Naim Audio NAC 332 Pure Analogue Preamplifier

Naim Audio NAC 332 Pure Analogue Preamplifier

Pure Analogue Preamplifier

The NAC 332 preamplifier is the digitally controlled, pure analogue centre of your system. Each and every audio stage is meticulously designed using discrete transistors, building on 50 years of experience in manufacturing high-performance audio systems. It features a precision fixed resistor volume control and a class-A headphone amplifier, with XLR and RCA outputs.

NAC 332
Combining performance and versatility, the NAC 332 can be easily configured to suit your audio world. Map any input button to any of the 8 input sockets, such as balanced XLR, DIN and RCA, allowing simple connection to any audio source. The NAC 332 has a powered DIN socket for connection with the NVC TT phono stage. The front panel has a ¼ inch headphone socket. Behind the socket is a 1.5W state-of-the-art headphone amplifier. On the rear panel, twin outputs of XLR and RCA allow connection to a variety of power amplifiers, or the ability to bi-amp.

Naim know-how
Under the leadership of our Technical Director, our engineers have developed innovative electronic circuits to give the New Classic products excellent audio performance. The best components have been auditioned for their audio performance, such as through-hole resistors used in the volume control. The architecture of the Statement volume control is carried over to the NAC 332, using reed relays to switch between the volume resistors. This ensures premium sound quality, the ability to have adjustable input sensitivity and the capability to set a maximum volume level.

A timeless design
Naim products are designed to be both contemporary and timeless. Our creations forgo any unnecessary embellishment that would detract from the performance and sound quality. The NAC 332 combines a sleek design, premium materials, adjustable logo brightness and engineered touch points such as the precision raced bearing volume control.

Perfect integration in a complete system
Bi-directional wireless inter-product communication is used to connect the NAC 332 to the NSS 333 streamer, making them as easy to use as a single-box system. Optical control synchronizes seamlessly with New Classic power amplifiers, such as the NAP 350.

Easy to use
Simplicity is the key. Buttons on the front panel allow quick access to inputs, volume, standby mode and mute. The bi-directional ZigBee remote allows complete control even without direct visibility of the product. The NAC 332 automatically detects no music and after 20 minutes will put the system into 0.5W stand-by mode.

The story of Naim and aluminum
Our founder, Julian Vereker, immediately understood the many benefits of aluminum as a material for wrapping Naim electronic components. He knew that delicate audio components are very sensitive to the effects of magnetic fields, unstable temperatures, unwanted vibrations, etc.

The Naim Classic range maximizes this highly technical and durable approach, with aluminum housings rivalled only by Statement, our flagship product. Naim chose a superior-quality aluminum, which optimally combines thermal and microphonic properties. The front panels are treated with solid 20mm-thick aluminum billets; heat sinks frame the side panels and 5mm plates cover the top and bottom surfaces of the products. The aluminum is brushed, sandblasted and anodized to guarantee unalterable beauty throughout the product's life. The New Classic range can be immediately distinguished with one look and one touch, before the first note of music even plays.

Specs

Product Type
Preamplifier

Control
Bi-directional ZigBee remote and front panel.
Inter-product communications with NSS 333 via ZigBee
Optical 3.5mm output for synchronised control of compatible products
e.g. NAP 250/350

Audio Inputs
Analogue
1 x 8-pin DIN (47kΩ, 2.2V typical, 9.5Vrms Max)
2 x 5-pin DIN (47kΩ, 2.2V typical, 9.5Vrms Max)
3 x RCA pair (47kΩ, 2.2V typical, 9.5Vrms Max)
2 x XLR balanced pair (100kΩ, 2.2V typical, 9.5V max)
8-pin DIN compatible with 5-pin DIN
8-pin DIN has +/-18V (for compatible external phono stages e.g. NVC TT)
Audio Outputs
Distortion
Line: 0.003% @2.2V input volume at 0dB, 1kHz
(Line: 0.018% @2.2V input volume at 0dB, 20kHz)

Crosstalk
Line: 90dB at 1kHz, volume at 0dB
(Line: 70dB at 20kHz, volume at 0dB)

Analogue
1 x XLR pair (balanced 10Vrms max)
1 x RCA pair (10Vrms max)
1 x 6.35mm headphone jack (1.5W into 16Ω)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Line: 104dB ref 2.2V A-wtd volume at 0dB

Frequency Response
Line: 3Hz to 40kHz -3dB

Gain
Preamplifier at max volume: 15.5dB

Connectivity
USB
1x Micro USB socket (for updates)

Physical
Weight
24.25lbs (11kg)

Dimensions (HxWxD)
3 5/8 x 17 x 12 1/2" (9.15x43.2x31.75cm)

Power
Mains Supply
115V or 230V, 50/60Hz

Power Consumption
Typical use consumption: 20W
Network standby mode consumption: <2W
Standby mode consumption: <0.5W