The Audiophile Network Player

The Naim Audio NDX is a network audio player with the potential to transform music in the home. It can play UPnP audio streams, internet radio, iPod or iPhone audio, and files stored on USB memory hardware. Three high resolution S/PDIF digital inputs complete its versatility.

NDX is however more than just a versatile network audio player. It embodies Naim's unrivalled digital audio experience and knowhow to provide music reproduction quality equivalent to the best-in-class CDX2 CD player and HDX hard disk player. It makes music with vitality and clarity, rhythm and warmth. NDX defines a new class of high-end audio source equipment and brings to it genuine audiophile performance.

Streaming Versatility

Connected to an analogue or digital preamplifier input, NDX unlocks the potential of network audio. Its network connection can be either wireless or wired, and NDX can stream audio files, including iTunes libraries, stored on a computer or on network storage, via UPnP. It can play all common, and some not so common, audio file and stream formats at up to 24bit/96kHz resolution: WMA, MP3, MMS, AAC, Apple Lossless (from iPod), WAV, FLAC, AIFF and Ogg Vorbis. NDX also recognises M3U and PLS playlists formats and supports gap-less playback on all lossless formats.

NDX can play literally thousands of internet radio stations and an optional FM/DAB tuner module, that integrates seamlessly with the NDX control interface, is also available. NDX can play iPod or iPhone music via its front panel USB socket and, via the same socket, it can play audio files stored on USB memory sticks and drives. NDX is fully Apple Authenticated enabling playback of iPod/iPhone-stored digital media, bypassing the iPod/iPhone internal DAC for optimised performance.

Three independently selectable digital inputs enable S/PDIF audio signals from CD players, computers and other digital audio sources at up to 24 bit/192kHz resolution to be handled by the NDX. Each digital input comprises a different connection socket option; optical TosLink, coaxial phono and coaxial BNC, to provide yet greater versatility and optimised sound quality.

Choice of control

Versatility and audio quality is worth nothing without an intuitive user interface and the NDX has three. It can be operated from its front panel buttons, from its remote control handset or using the Naim n-Stream iPhone app. The app also allows input and volume control of Naim preamplifiers and DAC.In each case, NDX control is simple, intuitive and satisfying.

Connected to a world of music

Connect an NDX to your existing audio system, and the world of network audio opens for discovery. It's a world of high resolution audio downloads, UPnP streaming, and the vast resource of internet radio. But thanks to Naim technology, it's a world of very high quality reproduction also, where music doesn't simply play in the background but lives, breathes and communicates.

It has arrived!!!!!

Our demonstration NDX has arrived with us at last.. It feels like we've been waiting an eterntiy for it to arrive but we know it will be worth the wait.

You can use the NDX in a number of different ways - it can be fed music over a network from an HDX or a UnitiServe, it can be served music from a uPnP server (a suitable NAS drive), play off a USB stick, iPod, iPhone or iPad and also Internet Radio (You can even get a DAB module fitted at the time of order).

Sonically, we are led to believe it sounds on par with a CDX2 which can only be a good thing. This will also mean of course that you can upgrade it with the Naim DAC, also looking at the picture above you will also notice it has a burndy socket, meaning you will be able to take the performance up another notch with a power supply. The XPS and 555PS being the 2 suitable models.

There are also 3 digital inputs on offer, so if you've any other kit you want to integrate into the NDX well you can.

It offers wired and wireless network connections (use wired wherever possible).

Coupled with a UnitiServe, the NDX could well be the way forward.

It's far too early to be commenting on it sonically as it has only been running for a few hours but so far it's looking mightily impressive. We be back with a more in depth analysis in a few days once it has bedded in fully.

Watch this space!

Changing the way we listen to music.........quite possibly!