Naim Audio NSS 333 Streaming DAC

Reviewers' Choice History, expertise, and design

Last yr, Naim Audio celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. It’s unimaginable to assume that there have solely been 4 iterations of Naim’s core mannequin vary throughout these 50 years. Put that within the context of mass-market manufacturers that revamp their whole product line yearly, and also you’d assume the R&D engineers in Salisbury spend most of their day taking part in croquet on the company garden earlier than retiring inside for a spot of tiffin! I’ve been behind the scenes, although, and the manufacturing facility is a hive of exercise. The place has a vibe paying homage to Bletchley Park, the place the Enigma code was cracked throughout WW2: a hodgepodge of buildings and a complete lot of boffins. Serious-looking varieties stare intently at superior CAD workstations, whereas others bustle about in white or beige engineer’s coats, taking prototype next-generation audio {hardware} underneath cowl into secret listening rooms.

Naim Audio has a workers of 150 and annual gross sales approaching £50 million. Five many years after its basis, Naim is likely one of the most iconic manufacturers within the British audio pantheon, with a faithful, worldwide buyer base. Many folks aspire to proudly owning a Naim; even the underside rung of the corporate’s vary has all the time felt a lower above mainstream audiophile manufacturers like Cyrus, Cambridge Audio, Arcam, and Technics. However, it’s honest to say that purchasing into the Naim ecosystem has all the time been a stretch, not less than for folks like me on real-world incomes.

Naim Audio’s Salisbury HQ: cracking the musical code for over 50 years

Listening to nice music will be an emotional expertise. Think again to the occasions you have got sat in a dive bar someplace, and perhaps there’s a lady singing and taking part in acoustic guitar within the nook. She is likely to be an entire no one, but you end up moved past phrases. There’s a directness to such events that’s extremely arduous to copy in hi-fi. For me, Naim will get nearer than most. There’s no denying that Naim’s merchandise are designed to create—in your individual residence—the emotional response you get from reside music.

Another cause why Naim has such a faithful following is its legendary after-sales service and help. The agency can nonetheless service and restore just about something it has ever made, aside from some CD gamers the place substitute transports are now not out there, or loudspeakers the place drive items are out of date. Last yr, I despatched in my Naim CD participant for restore. Even although it dates from the early Nineteen Nineties, it was returned to me with a brand new DAC after present process a full service. I might think about there are only a few producers on this planet nonetheless repairing 30-year-old CD gamers or 50-year-old amplifiers!

Such exemplary ongoing help means that there’s a wholesome demand for secondhand Naim gear, which will be bought with confidence. My personal Naim journey began in 1988, once I purchased an ex-demo Naim Nait 1 amplifier for £200. I may promote it on eBay tomorrow for £600–£800! Adjusted for inflation, that’s about how a lot it value me again then. In different phrases, after having fun with practically 4 many years of musical pleasure, I may promote it and get my a refund. It’s fairly arduous to think about the rest in my life that has supplied such unimaginable value/profit.

Naim Audio My venerable Naim Nait 1: 1973–1988 “Chrome Bumper” fashion

The first-generation Naim amplifiers had been black containers with the machined aluminum partitions of the case left uncovered at each ends, main Naim followers to seek advice from the collection because the “Chrome Bumper” vary. In reality, the very earliest Naim amplifiers got here in circumstances that had been bolted collectively, with thinner-gauge aluminum sides. Later, the highest, backside, and sides had been fabricated from a thick, one-piece aluminum casting that offered cooling. This later variant has achieved cult-classic standing; it was revisited as a part of Naim’s anniversary celebrations final yr with the launch of the Nait 50 built-in amplifier. In 1989, the agency revamped its Chrome Bumper aesthetic and created the “Olive” collection. It has the identical casework as the primary technology, however the sleeve/case edges are completed in black and the entrance panel is olive inexperienced, etched with beautiful backlit inexperienced logos and performance labels. I confess to having a smooth spot for the Olive collection, as a result of it’s so distinctive, each visually and sonically. Utterly infectious and emotive to hearken to, a “six-pack” energetic system remains to be one of the vital arresting sights and sounds in high-end audio. The bulk of my reference system, together with the CD participant, is from this collection.

