Naim Audio NSS 333 Streaming DAC $10,999 Review

April 25, 2024 Comments Off on Naim Audio NSS 333 Streaming DAC $10,999 Review

https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1224-naim-audio-nss-333-streaming-dac

The NSS 333 is based on the latest-generation NP800 streaming platform, which Naim claims to be futureproofed via software upgrades. In my experience, Naim is superb at updating its player and app software. This platform was originally developed for Naim’s second-generation Uniti models, and proved extremely dependable during my lengthy evaluation period. The only issue I noticed was that it seemed incapable of accessing the UPnP playlists I had created for my first-generation Naim NDX streamer. Tidal playlists worked fine, but those involving locally stored files were problematic. It’s an annoying limitation for users of Naim’s first-generation streaming hardware who want to upgrade to the new platform, assuming mine was not an isolated case. My recently acquired NDX2, which uses the same streaming platform, has no issues in this regard.

The DAC features Naim’s favored Burr-Brown PCM1791A chip running in external filter mode. There are two separate digital boards; the first fitted with an ARM microcontroller for system control, while the second contains SHARC digital signal processing circuits. Discrete class-A op amps are used with custom Naim filters. The circuit uses custom polystyrene ultralow-dielectric-absorption post-DAC filter components. Two fixed-frequency 44.1kHz/48kHz synchronous master clocks are employed for ultra-low jitter. The NSS 333 uses Naim’s proprietary DSP 705.6kHz/768kHz integer oversampling digital filter. Although not considered exotic, the 1791 DAC was chosen after extensive listening tests because Naim found it sounded superior to more expensive options.

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