NAIM 200 Series User manual

11
User Guide
STREAMING PREAMPLIFIER - NSC 222

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Contents
Section Page
Introduction 1
1. What’s in the box 1
2. Getting to know your NSC 222 2
3. NSC 222 set-up essentials 3
4. Playing music, radio, podcasts and more 7
5. Tips on installing and using your NSC 222 9
6. Mains power, earthing and more 12
7. Further tips and advice 13
8. Support 13
9. Service and updates 13
10. Specications 14
11. Product recycling 14

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Welcome to your new Naim streaming pre-amplifier. Like all Naim Audio products,
the NSC 222 puts musical performance first. To help realise its full potential, it is
important to follow the simple installation and usage guidelines covered in this
manual. We start with some product and set-up essentials, before moving onto more
detailed information in Section 5.
Introduction
1. What’s in the box
Please Note: Full safety
warnings can be found in
the Statutory Safety Manual.
1xNSC 222
1xDocument pack
1xRemote control 2xLink Plugs
1xCleaning cloth 1xPower-Line Lite

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Volume control
Mains input
& Fuse
RCA MM
turntable input
Signal ground
switch
RCA unbalanced
output
Power supply
upgrade sockets
BNC S/PDIF
coaxial
RCA S/PDIF
coaxial
Turntable earth
connection
2x TOSLINK
S/PDIF optical
Standby button
Wired network
(RJ45) DIN line level
input XLR balanced
output
RCA line level
input
Presets button
Play/pause
button
Inputs button
USB
(audio data)
USB
(audio data) Service connection (factory use only)
Screen
Headphone socket
(6.35mm jack)
Remote out
(3.5mm jack electrical and
Mini-TOSLINK optical)
2. Getting to know your NSC 222
Dimmable,
backlit logo

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3. NSC 222 set-up essentials
Your NSC 222 needs to be connected to a power amplier (such as the matching NAP
250), but before you do, please ensure both components are in their nal positions and
disconnected from mains power.
For optimum performance, use a dedicated hi- support – ideally Naim Fraim – with the
preamplier sited above the power amplier, as shown.
You will also need speakers with cables, an internet connection (wi- or hard wired), and a
smartphone or tablet to run the Naim App.
Download the free Naim App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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3.1 Connecting your NSC 222 to the NAP 250 power amp
Connect two XLR cables (supplied with the NAP 250) from the balanced XLR outputs of
NSC 222 to the balanced input of the NAP 250. Ensure the cables are channel-matched:
the pre-amplier left output connected to the power amplier left input and the same for
the right. Please ensure that the XLR plugs are inserted correctly, which is achieve with the
Naim logo on the plug facing upwards.
Connect the system automation cable (supplied with the NAP 250) to the
NSC 222 Remote Out terminal and the Remote In terminal on the NAP 250.
3.2 Powering up
Once you have connected your NSC 222 to a power amplier, and connected the
loudspeakers, there are just a few more, simple steps to take before you can power up
your NSC 222 and start streaming.
Connect the two supplied link plugs to the NSC 222 power supply upgrade sockets.
If using a wired network connect a cable between the RJ45 socket and the router or
switch.

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EN
Insert the provided batteries into the remote control handset.
Connect the power cable to the NSC 222’s power socket and then to mains power.
Switch on your NSC 222 by pressing the standby button on the top right side of the front
panel.

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3.3 Pairing the remote control
Once your NSC 222 is switched on, you will need to pair the remote control.
Pressing any of the front panel buttons will enable remote pairing mode.
Press and hold the home button on the remote control handset for 3 seconds
The volume ring on the remote will chase when in pairing mode and then stop at the cur-
rent volume setting when paired.
The remote is now paired to the unit and ready to use.

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4. Playing music, radio, podcasts and more
Access all of your music including your favourite streaming services and internet radio sta-
tions, play your stored music from a Naim server (such as a Uniti Core) and be the source
for your multiroom system. NSC 222 also includes digital and analogue connections so you
can connect your external sources.
Before you start streaming the services below, ensure your control device (smartphone,
tablet, or computer) is connected to the same network as your NSC 222.
4.1 Internet radio
A world of radio stations is available to enjoy via the Naim App, including a curated
collection of higher-quality streams. You can also select and store station presets for faster
access to your favourites.
4.2 UPnP
Your NSC 222 can play audio les stored on Naim music servers (such as the Naim Uniti
Core), NAS drives or other connected UPnP devices.
It supports a wide array of le formats, in resolutions up to 384kHz/32-bit.
Browse and enjoy your music and build playlists via the Naim App.
4.3 Spotify Connect/Spotify Hi-Fi
• Open up the Spotify App on your phone, tablet or laptop
• Start playing the content you want to listen to and select
‘Devices Available’
• Select your NSC 222 and start listening
4.4 AirPlay 2
AirPlay 2 is an Apple technology designed to control home audio systems and speakers in
any room from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, HomePod or Apple TV.
It allows you to stream from a wide range of sources, including Apple Music.
To setup AirPlay 2 use the home app on an iOS device running software 11.4
or later.
• Open the Home app and tap the (+) button to add it as an Accessory.
4.5 Chromecast
Chromecast allows you to stream your favourite music and more from your phone, tablet
or laptop.
• To use Chromecast built-in to cast audio to your NSC 222, simply congure it via the
Google Home App, then stream away from a range of available sources.