Naim Audio Naim “Olive” collection, 1989–2002

Naim’s third-generation fashions emerged in 2002, and have since grow to be often called the Classic collection—maybe as a result of they reverted to an all-black design, however with backlit inexperienced controls and a distinguished Naim brand. My resident Naim NDX streamer hails from the latter a part of this period and has proved an admirable performer. I don’t assume this iteration was as visually distinctive as its predecessors, however it marked a interval of white-hot innovation for Naim, as the primary streamers and the flagship 500 collection had been developed.

Naim Audio Naim “Classic” collection, 2002–2023

A day in Salisbury

Early in 2023, I used to be invited as much as the Naim manufacturing facility for a sneak peek on the fourth technology of Naim separates, which the corporate refers to as its New Classic vary. This was undertaken underneath situations of press embargo, so I couldn’t talk about it with anyone or write about it till Naim had equipped manufacturing for the worldwide launch. This new collection represents a tasteful and stylish overhaul of the design, however satisfies numerous key design targets other than a mere beauty refresh:

Simplify the vary by providing a clearer improve path for finish customers, and particularly, rationalize the advanced power-supply choices of the earlier technology.
Take benefit of latest developments in circuit design that allow better vitality effectivity and better efficiency ranges. A superb instance of that is the way in which the parts now incorporate energy-efficient standby and soft-start modes.
Incorporate latest-generation technological advances, akin to ladder-resistor quantity controls and new acrylic case supplies to scale back eddy currents.

Naim Audio Naim’s New Classic 300 collection, comprising NSS 333 streaming DAC / NAC 332 preamp / NAP 350 monoblock

I got here away from my day on the manufacturing facility impressed by what I heard, however much more impressed by the evident love, ardour, and dedication that Naim’s engineers and entrepreneurs have put into the brand new vary. From launch day, chief technical design engineer Steve Sells was out there on the Naim discussion board to reply questions from the general public, supported by different senior Naim workers. Show me some other giant audio agency on this planet the place that occurs. For 50 years, the agency has positively inspired direct interplay with its clients, and that in flip has created fierce model loyalty.

I’ve used Naim amplification solely in my reference system since 1988, and have heard just about each amplifier or supply element Naim has ever made. I wrote the launch evaluations on the NAC 552 preamplifier and Naim SL2 loudspeaker for Hi-Fi News in 2002. In the previous 12 months, I’ve lived with my very own predominantly Olive system but additionally used a NAC 252 / SuperCap / NAP 300 DR / NAP 300PS system in my residence for an prolonged interval. In quick, I’ve liked this agency, its folks, and its merchandise for over 30 years.

Lest you assume this makes me unfairly predisposed to Naim merchandise, let me disabuse you of that notion. Sure, I’ve a deep respect for the sonic priorities of Naim Audio: the flexibility to convey emotion, pace, dynamics, and listener engagement. I like the way in which the agency help merchandise far past regular product lifecycles, and the way in which it interacts with clients. However, if the brand new collection didn’t lower the mustard sonically, or lacked the operational integrity and fluidity of its predecessors, then I’m prone to be extra vital than any common reviewer. I’ve obtained pores and skin within the recreation!

At residence with Naim Audio for 36 years

Arrival

Several months after my go to, Naim delivered a full suite of 300-series parts from its New Classic vary for evaluate. First up is the NSS 333 streaming DAC ($9500, all costs in USD), which was accompanied by its optionally available NPX 300 energy provide unit ($7500). The cargo additionally included an entire 300-series amplification system, comprising the NAC 332 preamplifier ($9500), a pair of NAP 350 monoblock energy amplifiers ($15,000/pair), and an extra NPX 300 to make use of as an improve to the inner energy provide of the preamp. Naim additionally provided the requisite cables to allow interconnection between my legacy Naim gear and the brand new vary to facilitate comparability.

