Naim-NAC 202 / NAP 200

A preamplifier offering exceptional sound quality and a unique design.

British Naim is a brand with many years of tradition and an established reputation. The company was founded in 1973 by Julian Vereker, an audio engineer and entrepreneur. From the very beginning, Naim gained recognition for its amplifiers that offered precise, dynamic and detailed sound. The NAP 200 and NAC 202 models, although not the newest, are still highly appreciated among audiophiles thanks to their solid construction and exceptional sonic properties.

NAC 202

The NAC 202 electronics is based on precision components that minimize noise and ensure high signal quality. The electronic system has been optimized to minimize electromagnetic interference, which translates into clean, transparent sound. The NAC 202 power supply is completely separated from the preamplifier, whose power source is provided by a dedicated NAP 200 power amplifier (optional HiCap / NAPSC). The physical separation of power supply elements has a positive impact on the improvement of sound quality, with many unfavorable features eliminated. NAP 202, thanks to a separate power supply, gained overall purity and improved dynamics, while ensuring speed and good insight into details. To maximize its considerable capabilities and improve its sound even further, Naim recommends using additional external power supplies:

NAPSC - improves noise reduction, increasing efficiency by providing a stable voltage that minimizes distortion.

HiCap / HiCap DR – relieves the internal power supply of the power amplifier and provides stable, efficient voltage which eliminates distortion, improving the overall performance of the audio system. HiCap uses high-quality components such as precision capacitors and a toroidal transformer, which further improves power and sound quality.

RCA inputs:

NAC 202 has two pairs of RCA inputs that allow you to connect various analog signal sources, such as CD players, tuners or other audio devices.

DIN inputs:

The NAC 202 is equipped with several DIN inputs, which are typical of Naim devices. They are valued for the high quality of the transmitted signal and the reliability of the connection.

External power inputs:

NAC 202 can be powered by an external power supply, which allows for improved sound quality. The external power supply connectors are specifically designed to work with dedicated Naim power supplies such as NAPSC, FlatCap, HiCap and SuperCap.

Outputs:

DIN outputs that allow connection to a power amplifier such as the NAP 200. These connectors ensure high-quality signal transmission.

Phono amplifier power output that allows you to power an external phono amplifier such as a Naim Stageline or Superline.

Additional features:

Remote Control - The NAC 202 is equipped with a Control RS232 connector enabling remote control for other Naim devices, allowing for easy audio system integration and central control.

Ground point:

The device also has a grounding point that helps eliminate noise and interference, improving the overall sound quality.

The housing of the NAC 202 and NAP 200 is designed from high-quality materials. Anodized aluminum construction ensures lightness, stiffness and durability. Aluminum also helps dissipate heat, which is important for the efficiency of devices. The appearance is minimalistic, yet elegant and professional while maintaining simplicity and comfort of use. On the front there is a green illuminated Naim logo, which is subtly and elegantly integrated into the solidly designed housing.

NAP 200

The NAP 200 power amplifier is a classic Naim design that has been subject to many updates (the latest model is the DR series - Discrete Regulator). The described model does not use DR technology, but is based on Naim's previous advanced technology. It uses, among others, tantalum capacitors, precision resistors and a large 300 VA toroidal transformer, providing 70 W of power per channel at an 8 Ω load.

Test with KEF LS50 loudspeakers, RME-ADI 2 DAC FS converter and REL T5i Subwoofer.

Connecting the Naim NAP 200 amplifier and NAC 202 preamplifier to KEF LS50 loudspeakers accompanied by the RME-ADI 2 DAC FS digital-to-analog converter provides a precise musical experience. You can feel the enormous power and dynamics provided by the amplifier. The sound has charisma and a solid kick with bass that is fast and well kept in check. KEF LS50 loudspeakers are known for their precision and ability to reproduce the smallest details in music. When paired with the Naim NAP 200 / NAC 202, their sound reaches new heights. The entire set was connected with a WireWorld-Stratus 7 power cable, The Chord-Cadenza Reference interconnect, which connected the Naim with the RME-ADI 2 DAC FS, and a high-end Audiomica Laboratory - Miamen Consequence M3 speaker cable, made of the highest quality OCC 7N copper. , with which Naim could fully demonstrate its capabilities, ensuring a fast and precise connection.

SOUND

BASS

Well defined under full amplifier control. The bass lines are clearly drawn and full of energy.Even when listening at loud volumes, the bass remains precise and not exaggerated, which is especially important for dynamic electronic and rock music. The REL-T5i subwoofer adds impressive dynamics and stronger lower-reaching bass, which enriches the overall listening experience.