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4.6 TIDAL and TIDAL Connect
Subscribers to the TIDAL music-streaming service can enjoy it in two ways
on the NSC 222.
• Stream directly from the TIDAL App, via TIDAL Connect.
• Simply open the ‘Now Playing’ screen while playing a song.
• Look for the speaker icon and choose the NSC 222 from that list.
Alternatively, you can enjoy TIDAL via the Naim App.
• Select the TIDAL input
• Enter your TIDAL login details
• Browse and enjoy TIDAL via the Naim App
4.7 Qobuz
A world of music, including a huge selection of true high-resolution albums, is available to
stream via Qobuz. Subscribers can enjoy the service via the Naim App.
• Select the Qobuz input
• Enter your Qobuz login details
• Browse and enjoy Qobuz via the Naim App
4.8 Roon
Your NSC 222 is Roon Ready, allowing you to explore everything the music management
service has to oer.
4.9 Multiroom
Your NSC 222 can pair with other music players, speakers and systems to ll your home
with perfectly synchronised sound. There are four dierent ways you can enjoy the
multiroom music experience
• Via the Naim App
Pair with other connected Naim products, including Mu-so wireless speakers, Uniti
players and more, via the Naim App, for the best quality experience. Simply start
playing the music you want to share, and group any or all of your Naim products by
selecting the multiroom symbol.
You can also join in the fun by pressing the multiroom button on your remote
control.
• Via Apple AirPlay 2
• Via Chromecast
• Via Roon.

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5. Tips on installing and using your NSC 222
We know you are eager to enjoy your new NSC 222, but we promise it will sound even
better once you have followed these guidelines, all designed to help you experience your
streaming preamplier without compromise.
5.1 Unboxing and positioning
Your NSC 222 is handcrafted in Salisbury, England using high-quality components,
including a substantial power transformer and durable aluminium casing. That means the
NSC 222 weighs in at 11kg, so please take care when lifting or moving it, and ensure the
surface you plan to place it on is stable and can support its weight.
For optimum performance, use your Naim products on a dedicated hi- equipment rack
– ideally the Naim Fraim or Fraim Lite – to minimise vibrations that can aect sound. No
room for a rack? Consider placing your NSC 222 on a Fraim glass shelf on a suitable piece
of furniture, to provide solid but discreet support.
Never stack Naim products on top of each other, and if you are placing them side-by-
side, please leave some distance between the units. Equally, connected products should
not sit too far apart: the maximum separation distance is that allowed by the supplied
interconnect lead.
To reduce the risk of audible hum from the loudspeakers do not place power supplies or
power ampliers close to source components.
5.2 Input connection details
The NSC 222 features many external connection options. For the best sound quality, we
recommend you use the BNC digital input or DIN analogue input.
The DIN input is also capable of powering a Naim NVC TT phono stage. The NSC 222
built in phono stage is compatible with moving magnet cartridges.
+18V 300mA
-18V 300mA
Ground
5.2a Type 1: 8 pin DIN

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5.2b Type 3: 12 way connector
5.2c Type 4: 23 way connector
+5V 200mA
+22V 400mA
+15V 1.1A
+15V 150mA
+10V 370mA
+10V 370mA
+22V 400mA
-22V 400mA
-22V 400mA
Ground
Ground
Ground
+5V 200mA
Ground
Ground
Ground digital

