NAIM ND 555 Digital and Analogue Network Audio Player

Description

Overview

The ND 555 is the reference network audio player from Naim, the British electronics maker based in Salisbury. It is the network streamer at the top of Naim’s range, designed to bring network and internet audio — streaming services, stored files and internet radio — to the standard expected of a statement hi-fi front end, paired with an external power supply for the last measure of performance.

Design & build

The ND 555 uses a separate outboard power supply, keeping the noise-generating supply away from the sensitive audio and digital circuitry — a long-standing Naim principle at the top of its range. The result is a two-box source in which the player itself houses the streaming platform, conversion and analogue output stages, drawing clean, regulated power from its dedicated supply.

Sound & performance

Conversion is handled by a Burr-Brown R2R ladder DAC, fed by a 40-bit SHARC processor that oversamples incoming data before conversion. Naim’s DR (Discrete Regulator) technology governs the DC supply to the critical stages. It is an approach aimed at the musical, rhythmically assured presentation for which Naim sources are known, rather than specification for its own sake.

Key features

The streaming platform is comprehensive: TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, internet radio, UPnP and Roon Ready operation. Networking is by Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi. Analogue outputs are provided on a 5-pin DIN and an RCA pair, and there are additional digital inputs so external sources can use the ND 555’s converter.

Technology

Supported files run to WAV at up to 32-bit/384kHz, with FLAC, AIFF and ALAC to 24-bit/384kHz, and DSD at 64 and 128Fs. The digital inputs comprise two optical TOSLINK to 24-bit/96kHz plus coaxial RCA and coaxial BNC inputs to 24-bit/192kHz. Control is through the Naim app, giving unified access to services, stored music and radio.

Specifications

Type: network audio player / streamer (requires external power supply). DAC: Burr-Brown R2R ladder, 40-bit SHARC oversampling, DR regulation. Streaming: TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, internet radio, UPnP, Roon Ready. Files: WAV to 32-bit/384kHz; FLAC/AIFF/ALAC to 24-bit/384kHz; DSD64/128. Digital in: 2 × optical (24-bit/96kHz), coaxial RCA and BNC (24-bit/192kHz). Analogue out: 5-pin DIN, RCA. Network: Ethernet, Wi-Fi.

Who it’s for

The ND 555 suits the listener building a reference two-channel system who wants streaming and file playback without compromise, and is prepared to pair the player with its dedicated power supply to realise its full potential. It partners naturally with the rest of Naim’s high-end electronics.

Why buy from Hidden Home Technology

A source of this class rewards careful matching to power supply, amplification and loudspeakers. We can demonstrate the ND 555, advise on the right supply and system pairing, and arrange delivery and setup across the South. Speak to our team to arrange a listen or to specify your system.