Naim Statement NAP S1

Built for pure musical excellence, Statement is the culmination of Naim's design and artistry expertise. The Statement Series includes the NAC S1 preamplifier and the NAP S1 power amplifier.

History

The idea for a new type of amplifier began already ten years ago and the actual development then began in 2011. The goal was to set a new reference standard in music reproduction and high-end audio.

The result is: Statement. Three years of constant questions, repeated projects and a total refusal to take 'no' for an answer.

A Design That Puts Performance First

Often designers start their designs based on something that already exists. You may ask how to make it work better or where you can still improve. With Statement, however, we started on a clean sheet and with a vision: to create the ultimate in amplifiers.

After an initial conceptual phase, the designers put practical considerations aside and began to design freely. This creative freedom was then supported by 3D computer models which confirmed the ideal placement of each component.

And just to be able to contain this new layout, Statement has an innovative vertical structure. It was the best way to minimize electromagnetic and mechanical interference and maximize thermal performance.

Dualism in Design

The radically different look of Statement may seem like a departure from the Naim tradition but it is instead the best expression of everything we stand for.

The imposing monolithic structure with its extreme silhouette is counterbalanced by the natural sculptural flow of the well-lit heat sink, volume control and center divider. This dualism of design shows how our pursuit of technical excellence is always based on the human experience of music. If this amplifier were only the best amplifier in the world in lab tests, we would only be doing half the job - what really matters happens in the listening room.

Technology

Everything in Statement is a leap forward in technology and design. It was built from the ground up with only the best performance in mind.

Isolation

Statement perfectly represents our philosophy of always delivering the highest quality power supply, isolating individual sections to avoid unwanted interference.

NAC S1 and NAP S1 share the same basic layout. The noisy power supply is placed in the base and the sensitive electronics are placed on top. Each section is divided by a central acrylic block that blocks interaction. The electronics at the top are further separated by internal chambers that isolate the individual stages.

Double Power

Statement NAP S1 has a new dual matched design with zero overall feedback. The two stages are physically separated to optimize the amplification circuit and the delicate voltage stage is placed in the highest part of the power amplifier, away from the current stage which is in the lowest part.

Each mono power amplifier uses a large 4000VA transformer to power the speakers with a precise 746W (into 8 ohms). Precision engineering also makes sure that every single watt is sent exactly where it's needed, when it's needed. After all, power is useless if it's not addressed.

Capacity

Every component, curve and link in Statement required new levels of engineering design and tolerance.

Metallurgy

The distinctive corrugated heat sink begins its life as a shapeless piece of metal which is then cut to size and machined to achieve its curved shape. then the 'fins' are cut using a temperature controlled CNC machine. It takes three hours for the finished shape to emerge. Once each piece has been produced it is painstakingly hand polished and inspected for quality control.

Finish

After the inspection process, the metal part is placed in baths of cleaning acids and then in a bath of electrolytic fluid which contains black ink. Thanks to a current passing through this fluid, the ink bonds to the metal piece and creates the characteristic Naim black finish. It took several months of collaboration between Naim engineers and our suppliers to get the finish Statement needed.

Handmade

Statement was designed and developed using state of the art construction technology. But it takes a man's touch to get the best out of it. For example, every component critical to sound reproduction is placed and hand-welded by our skilled technicians. As with all Naim products final assembly of the products is done by hand in Wiltshire, England.

NAP S1