NAC-N 172 xs

Posted by: David Y on 21 January 2014

I bought one of these a week ago (I am new to Naim, having used Arcam for years) and found that it produced noticeable hiss (clearly audible from my listening position) through my speakers, even if the volume was down or muted and irrespective of which input was being used. I put my A28 Arcam back into my set up and whilst there was sill some hiss, it was only detectable by putting an ear against the speaker (PMC DB1i's)

Has anyone else experienced this and given this is a premium manufacturer and a not insubstantial sum to have parted with, why does it do this when my Arcam does not.

Posted on: 21 January 2014 by Gary_C

I've had a NAC-N 172 XS for just over a month now and I'm very happy with it. It replaced a Cyrus system. I have the NAC-N 172 connected to two Audiolab 8200MB mono blocks via the pre-outs, I have to be very close to the speakers to hear any hiss (about the same as my old Cyrus system). I've also got a headphone amp connected to the line out, that is completely silent with no music playing.

Posted on: 21 January 2014 by maze

I have a 172 no hiss here with my nap200 and kef R300 speakers, perhaps you have very sensitive speakers.

i think some hiss is normal with naim kit.

Posted on: 21 January 2014 by David Y

Just to be sure I returned the 172 to my specialist I bought it from and he checked it and found the excessive hiss and another problem. Naim are sending a replacement, but I am rather disappointed as this is the first bit of hi-fi kit I have every had a problem with in 35 years. Hopefully more luck with the new one

Posted on: 23 January 2014 by Olek_K

I hope all is good with your new item. I really like mine There are some minor issues with the wi fi elements thou. Like loosing the iRadio signal quite often (on wi fi). Of course I could connect the ethernet cable but I'm too lazy to organize more than 15m of cable.