Naim Audio The provided core system, minus optionally available NPX 300 energy provides

The NSS 333 streaming DAC, the topic of this evaluate, sits within the vary above the NSC 222 streaming preamplifier ($8000) and its predecessor, the NDX2, which hasn’t but been discontinued ($6990). At a decrease entry level, the ND5 XS 2 stays out there too, though one would count on this (just like the NDX2) will finally be discontinued.

Naim Audio

The case design of the NSS 333 is sort of beautiful. A 5.5″ shade show on the right-hand entrance panel exhibits supply choice, quantity, and album artwork. To the best of which might be 4 small, round backlit buttons for energy, play/pause, enter choice, and preset choice. In the middle is a recessed gloss-black acrylic panel with a white, illuminated Naim brand. To the left is a matte-black aluminum panel sporting a single USB Type-A socket for connection to a music library on a USB drive. I might have welcomed a headphone socket for solo listening.

I have to confess that the change from inexperienced to white brand lighting prompted me some consternation once I noticed it, taking into account that virtually every thing the agency has ever made since 1988 has featured inexperienced illumination. I requested the explanation for the colour change and was knowledgeable that the engineering groups tried inexperienced, however it didn’t look proper. Besides, it was felt that the time was proper to maneuver towards the design aesthetic of the flagship Statement and finances Mu-so ranges. For the file, I might have most popular the colour to be switchable between white and inexperienced, if solely to allow higher matching with legacy Naim parts.

Naim Audio White is the brand new inexperienced

The high of the casing remains to be principally black aluminum, however the black acrylic middle panel extends excessive of the case from entrance to again. The objective of this acrylic isn’t just so as to add an expensive shiny sheen; it’s there to scale back eddy currents flowing via the case that might have a deleterious impact on the sound. The case options superbly machined heatsinks alongside the complete size of every aspect. These heatsinks are frequent to the complete 300 collection—on the NSS 333, they cleverly disguise the on-board Wi-Fi antennas. To the rear is a plethora of socketry, together with an IEC mains socket, RJ45 ethernet port, USB Type-A knowledge port, 3.5mm distant jack, and a mini optical (TosLink) socket for system automation with different 300-series parts. There’s additionally a service connection port for manufacturing facility use. Inputs for digital sources embrace BNC S/PDIF, coaxial S/PDIF, and twin TosLink S/PDIF; there’s additionally a BNC S/PDIF output. On the opposite aspect of the case are twin XLR balanced outputs, a pair of RCA unbalanced outputs, and a DIN output socket. It wouldn’t be a Naim with out that DIN socket! From the very starting, Naim’s designers have held to their perception that DIN sounds finest, and I like this dedication to founding ideas. It’s good to see options supplied, although, because it makes integration of this streamer into methods from rival producers less complicated. In addition, there’s a sign floor change and two giant Burndy sockets for connection to the optionally available NPX 300 energy provide unit.

Naim Audio

The NSS 333 helps a full gamut of music streaming companies through the very good Naim app, which is obtainable for iOS and Android. From the app, one can entry Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, web radio, and networked NAS drives or different linked UPnP gadgets, in numerous codecs as much as 32-bit/384kHz. Multiroom playback can be supported, so the NSS 333 will be paired to different Naim merchandise, together with Mu-so wi-fi audio system and Uniti gamers. Integration into non-Naim music methods will be achieved through Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Roon.

