In the senior model of the Naim NDX 2 network players, the PCM1791A DAC is responsible for digital-to-analog conversion, but it has an improved power supply, and the current/voltage converter and the entire analog path with an extended bandwidth are made on discrete elements, like in classic Naim preamplifiers. It took the developers six months to fine-tune it. Instead of standard filtering algorithms, they use their own, written by Naim programmers.
The Naim NDX 2 streamer has a large 5-inch TFT display (which can be switched off if desired), a four-button front panel control interface unified with the Uniti models, and a ZigBee RF remote control with a wide range of operation. The streamer accepts files with a resolution of up to 32/384 and DSD 64/128 via UPnP, and up to 24/192 via all four SPDIF inputs.
The Naim NDX 2 model has a new display and control system – via a large 5-inch TFT display, a four-button control interface from the front panel unified with Uniti, and a “smart” ZigBee remote control. The new product also differs from its predecessor NDX by a different hardware and network platform NP800 (already tested in the Uniti series). It provides extended support for audio formats, is capable of working with 32-bit/384 kHz data, and is equipped with multi-room functions. But perhaps the main thing in the new architecture is a different organization of the path. Musical data from all devices and multi-room streams first flows into the central processor, undergoes deep processing, and only then goes to conversion and amplification.
This allows you to reduce the signal path to a minimum and put all content sources (NAS storage, flash drives, local hard drives, external network music services, mobile devices, etc.) on an equal footing. Of course, the platform is also open for further upgrades. Today it works with streaming services Google Cast, Tidal, Spotify, is compatible with Apple AirPlay and Bluetooth aptX HD interfaces, is ready to work in the Roon environment, and tomorrow its list of functions may be supplemented by support for new formats, services and protocols.
The network card installed in the Naim NDX 2 is our own design, operating using low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) technology. The logical unit in it is counted not from zero potential, but from +1.2 V, and it is ten times smaller than the standard 3.3 V. This method provides less noise and interference and is better suited for broadband transmission. In addition, NDX 2 uses an even more powerful 40-bit SHARC processor for deep and highly accurate processing of data received in various formats.
Then the signal, converted to I2S format, is transmitted separately for the right/left channels to the DACs, which are Burr-Brown PCM1792A converters. But there is a nuance here: instead of standard filtering algorithms, proprietary ones written by Naim programmers are used. And a separate discrete current/voltage converter follows the converter.
Another, perhaps the most important difference between this model and the younger one is the ability to connect external power supplies XPS DR or NAPS 555 DR – both with low-noise discrete stabilizers. At the same time, the sound resolution increases, the volume of the stage space expands.
Naim NDX 2 Specifications
Supported formats: WAV (up to 32-bit/384 kHz), AIFF, FLAC, ALAC (up to 24-bit/384 kHz), DSD (up to 128 Fs), AAC, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, mp3 (up to 16-bit/48 kHz)
Streaming services: Tidal, Spotify, Chromecast
Wireless protocols: Bluetooth AptX HD, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, AirPlay
Inputs: 2 optical TOSLink, Coax RCA, BNC, 2 USB Type-A, LAN
Outputs: Coax RCA, linear RCA, DIN 5-pin
Power consumption: 19 W
Dimensions: 432 x 87 x 314 mm
Weight: 10 kg
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