Стримеры — Naim ND 555

The ND 555 is the reference network player from Naim, launched in 2018 at the top of the company's streaming range, above the NDX 2 and ND5 XS 2 and alongside the NSS 333 streamer. It has no internal power supply and runs from an external 555 PS DR supply.

Key specs that matter

Digital processing runs on a 40-bit SHARC DSP with integer oversampling to 40-bit accuracy, and the converter is the Burr-Brown PCM1704, a true R2R ladder DAC. WAV files play up to 32 bit and 384 kHz, lossless FLAC, AIFF and ALAC up to 384 kHz at 24 bit, DSD64 and DSD128 are supported, and MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA and M4A play up to 48 kHz, all gapless. For analogue connection it offers RCA sockets and a five-pin DIN socket, and a BNC S/PDIF digital output carries up to 24 bit and 192 kHz. It also accepts two optical inputs up to 24 bit and 96 kHz and one RCA and one BNC coaxial up to 24 bit and 192 kHz, with DSD64 over DoP, plus two USB-A ports. The network connection is Ethernet at 10 or 100 Mbit/s or Wi-Fi with external antennas. The ND 555 measures 432 x 87 x 314 mm and weighs 12.25 kg.

Engineering and use context

In the ND 555 the DAC clock controls the flow of audio data from the streaming board, so the converter sets the timing instead of following an incoming data stream. The digital audio circuits use LVDS signalling to reduce timing errors between chips. The PCM1704 converts each sample with a resistor ladder. The circuit boards sit on a brass sub-chassis suspended and tuned to isolate the sensitive circuits from vibration. Naim's DR regulators power the analogue stage, and moving the entire power supply into the separate 555 PS DR keeps transformers and rectifiers out of the player's case. Streaming services include Chromecast built-in, Spotify, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, AirPlay and Apple Music, along with UPnP and Bluetooth aptX HD, controlled with the Focal and Naim app and shown on a full-colour display. Over Wi-Fi, playback is available up to 384 kHz.

Pairing

The ND 555 is intended for Naim's top preamplifiers, connected through the DIN output. Adding a second 555 PS DR is the upgrade path Naim offers for the player.

Alternatives

The Naim NDX 2 is the next network player down in the range, with a built-in power supply.