Naim NAC-N 272 Streaming Preamplifier

Some technical details from AudioPlus:

http://www.audioplus.org.uk/na...naims-new-nac-n-272/

DSD64 Compatible

The NAC-N 272 is the first Naim product to be DSD64 compatible. This new feature simply adds to an already rich feature list and allows customers to explore more music from different sources and in different formats.

DSD files can be played back on the 272 via the UPnP^TM, electrical S/PDIF or USB inputs. The DSD audio routing is kept as pure as possible. The digital header information is stripped out by the DSP leaving only the audio, which is optimised for the DAC by integer resampling the stream at 40bit/768kHz, using Naim software to maintain the high sample rate and accuracy. This adapted DSD stream then enters the 24bit DAC, bypassing the DACs internal digital filter.

 Performance Engineering 

The S/PDIF inputs on the NAC-N 272 utilise Naim’s proprietary zero S/PDIF design using the powerful SHARC processor to buffer the incoming S/PDIF signal and clocking it out of the buffer utilising a precision quartz crystal.

The SHARC runs unique Naim-authored software to create an ultra-high precision 40-bit floating-point filter. The filter over-samples by 16 times on 44.1kHz data and provides stop-band attenuation of -156dB. The analogue output includes Naim’s classic discrete five-pole Sallen Key filter.

The analogue and digital sections of the 272 are isolated to reduce noise and communicate using fast opto-isolators. Four separate secondaries from the transformer ensure the optimum power supply isolation and also the ideal voltages and regulation for the Analogue, DAC, and two digital rails. The circuit boards are float-mounted to reduce microphony.

The NAC-N 272 features a traditional Naim preamplifier section with high-quality hand-matched components. All of the critical components in the signal path are discrete thru-hole analogue parts matched by Naim to within 1%.

The 272 volume control is derived from the design featured in the flagship Naim Statement NAC S1 preamplifier. It uses hand-selected, through-hole analogue components which are isolated from their digital controller using optical chips.

All the analogue inputs, outputs and mutes are relay switched and completely disconnected when not in use. The relays, in traditional Naim engineering practice, are fed from constant current sources for the lowest interaction and lowest noise.

Performance Upgradeable

The NAC-N 272 can be upgraded by adding an external power supply. These bring benefits of a lower PS impedance, lower noise, more regulation as well as disconnecting the micro vibrating internal transformer from the preamp. A demonstration is of course suggested but the differences in performance are not subtle. Compatible power supplies are the XP5 XS, XPS and 555PS.

Not particulalrly iTunes - though of course someone could use their Mac or iOS device as a source if they wish. In fact I do occasionally. I was actually thinking more of a Naim DAC-less streamer - something like the Aries or NAD M50 which includes its own s/w supporting multiple lossless streaming services and can connect to a DAC or DAC/pre via USB or AES/EBU or S/PDIF or even TOSlink.

Philp, well I know of somebody who bought exactly that setup as it sounded so good - I have no idea whether they are on the forum.

So if it sounds good and it works for you then go for it - why be constrained what other people think things should be..

Of course people can buy whatever they like    and there's certainly not so much criticism of 'mullets' on the forum now as there used to be.

Funny isn't it?

What are listening to? DSD or PCM?

The DAC is fed a 768/40 PCM stream! (Why not at 705.6kHz?)

It just has been converted from a dsd file.

I was thinking the same myself: the Nac 272 is a good base to enter the Naim classic series hierarchy and it responds to the needs of costumers that are against a "black box invasion" but nothing more than that. Maybe through adding a XPS PSU to the 272 the streaming section will be at the same level of a bare NDX.

The analogue technology of a high end pre amp like the Nac 252 or even the 552 didn't really change in the last 15 years but this is not the case of the digital world which is only in a childhood phase: I will keep my beloved Nac 252 and will invest in updated streamers when they will become available.

I find it amusing that many talk about this new and for me, welcome new product as if there is no alternative or any possibility of future alternative products. And all the talk without a single review to add objectivity.

i remember not dissimilar things bing said about the original Nait, worst of all worlds, lack of modularity sycamore etc and it all proved a bit inappropriate in the end. For sure if you have the odd £12-13k knocking around there are enough black boxes there to do the job but many of us are not so well heeled nor space rich enough to accommodate that.

it seems to me that the 272 is actually quite an intelligent introduction. Those, for instance easing into Naimworld, or like me changing from ancient Naim to a brave new world of Naim with digital radio, streamlng etc Buying a Uniti and then realising the benefits of retaining a 250 and not wanting a dozen boxes, it offers a solution with a significant upgrade path without the physical and cost payload of 282/HDX/HiCap etc etc to contend with.

it is more comprehensive than a V1 and, with a decent power amp and a UnitiServe offers many all they could wish for. Not perfect but that's not the point, perfection costs a LOT more.

@ Daunt  +1

One thing I noticed is that NAC-N 272 also uses Through hole technology something that the NDX and the NAC 202 don't use, it's obvious to me that Naim have gone to great lengths to try and minimise noise within this pre streamer. 

The NDX use's SMT. Aswell as the PCB in the NAC 202 is not mechanically decoupled like the NAC-N 272. 

I feel it's wrong to place this at the same level as a NAC 202 / ND5 XS. Looking at how it's been engineered it could be placed just below the 282 as the built in streamer would create more noise diminishing sound quality therefore it won't sound on par with it. 

Because if the NAC-N 272 is regarded at 202 level then where does the NAC-N 172 XS come in? 