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5.3 Output connection details
The XLR sockets should be used for connection to a NAP 250 power amplier. If the RCA
outputs are required (e.g. for a sub-woofer) they will need to be enabled from the
Naim App.
If an unbalanced power amplier (e.g. an older Naim amplier) is to be used with the NSC
222 the XLR sockets should be used with an appropriately wired cable.
5.4 Headphones
The headphone output has a separate volume setting. When headphones are inserted the
volume will be set to the level last used with headphones. When they are removed the
volume will be set back the level last used with speakers.
5.4 System automation
When using the NSC 222 with a compatible power amplier – such as the NAP 250 – you
can synchronise power on/o and logo brightness across your system by connecting the
two products with the optical system automation cable supplied with the NAP 250.
Simply connect the cable from the ‘Remote Out’ terminal of the NSC 222 preamplier
to the ‘Remote In’ terminal on the NAP 250. It is possible to link further power ampliers
using the ‘Remote Out’ terminal of the NAP 250.
If you require a longer distance between your NSC 222 and the NAP 250 than the supplied
cable allows for, you can use a replacement 3.5mm to 3.5mm optical cable to the required
length. It is also possible to use standard analogue cables with 3.5mm connectors, but an
optical cable oers the best performance.
5.5 Powering up/down
Once all your input and output connections are made, connect the supplied mains lead to
your NSC 222 and to mains power.
You can now power up the NSC 222 by pressing the standby button. If the NAP 250 is
connected via System Automation it will switch on in sequence.
It is the same procedure to switch o your NSC 222: turn o your NSC 222 preamplier –
and NAP 250 connected via System Automation – by simply pressing the standby button
on the front panel, which will put the NSC 222 and the NAP 250 into standby. Avoid using
a mains outlet switch to turn your amplier o.
5.6 Standby power settings
The NSC 222 has four power levels: standby, network standby, network standby with an
additional power requirement and powered for normal use.
“Standby” mode has an overall power consumption of less than 0.5W. The NSC 222 can be
woken up by pressing the standby button or from the remote control.
“Network standby” is <2W. The network needs to be connected (either wired or Wi-Fi) so
the NSC 222 can be woken up via the Naim App.
“Network standby with an additional power requirement”. The NSC 222 is fully powered
but with the display and logo turned o (it needs to be in this state to power a USB device
or act as a server).
“Powered for normal use” In normal use the NSC 222 uses about 25W.
By default, the NSC 222 is set to ‘auto standby’ - it automatically enters the appropriate
standby mode after a period not exceeding 20 minutes of inactivity. For the optimum
sound quality set the auto standby period to “Never” in the Naim App so the NSC 222 is
permanently powered up.

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5.7 Naim logo brightness settings
You can choose the brightness level of the LED indicators and Naim logo on your NSC 222
in the Naim App. If you are using a Naim NAP 250 power amplier connected via System
Automation, you can synchronise the brightness of both logos from the NSC 222.
5.8 Using the NPX 300 power supply
The NPX 300 power supply is an optional system upgrade. If adding the NPX 300 power
supply to the NSC 222, rst turn the whole system o. Remove the mains cable from the
NSC 222 – it is not required when the unit is powered by the NPX 300.
Add the NPX 300 to the equipment stand (usually between the NSC 222 and NAP250).
Remove the two link plugs from the NSC 222 rear panel.
Connect the un-banded end of the two Burndy cables to the NPX 300. Connect the two
banded ends to the NSC 222. Ensure all the locking rings are tightened fully. Try to “dress”
the cables so they hang as loosely as possible and without touching the stands or the wall
– this will be easier if they are formed to roughly the required shape before connecting
either end.
Connect the power lead to the NPX 300’s power socket and then to mains power. Turn the
rest of the system back on.
Turn the NSC 222 back on by pressing the standby button.
6. Mains power, earthing and more
Use only the mains leads and plugs supplied with your NSC 222, or the upgrade Naim
Power-Line mains cable. Where fused plugs are used, 13-Amp fuses should be tted. Do
not wire voltage dependent resistors or noise suppressors into mains plugs; they degrade
the mains supply and the sound.
6.1 Earthing
In order to avoid hum loops, the signal ground of the whole system should be connected to
the mains earth in one place. Typically, this is at the primary source. For example, a Naim
streamer has a ground lift switch. Set this to “default” if no other source connects mains
earth to signal ground. This setting will give best sound quality.
6.2 Non-rewirable mains plugs
If a non-rewirable plug is cut from a mains lead (for whatever purpose) the plug MUST be
disposed of in a way to render it totally useless. Considerable shock hazard exists if the
cut-o plug is inserted into a mains outlet.
6.3 Mains circuits and interference
A hi- system usually shares a mains power circuit with other household equipment,
some of which can cause distortion that may manifest as mechanical hum from mains
transformers, including the large transformer in your NSC 222.
Transformer hum is not transmitted through the speakers and has no eect on the
performance of the system; however, careful positioning of your Naim system may
reduce it, as may a separate, dedicated mains circuit. Such a circuit (ideally with a 30 or
45-Amp rating) will also generally improve system performance. Only seek advice on the
installation of a separate mains circuit from a qualied electrician.
6.4 Lightning precautions
Your Naim system should be turned o and fully disconnected from mains power when
there is a risk of a lightning strike, to protect from potential damage.

