The analogue centre of the 300 Series, with eight inputs and resistor volume control
Naim NAC 332 is the New Classic 300 preamplifier with XLR, DIN and RCA inputs, Class-A headphone amplification and optional NPX 300 power.
The single Naim NAC 332 is the analogue control point of a 300 Series system: it accepts NSS 333 as the network source and drives a pair of NAP 350 monoblocks through balanced XLR outputs. Its role differs from NSC 222 because there is no streamer inside; instead it provides more analogue inputs, broader output flexibility and dedicated preamplifier architecture.
Key features
- Eight analogue inputs: two XLR pairs, three RCA pairs, two 5-pin DIN and one 8-pin DIN
- Preamplifier outputs on balanced XLR and RCA
- Front 6.35 mm headphone socket with 1.5 W into 16 ohms
- Fixed-resistor volume control switched by reed relays, derived from Statement architecture
- Adjustable input sensitivity and configurable maximum volume
- Powered 8-pin DIN socket for direct connection of NVC TT phono stage
- Bi-directional communication with NSS 333 and System Automation for New Classic power amplifiers
- Compatible with NPX 300 and Super Lumina cabling
More modular than NSC 222
NSC 222 is a 200 Series streaming preamplifier intended to reduce box count; NAC 332 follows a separated approach. Streaming therefore requires a source such as NSS 333, but the reward is a larger analogue input complement and a control architecture intended for systems where each function has its own component.
NVC TT without a separate supply
The powered 8-pin DIN can supply an NVC TT directly, allowing the phono stage to join the system without NPX TT. A dedicated NPX TT can be added later if independent phono-stage power is preferred, while NAC 332 continues to act solely as the control and preamplification stage.
From NAC 332 to a pair of NAP 350s
Balanced XLR outputs provide the natural route to two NAP 350 monoblocks, one per channel. RCA outputs remain available for other amplifier configurations, while New Classic interconnect options also allow integration with earlier Naim generations. Bi-directional communication with NSS 333 also simplifies daily operation, allowing source and preamplifier to behave as a coordinated system while remaining electrically separate.