DIAMETER

The NAC 202 stands out for its exceptional midrange clarity. Vocals sound natural and full of emotion, but when compared to higher-end Naim models, they lack illumination and air. The answer, although not tested on the described set, may lie in the power supply of the preamplifier, which in the test did not use external NAPSC / HiCap power supplies recommended by the manufacturer. It should be noted that the NAC 202 does not have its own built-in power supply and in the test it was not connected to external power supplies, drawing energy from the NAP 200 power amplifier, which significantly limited the use of the full potential of both components. Acoustic instruments such as guitars and pianos are reproduced with incredible precision and detail, adding realism and depth to the music. Compared to the Musical Fidelity-A3CR power amplifier combined with the Densen-Beat B200 preamplifier, the vocals of the Nain set are more restrained. The Musical amplifier and Densen offer a more emotional and intimate reproduction of vocals, while the Nain presents them in a more balanced and neutral way.

HIGH TONES

The high tones are full of subtle nuances, they do not go beyond the orchestra, but accompany it impressively, this is the result of advanced engineering of Nain amplifiers and precise transducers in the KEF-LS50 loudspeakers. Cymbals and other percussion instruments sound natural and spacious, which adds shine and air to the music.

DYNAMICS AND SPACE

The ability of the Nain set to reproduce the dynamics of recordings is impressive. Even at low volume levels, the sound is full of life and energy. The sound space is wide and deep, which allows for precise positioning of instruments on the stage. The listener feels like he or she is part of the performance, which adds a unique authenticity to the music.

Synergy with RME-Adi 2 DAC FS:

The RME-Adi 2 DAC FS adds an extra layer of precision and detail to this set. Thanks to advanced DSP with the ability to personalize the sound, the user can adjust the sound to their own preferences. The high resolution of the DAC means that every detail is reproduced with exceptional clarity, and the dynamics are delightful.

Comparison to system 2 - MUSICAL FIDELITY-A3CR / DENSEN-BEAT B200.

Compared to the Musical Fidelity-A3CR / Densen-Beat B200, the Naim vocals lose a certain breath. Musical Fidelity and Densen offer a more emotional and intimate reproduction of vocals, while Naim maintains a certain distance, which has a positive effect on the good matching of the sound to any type of music. The sound stage is not only wide, but also deep, which allows for precise positioning of instruments. Each instrument is reproduced with good precision, where the listener can distinguish the smallest nuances. Drums sound natural and full, with clear reproduction of drum hits and subtle rustles of cymbals. The snare drum and kick drum keep the tempo tight, strongly emphasizing the rhythm, which adds distinct energy to the music. Vocals are presented with exceptional clarity, allowing the listener to experience the emotions conveyed by the artists. It's probably not high-end, but there's nothing to complain about, considering the class and price range of this equipment. In classical music, this set reproduces the richness of the orchestra with incredible accuracy, where each instrument is well defined and the whole sounds coherent and harmonious. Returning to the comparison with the Musical Fidelity / Densen set, some differences in sound presentation can be noticed. Musical Fidelity with Densen offer a more emotional and intimate reproduction of vocals, but they fare worse compared to Naim as a universal sound that works well in any genre of music.

CONCLUSION

Naim NAP 200 and NAC 202 is a set that will meet the expectations of even the most demanding audiophiles. Thanks to its solid construction, advanced technology and attention to every detail, this set offers exceptional sound quality. Although this is not the highest model from Naim, it certainly is

is a successful design that, in the right company, is able to generate an emotional sound full of dynamics and subtlety.The previously tested higher Naim NAP 250DR / NAC 282 model played more dynamically and provided more colorful and pure tones. Musical fidelity with Densen, presented better lighting in the presentation of vocals. NAC 202 and NAP 200, however, are more open to all types of music, which translates into the satisfaction of many audiophiles. In combination with the KEF LS50 loudspeakers, the RME ADI 2 DAC FS converter, the REL T5i subwoofer, the Audiomica Laboratory Miamen Consequence M3 cables and The Chord Cadenza interconnect, the listener receives a full, dynamic sound that is full of detailed nuances.

TECHNICAL DATA

NAP 200

Audio output channels: 2 stereo channels

Output power: 70 W per channel

Tansformer: specially designed to provide 300 VA transient power

Impedance: 18 kOhm

Frequency range: 3-50000 Hz

Speaker terminals: 4mm banana connectors

Power supply: stable even with a load of 2 Ohm

AC input voltage: 100-230V

AC input frequency: 50-60 Hz

Dimensions: Width: 432 mm / depth: 314 mm / height: 87 mm

Weight: 11.6 Kg

NAC 202

Inputs: analog 4x DIN / 2x DIN/RCA

Input sensitivity: 75 mV

Output impedance: 47 kOhm

Input: Unity Gain AV

Outputs: 2x adjustable DIN, 1x fixed RCA

Power output: Naim phono preamplifier

Controls: remote control/buttons and volume potentiometer on the front

Additional features: support for external FlatCap XS / HiCap / HiCap DR / SuperCap / NAPSC power supplies

Dimensions: Width: 432 mm / depth: 314 mm / height: 87 mm

Weight: 7 kg

Colour: Black

Prepared by: Łabędź Przemysław