Naim ND5 XS2 Network Streamer

Best music streamer over £1500 - What HiFi 2019 / 2020 / 2021 /2022

Naim Audio ND5 XS 2 Network Streamer

The ND5 XS 2 uses Naim's new innovative streaming platform. Some of the key features on the ND5 XS 2 are streaming, AirPlay, built-in Chromecast, Bluetooth (apt x HD), Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Roon compatibility, Internet Radio and multi-room streaming - alongside digital and USB inputs for conventional connections; this makes the ND5 XS 2 one the most versatile streamers to match Naim's integrated amplifiers.

Key Features

• High-quality streaming platform
• Supports  WAV, FLAC, DSD, Apple Lossless, AIFF, AAC, Windows Media-formatted files, M4A and MP3. 
• 4 x 24bit/192kHz capable digital inputs (S/PDIF) to support optimum connection to external sources
• Built-in Chromecast, Apple Airplay, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect streaming 
• Front-panel USB port allowing replay of MP3 player and USB-stored audio
• vTuner 5* full-service internet radio
• Multiroom & Party Mode compatible
• iOS and Android Naim Audio app for intuitive control
• Bluetooth connectivity with aptX codec for quality audio playback
• Roon ready - turning your music collection into a beautifully laid-out catalogue
• 5-year warranty when registered with Naim- click here to register your product
• Pairs brilliantly with the Naim Nait XS3 and the Supernait 3 amplifier

The Technology & Craft

The streaming section of the ND5 XS 2 uses Naim's latest network card which features low-noise, high-speed low voltage differential signalling to route the digital audio signal. The benefits of having such high-speed signalling are that it makes it capable of decoding all HD audio formats up to 32 bits/384kHz or DSD128. The Data is integer-over-sampled in a SHARC DSP to an outstanding 40-bit accuracy before it's fed to the PCM1791A Burr-Brown digital-to-analogue converter. The development of the new streaming platform was one of Naim's biggest projects, three years it took to create a system that could make the most of online services such as TIDAL, and Spotify whilst adding future-proof flexibility through Chromecast built-in.

High-res UPnP streaming, AirPlay, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Roon compatibility, internet radio and multiroom streaming – alongside digital and USB inputs for conventional connections – make this versatile player the ideal partner for one of Naim’s integrated amplifiers. With carefully selected and matched parts, an oversized toroidal transformer, and decoupled PCB boards, the ND5 XS 2 benefits from classic Naim engineering and fastidious attention to detail to ensure that it delivers natural, engaging sound quality from all sources.

Supporting faster data rates with dual-band Wi-Fi and the latest 802.11ac protocol, this robust platform was designed for the highest performance on every level. Naim’s new network players offer numerous ways to listen to your music with clarity and precision. Chromecast built-in lets you stream audio from hundreds of supported smartphone or tablet apps such as Deezer, Qobuz, Plex, TuneIn, Soundcloud and Pandora with up to 24 bits/96 kHz resolution. Apple AirPlay streams music from your iOS device or from iTunes and Apple Music. Tidal lossless streaming service is integrated for ease of use and audiophile-quality sound. Native support for Spotify lets you play millions of songs from the world’s most popular streaming service. Start playback from a portable device and listen on your Naim network player, using the Spotify app as a remote. Bluetooth (aptX HD) pairs your Bluetooth device for instant playback of your music in high definition with the best current Bluetooth (low latency).

Who is Naim?

Naim Audio has a special place in British audio, thanks to its founder and inspirational leader Julian Vereker, a hugely talented mechanical and electronic engineer with a passion for, amongst many things, music. Founded in 1973, Naim has always had a firm philosophy of music first, measurements second - each Naim product is extensively auditioned as part of the product development process to make sure that it delivers clear, emotional music-making ability.

Naim products are designed to bring the closest facsimile of a live music event into your home listening environment, to give you maximum pleasure from your music collection. Many of the Naim products are evolutions of previous designs, incorporating sometimes quite small changes to the mechanical or electronic design - however, these incremental changes make a large overall improvement in the musical performance of each product.