NAIM NDX 2

Naim Audio’s formidable reputation may have been built on the excellence of its amplification, but in recent years it is the quality of the company’s streaming products that has impressed the most.

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Over the past few years, the Naim has invested heavily in a new-generation streaming platform. This was first seen in the new Uniti system products with the Atom, Star and Nova all gaining five-star reviews. Here, that same platform is implemented in the company’s more premium hi-fi separates offerings, where a larger budget and greater purity of purpose allow the engineers to optimise the performance with far less compromise.

The NDX 2 is about as well equipped as they come, with no obvious holes in file compatibility, and it can play music up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128. There’s aptX HD Bluetooth alongside Apple Airplay, Spotify Connect and Chromecast. Tidal is also embedded and it’s Roon-ready. This is a product that is more than happy to play any music file you have, in any way you want.

No-nonsense engineering

Naim’s products don’t feel particularly luxurious, but they are invariably solidly made and nicely finished. They tend to last decades too, thanks to a considered, no-nonsense approach to engineering, robust build and a service department that can still handle pretty much any product the company has ever made. That’s saying something, as Naim was founded in the early ’70s.