The NSS 333 comes lavishly appointed with a Naim Power-Line Lite mains cable, Naim five-pin DIN cable, cleansing fabric, two Burndy blanking plugs for these not utilizing the optionally available NPX 300 energy provide, and a quite sensible acrylic Zigbee distant management with backlit white buttons, custom-made for the NSS 333. Usefully, the distant doesn’t require line of sight to function. My solely criticism is the truth that the streamer distant is bodily nearly an identical to the one which accompanies the NSC 300 preamplifier. The two remotes have totally different purposeful capabilities, so this appears to me to be a backward step; beforehand, a single distant may function each element in a Naim system. I used to be curious why Naim had chosen to design a system that requires two remotes to function it, and was knowledgeable that many purchasers who run Naim methods with each streamers and CD gamers didn’t need streamer controls on their distant—a considerably flat-earth perspective, however there it’s! The distant follows the design aesthetic of the polished black acrylic featured on the casework; it appears pretty, however may in time show susceptible to scratching.

Naim Audio

The NSS 333 relies on the latest-generation NP800 streaming platform, which Naim claims to be futureproofed through software program upgrades. In my expertise, Naim is excellent at updating its participant and app software program. This platform was initially developed for Naim’s second-generation Uniti fashions, and proved extraordinarily reliable throughout my prolonged analysis interval. The solely situation I observed was that it appeared incapable of accessing the UPnP playlists I had created for my first-generation Naim NDX streamer. Tidal playlists labored positive, however these involving domestically saved information had been problematic. It’s an annoying limitation for customers of Naim’s first-generation streaming {hardware} who need to improve to the brand new platform, assuming mine was not an remoted case. My lately acquired NDX2, which makes use of the identical streaming platform, has no points on this regard.

The DAC options Naim’s favored Burr-Brown PCM1791A chip operating in exterior filter mode. There are two separate digital boards; the primary fitted with an ARM microcontroller for system management, whereas the second comprises SHARC digital sign processing circuits. Discrete class-A op amps are used with customized Naim filters. The circuit makes use of customized polystyrene ultralow-dielectric-absorption post-DAC filter parts. Two fixed-frequency 44.1kHz/48kHz synchronous grasp clocks are employed for ultra-low jitter. The NSS 333 makes use of Naim’s proprietary DSP 705.6kHz/768kHz integer oversampling digital filter. Although not thought of unique, the 1791 DAC was chosen after intensive listening exams as a result of Naim discovered it sounded superior to dearer choices.

Naim Audio NPX 300 energy provide (high) is an optionally available improve

Extensive galvanic isolation on this design minimizes interference between the digital, analog, and management circuits, which is a welcome addition. Naim has all the time suggested leaving its gear completely powered on for causes of thermal and sonic equilibrium. Over the years, my expertise has been that there’s each a running-in interval from new (a number of days) and a warm-up interval from chilly (just a few hours), each of that are required for the system to return “on music.” In an period of elevated vitality prices and environmental issues, Naim has applied some intelligent strategies within the 300 collection to scale back the environmental impression. When the gear is in standby mode (i.e., powered on however not taking part in music), it’s powered by a low-consumption secondary switched-mode energy provide. Once a sign is detected, the secondary provide shuts down and the unit switches to the primary inner toroidal energy provide (or exterior NPX 300 if that is getting used).

This time round, Naim has clearly labored arduous on presentation. The new packaging is excellent, which makes unboxing these items really feel particular. Where it falls down is the manuals, that are a bit scant on element. For instance, they don’t clarify find out how to program the remotes to function the complete 300 collection ecosystem (which I collect is feasible), or how a conveyable participant will be linked to the unit. The diagrams and wiring schematics are additionally quite small and tough to learn, in comparison with Naim’s earlier manuals. Finally, I might have favored to see a bit background on the event of this vary—a bit extra theater and historical past, if you’ll! Once once more, I’m going to quote SME, which units the benchmark for manuals—copiously illustrated with clear pictures, main you step-by-step via set up and operation. Heck, SME even had the guide for its new Garrard turntable correctly certain. It’s printed on classic cream parchment paper, utilizing the identical typefaces as within the authentic Garrard manuals, and the pictures had been taken on the identical classic Ilford movie inventory. When you’re shopping for into an audio system that prices as a lot as a brand new Jaguar, I believe you have got the best to count on exemplary manuals. To hell with the bean counters . . .

