) to route the digital audio signal. The higher speed is capable of decoding all HD audio formats at up to 32 bits/384 kHz or DSD128. Rather than the source acting as the digital timing master, our new streaming board turns things around and allows our DAC clock to control the flow of audio data. The data is integer-over-sampled in a SHARC DSP to an incredible 40-bit accuracy before it’s fed to the PCM1791A Burr-Brown digital-toanalogue converter.
Developing a new streaming platform was one of the biggest projects we have ever taken on. Naim engineers across all disciplines – electronic, industrial, acoustic and mechanical – worked for three years to create a system that could make the most of online services such as TIDAL and Spotify while adding future-proof flexibility through Chromecast built-in. Supporting faster data rates with dual-band Wi-Fi and the latest 802.11ac protocol, this robust platform was designed for the highest performance on every level.
Streaming | Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay, TIDAL, Spotify® Connect, Bluetooth (AptX HD), Internet Radio, UPnP™ (hi-res streaming), Roon Ready |
USB | 2 x USB Type A socket (front and rear – 1.6A charge) |
Digital (S/PDIF) | 2 x optical TOSLink (up to 24bit/96kHz) 1 x coaxial RCA (up to 24bit/192kHz, DoP 64Fs) 1 x coaxial BNC (up to 24bit/192kHz, DoP 64Fs) |
Analogue | 1 x RCA pair 1 x 5-pin DIN |
Multiroom | Party Mode Streaming: Sync up to six Naim products and control via the Naim app |
Updates | Update your system wirelessly via the Naim app |
Network | Ethernet (10/100Mbps), WiFi (802.11 b/g/n/ac with external antennae) |
Internet Radio Formats | Windows Media-formatted content, MP3, ACC, OGG Vorbis streams and MMS |
Internet Radio Provider | vTuner premium 5* |
Audio Formats | WAV – up to 32bits/384kHz FLAC and AIFF – up to 24bit/384kHz ALAC (Apple Lossless) – up to 24bit/384kHz MP3 – up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit) AAC – up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit) OGG and WMA – up to 48kHz (16 bit) DSD – 64 and 128Fs M4A – up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit) Note: Gapless playback supported on all formats. |
Finishes | Brushed and anodised aluminium |
Weight | 6.6kg |
Mains Supply | 100V, 115V or 230V; 50 or 60Hz |
Power Consumption | Typical use: 11W Network standby mode: <2W Deep sleep: <0.5W |
Storage | 2 x USB Type A socket (front and rear – 1.6A charge) |
Supplied with | Power-Line Lite cable (UK denominations only), 5-pin DIN interconnect cable, BNC to RCA adaptor, Wi-Fi (x2) and Bluetooth antennae, cleaning cloth, quick start guide |
Mains Cable | Power-Line |
App Control | Naim App for iOS and Android |