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7. Further tips and advice
Now you have all the essentials sorted, let us move onto a few more things that you can do
to optimise the performance of your new NSC 222.
7.1 Running in
Naim products are hand-crafted from a carefully selected range of high-quality
components. Your NSC 222 will sound superb out of the box, but its performance may
improve further still as all these various components power up and interact in their rst
few weeks of use. Keeping your system powered up will assist this process.
7.2 Cleaning your product and connections
Naim recommends using only the supplied cleaning cloth to lightly dust any product
surfaces. Cleaning products may contain ingredients that can adversely aect cosmetic
surface treatments and coatings.
Keep interconnect plugs and sockets clean and free from corrosion. The easiest way to
achieve this is to fully power o your Naim product (and any connected equipment),
unplug all connections from their sockets and rmly push them in again. Contact cleaners
and so-called ‘enhancers’ should not be used, as they can leave deposits that can degrade
the sound of your system.
7.3 Resetting your NSC 222
To reset your NSC 222 to the factory default settings, use the remote control to navigate to
“Home - Settings – Factory settings – Reset all settings – Yes” on the front panel display.
8. Support
Consumer protection varies from country to country. In most territories, the retailer you
bought your Naim product from should be your primary contact if you are experiencing
problems with your unit. A problem may be due to a fault in the system or its installation,
so it is essential to make full use of your dealer’s diagnostic skills.
You can nd a range of support articles for each Naim product online at Naimaudio.com
If you are still experiencing an issue with your Naim product, contact us directly for help
and advice, at [e-mail]
9. Service and updates
Any repairs or hardware updates should only be made by an authorised Naim service
centre or at the Naim HQ itself. Many components are custom made, tested or matched
and appropriate replacements are often unobtainable from other sources. Please contact
your local Naim retailer with any service or repair queries.

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11. Product recycling
Products that display the crossed-out wheeled bin logo cannot be disposed of
as domestic waste. These products must be disposed of at facilities capable of
recycling them and appropriately handling any waste by-products.
Contact your local authority for details of the nearest such facility.
Appropriate recycling and waste disposal helps conserve resources and protects the
environment from contamination.
200 Series streaming preamplier - NSC 222
Audio inputs:
1 x moving magnet phono
1 × 8-pin DIN (compatible with 5-pin DIN cables)
1 x RCA pair
USB: 2 x USB Type A socket (front and rear - 1.6A charge)
Digital (S/PDIF):
2 x Optical TOSLINK (up to 24bit/96kHz)
1 x coaxial RCA (up to 24bit/192kHz, DoP 64Fs)
1 x coaxial BNC (up to 24bit 192kHz, DoP 64Fs)
Audio outputs:
Analogue
1 x XLR pair
1 x RCA pair
1 × 6.35mm headphone jack
Audio formats:
WAV - up to 32bit/384kHz
FLAC and AIFF - up to 24bit/384Hz
ALAC (Apple Lossless) - up to 24bit/384Hz
MP3 - up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit)
AAC - up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit)
OGG and WMA - up to 48kHz (16 bit)
DSD - 64 and 128Fs
M4A - up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit)
Note: Gapless playback supported on all formats.
Network: Ethernet (10/100Mbps), Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac)
Power consumption:
Typical use: 25W
Network standby mode: <2W
Standby: <0.5W
Ripping and storage:
2 x USB Type A socket (front and rear - 1.6A charge)
Store up to 20,000 tracks to a local USB connected storage device and
serve to a network-connected player
External portable HDD – max. 1TB
USB sticks – max. 128 GB
Dimensions (H x W x D): 91.5 × 432 × 317.5 mm (including feet)
Weight: 11kg
Mains supply: 115V or 230V, 50/60Hz
10. Specications

Table des matières
Section Page
Introduction 1
1. Liste des éléments fournis 1
2. Découverte du NSC 222 2
3. Informations de base sur l’installation du NSC 222 3
4. Écoute de musique, radio, podcasts et plus encore 7
5. Conseils pour l’installation et l’utilisation de votre NSC 222 9
6. Alimentation secteur, mise à la terre et plus 12
7. Autres astuces et conseils 13
8. Support 13
9. Réparation et mises à jour 13
10. Spécications 14
11. Consignes de recyclage du produit 14

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Bienvenue et félicitations pour l’achat de votre nouveau préamplificateur en streaming
Naim. Comme tous les produits Naim Audio, le NSC 222 donne la priorité absolue à la
performance musicale. Pour l’aider à déployer tout son potentiel, il est important de
suivre les consignes simples pour l’installation et l’utilisation qui sont fournies dans
ce manuel. Nous allons commencer par quelques informations de base concernant
le produit et la mise en place, avant de passer à des informations plus détaillées à la
section 5.
Introduction
1. Liste des éléments fournis
À noter : tous les avertissements de
sécurité se trouvent dans le manuel
de sécurité agréé.
1xNSC 222
1xDocumentation
1xTélécommande 2xFiches cavalier
1xChion de nettoyage 1xCâble d’alimentation