Naim Audio Naim’s spectacular new packaging

Listening—NSS 333 into the Leema Acoustics Tucana II Anniversary amplifier

My system is fed from a devoted mains spur wired in accordance with Naim finest observe: 10mm twin and floor into unswitched Crabtree wall sockets. From there I take advantage of two Grahams star-grounded, medical-grade six-gang distribution blocks fitted with a Chord Company Power ARAY mains filter.

I elected to arrange the NSS 333 earlier than putting in the opposite Naim parts. At that point, I used to be wrapping up my evaluate of the spectacular Leema Acoustics Tucana II Anniversary built-in amplifier. Out went my regular Naim NDX streamer and in went the brand new NSS 333, which (just like the NDX) was hardwired to my router through ethernet, not linked through Wi-Fi.

I chosen one among my favourite analysis playlists, which opens with “Budapest,” from Jethro Tull’s 1987 album Crest of a Knave (16/44.1 FLAC, EMI Records / Tidal), and resumed unpacking. This is a observe I’ve heard numerous occasions, and seconds later, I appeared up considerably startled on the distinction in sound. I heard considerably extra air and area within the recording than I used to be accustomed to via the NDX—the performers seeming far more tangible within the room. This was mixed with a far better sense of element and a notably pure and unforced supply. This didn’t sound like Tidal anymore, however like an area rip performed again from my NAS. Through the NDX, I all the time discovered Tidal sounded inferior to native rips from CD or native obtain information, however this sounded vastly higher.

Naim Audio The lovely shade display depicts art work, bit fee, and file format

So staggering was the change that I finished unpacking for some time and sat within the scorching seat, listening in rapture. Make no mistake: if you’re presently utilizing a first-generation Naim streamer then you definately’re going to expertise an enormous uplift in sound high quality with the brand new breed. The Blue Nile’s “Saturday Night,” from the band’s second album, Hats (16/44.1 FLAC, Linn Records / Tidal), demonstrated this superbly. The backing synths sounded gloriously ethereal, and Paul Buchanan’s plaintive vocals had beautiful readability and much more purity than I had observed earlier than. His staccato jabs on Telecaster felt much more strident and attacking, punctuating the primarily digital piece with sounds from the analog age. This is a powerful observe, vastly evocative and atmospheric, that includes strains like “quarter to 5, when the storefronts are closed in paradise.” It’s the last word train in less-is-more, each instrumentally and lyrically. Profoundly affecting, its timelessness is mirrored in the truth that once I performed it to my 18-year-old daughter, she was captivated. I used to be amazed to find that this cult audiophile album is now out of print on each vinyl and CD. Given that Linn makes maybe the world’s most iconic turntable, and that is by far the label’s most acclaimed album, I discover incomprehensible that it’s solely out there within the streaming world. Hats would in all probability make it onto my listing of the 20 finest albums ever made, and people curious to be taught extra about Scotland’s most enigmatic band could be effectively suggested to learn the superb e-book Nileism: The Strange Course of The Blue Nile (2011) by Allan Brown.

Naim Audio Control room at Air Studios, London, for Chasing the Dragon—the writer directing proceedings!

Having lately attended a recording session by Interpreti Veneziani for Chasing the Dragon Records at Air Studios, I turned to the brand-new 24/192 stereo obtain of Vivaldi in London I used to be despatched shortly after the session. This is a wide ranging recording by an ensemble of a few of the best classical gamers on this planet, produced in scintillating fashion by Mike and Françoise Valentine at one of many world’s premier recording studios. The devices are exquisitely clear all through the recording, however their magnificent timbre was revealed by the NSS 333 in a method I merely hadn’t heard earlier than through my Naim NDX streamer. The dynamics had been off the size, and soared in a method that jogged my memory of the reside sound I heard within the room at Air. At all occasions, the extra refined devices within the ensemble remained clearly illuminated, and subtleties of bowing method and participant emphasis had been sumptuously revealed. The NSS 333 produced a sound that was superbly balanced, from the deepest double-bass notes to the best registers of the violins. Anybody who has beforehand regarded Naim parts as providing a considerably tailor-made sound envelope goes to be in for a shock on listening to this.