I think the letters XS gives it away, that is supposed to be at the level of NAC 202 / ND5 XS. 

It's more akin to where the SuperUniti was compared to the NAC 202 / NAP 200, where people on here were debating which was better.

Now that's confused me, care to expand on that?

It was the Solid Air's @Daunt +1 that confused, not the plethora of opinions and information, which I find, errr, edifying. 

+1

Unfortunately whe are mixing 2 different topics so whe are arguing side by side without a conclusion:

1) The "absolute SQ": better than a Nac 202 as a pre ? Better than a ND5 XS as a streamer ? And so forth;

2) the usability, smartness and the appeal that such a machine can have to the customers: 2 functions packed in a 1 smart box solution and so forth.

In my opinion the 2 topics have to be separated to make the discussion really effective !

@phoshocreatine - I agree in part but I will also say there are many who don't or can't aspire to a system that doesn't mix these things. My updating dilema (I use update and not upgrade deliberately) was that I wanted to retain some analogue capability even though the bulk of my listening was CD. My 42.5/HiCap/250 did an adequate job and I could have had the lot serviced and carried on enjoying that. A one box solution though appealed for domestic pragmatism so the Uniti, whilst compromised, fitted the bill. I quickly realised my now serviced 250 added so much, so now the power amp stage was effectively redundant and I simultaneously discovered the u serve. Ah, but no logical or affordable upgrade path with only an HDX or NDX available if I wanted to stream - which I did. But I also wanted other inputs including the possibility of vinyl. Only option then is a pre-amp so another box (or three) another wedge of money (and fewer recordings).

so, at this 'intermediate' level the 272 slots in nicely, streaming, analogue and digital inputs and an upgrade path.

With the brief of a low box count, affordability and versatility it seems to me, if correctly engineered, to offer an elegant mid range solution without a fundamental dead end. 

Whatever action Naim takes, the company behind each and every service will first have to choose whether to adopt a similar approach to Spotify Connect. A benefit of separating the streaming section is that if the companies whose streaming services you wish to use do not do this then you can replace it.

Another benefit of separating the streaming section is removing USB, network cards, wireless, bluetooth etc from the audio electronics.

Exactly - Naim have to persuade the service providers to invest in developing the connect-equivalent s/w. Presumably Naim now have a large enough installed base to be able to make a persuasive argument.  EDIT:  Or maybe it's not such a persuasive case and that's why these services are not already supported?

Abyway, once the numerous technical components that you list have been taken out of the box the main noisy digital components in a DAC-Pre would presumably be the DAC and DSP chips which should be relatively  'easy' to isolate from the analogue section.

A bit surprised to read claims the 272 is at 202 or even 282 level given Naim's own numbering system tells us it is below 202 level as the new first rung on the classic ladder. Maybe they have changed it around but I doubt this is the case unless it is officially communicated otherwise. However, let's consider for a moment what might be different to the 202.

It is crucial to an understanding of amps like the 202 and 282 to realise the common connection of the pre-amp to/from the PSU and onto the power amp are central to the Naim sound. In other words, keeping the system and signal earths together is fundamental to the Naim sound.

When you use a XPS on a 272 that is not going to happen. The signal will not go back to the PSU but rather onwards to the power amp directly.

Perhaps it may even be the case that the reference is better in the pre-amp than in the PSU. Personally speaking, I would be intrigued to understand what effect this may have in the 272. It is also noted you would derive benefit from the XPS powering the dac section too.

Whilst I am attracted to the individual app approach to controlling stuff the convenience of this is a little dubious (unless I misunderstand you). Add Spoti to the magic boxes the inability to have two apps open together on an iPad means the usual faff of having to swipe between them - id much prefer a more integrated control system until such time as tablets readily display more than one app at a time. I am not a fan of n-Stream now that said as I am one amongst many who think the logic of it is totally back to front. but the 'armchair' controllability is still fabulous really.

however it all works bits will still have to be plugged into other bits be it network cables, signal cables or power ones - a nice neat box with some nice receptacles is nice and if the end result is damned good for £9 or 10k they're on to a winner.

i still can't quite work out why Naim have seen fit to hide a quite important volume control behind a virtual panel - that still has to be a first in HiFi history :-)

OK I'll bite.

What the hell is 'analogue through hole technology'?

Sounds a bit well, audiophile. But I am sure its legit.

I know I'm old school but has anyone seen the balance control on the Nac 272 ?

The Supernait 2, which is only 1 year old, has it and I think that in a high level pre amp this control is important: is this another hint that the 272 is on the 202 level ?

It would appear the 272 can be controlled by n-Stream, if so it's probably accessible from that. 

Phil, I thnk we can agree other companies will need to decide adopting a 'Connect' approach is part of their strategy. Also that whether they feel they must will take more demand than Naim's streamer users alone. So I suppose it depends what the broader market thinks of Connect. I would also bear in mind that Spotify are trying to make their app the go-to application but can do so with confidence having invested heavily in it and built out their catalogue. I am unsure the CEO of Qobuz would feel quite so confident.

You are right to highlight the DSP chip for isolation. I don't know whether isolating the DAC chip from the pre-amp section is quite as easy. To be honest Phil, I would also be perfectly happy with a 282 or 252 level pre in a shoebox. No Streamer. No DAC. Just the pre-amp.

Through-hole mounting of components on circuit boards (as opposed to surface mounting).

In through-hole technology the electronic components' legs are inserted through holes drilled in the circuit board and then soldered.  Surface mount technology (SMT) is where the components are soldered directly to contacts on the surface of the circuit board.