Listening—NSS 333 into Naim NAC 332 preamp and NAP 350 energy amps

I elected to proceed with the system set up with a purpose to see how the brand new streamer carried out within the context of the brand new Naim 300 system. What was putting was the comparatively low acquire that the system appeared to provide in comparison with each my Naim NAC 82 / NAP 250 mixture and the Leema built-in amp. To obtain what I might name session ranges, with peaks round 85dB, I needed to wind the amount management to roughly the two o’clock place. I discovered this stunning, given the excessive energy ranking of the NAP 350 amplifiers (175W into 8 ohms or 345W into 4 ohms). That’s roughly double the output of my NAP 250, which solely wants the amount management to be at round 11 o’clock to be equally loud in my room. I found later within the evaluate interval that the amount is proscribed by default within the 300 collection to stop customers from launching their speaker drive items throughout the room when switching sources or elevating the amount abruptly. The full rated energy can solely be delivered after a particular button sequence is entered on the NAC 332. This wasn’t talked about anyplace within the guide, so I ponder what number of homeowners will not be getting the complete advantage of the facility capabilities of their new Naim 300 setup.

Even in reduced-output mode, I discovered the 300 collection able to delivering session ranges in my quite giant listening room. The system stayed cool, even when being pushed arduous; thanks partially, little question, to the NAP 350’s intensive heatsinking and the silent cooling followers, which activate at excessive ranges.

The all-Naim mixture supplied a startlingly low noise flooring, with an actual sense of blackness between musical notes. The Vivaldi recording particularly appeared to profit from this, and there was an enhanced sense of the scale of the big acoustic area at Air Studios because of this. Compared to my very own expertise of Naim parts up to now, the sound of the 300 collection was considerably cleaner, particularly at excessive frequencies. Sonically, the presentation was much more detailed than I’ve heard with earlier Naim generations, however didn’t have any of the strident top-end tendencies that the model has generally been criticized for. The soundstage was really spectacular for its depth and width, and I believe this was one of many largest advances made within the new vary. It made every thing I performed really feel by some means extra intimate and lifelike.

“Down to the Waterline,” from Dire Straits’ eponymous debut album (16/44.1 FLAC, Vertigo / Tidal), demonstrated an distinctive degree of deep-bass management from the 300 collection. Underpinning the observe, the bass guitar and drums had been extraordinarily highly effective however extremely articulate, and I heard better precision than with my resident Naim system. There was completely no sense of one-note bass; I heard sumptuously melodic bass strains that propelled the layers of guitar and vocals on high. As you’d count on from a Naim product, timing was completely first-class. The assault, maintain, and decay of notes had been rendered with beautiful pace and verve. At the danger of sounding clichéd, the bass particularly had a extra analog sound than I heard when replaying the observe on my Naim NDX streamer or CDI CD participant. Those who’ve discovered digital sources extra fatiguing than vinyl up to now had higher go and hearken to the NSS 333! I don’t assume I’ve ever heard a digital supply that sounds extra pure, unforced, and simply downright natural. This is a landmark streamer from an organization with the technical assets in analog and digital engineering to ship a world-class outcome. This is definitely one of the best Naim supply I’ve ever heard, bettering each CD participant the corporate has ever made, and the entire Naim streamers I’ve heard at size (excluding the flagship ND 555, which I’ve solely heard at exhibits).

NSS 333 with NPX 300 energy provide

Introducing the NPX 300 energy provide to the NSS 333 offered an extra discount in noise flooring. I additionally heard a refined enchancment in soundstage depth, with elevated tangibility of musical devices, notably on pure recordings like Cowboy Junkies’ The Trinity Session (16/44.1 FLAC, RCA Victor / Tidal) or the Interpreti Veneziani recording mentioned earlier. Speed and timing precision remained the identical, however the dynamic vary was definitely enhanced by the darker background afforded by the NPX 300.

Naim Audio Hawser-like Burndy cables hyperlink the NSS 333 to the NPX 300 energy provide

Streamed from my NAS, Shawn Mullins’s sensible album Light You Up (16/44.1 FLAC, Vanguard Records) sounded extremely wealthy and involving. The observe “No Blue Sky” revealed his fabulous vocal command, even when singing falsetto. On “The Ghost of Johnny Cash,” his honey-dripped, bourbon-soaked vocals had been deliciously enveloping, with all of his pure timbre intact. Throughout the album, acoustic and electrical guitars and digital organ interjected throughout a broad, deep, and sweeping soundstage.

I discovered myself savoring this album much more than regular. That’s the factor about copy at this degree—one is immersed within the music, just because the entire thing feels nearly like a reside efficiency. It’s value noting that whereas this streamer/PSU mixture definitely supplied enhanced high quality of copy, such enchancment is simply prone to be totally realized within the context of a high-quality partnering system akin to Naim’s 300 or 500 collection. The NSS 333 is so totally sensible that it’s doubtless adequate for all however probably the most elite of methods.

Conclusion

Without query, the NSS 333 streaming DAC is likely one of the highest merchandise Naim Audio has ever made. In the longer term, I consider it will likely be hailed as a design basic, in the identical method that the unique Nait, the NAC 52 preamplifier, and the NAP 250 energy amplifier are revered in the present day. For many years, many people who grew up listening to vinyl have bemoaned a scarcity of emotional involvement with digital sources, however the NSS 333 rewrites the rule e-book on this forever. In a phrase, it’s elegant. It’s the streamer for audiophiles who’ve all the time felt that there’s one thing not fairly proper about digital, however couldn’t put their finger on why. Perhaps Jason Gould, Naim’s model ambassador, stated it finest after we had been chatting on the 2023 UK Hi-Fi Show Live in Ascot: “Most hi-fi firms design and construct audio gear with their heads, however at Naim we use our hearts.” If you want the music you like to excite you, soothe you, make you dance, or ship shivers up your backbone, the NSS 333 delivers at a degree that’s merely staggering.

“Most firms design and construct audio gear with their heads, however at Naim we use our hearts.”—Jason Gould, Naim Audio model ambassador

Naim Audio has knocked it out of the park with the NSS 333. It’s one of the vital lovely and musically involving streamers ever made. Buy one and also you’ll be spared from a lifetime of trawling seedy bars for a singer-songwriter to present you goosebumps.

. . . Jonathan Gorse
[email protected]

Associated Equipment

Turntable: Michell GyroDec turntable with SME Series IV tonearm and Audio-Technica ART-20 cartridge.
Phono preamplifier: Trichord Research Dino Mk 3 with Never Connected Dino+ energy provide, PS Audio Stellar.
Streaming DAC: Naim Audio NDX.
CD participant: Naim Audio CDI.
Preamplifiers: Naim Audio NAC 82, Naim Audio NAC 332.
Power amplifiers: Naim Audio NAP 250, Naim Audio NAP 350.
Integrated amplifier: Leema Acoustics Tucana II Anniversary.
Power provides: Naim Audio HiCap, Naim Audio NPX 330.
Loudspeakers: ATC SCM40.
Cabling: Chord Company Sarum T loudspeaker cables, Naim NAC A5 loudspeaker cables, Naim interconnects on all Naim amplification, Chord Co. Sarum T Super ARAY XLR, Chord Co. SignatureX Tuned ARAY DIN-RCA, Chord Co. SignatureX RCA-XLR, Chord EpicX ARAY RCA. Chord Co. Chameleon interconnects for phono levels, QED interconnects for secondary sources.