Naim NAC 202 Stereo Preamplifier with Remote

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General:
One of my absolute favorite audio brands. UK made. Tons of upgrade paths with external power supplies available for the consummate tweaker. 

Incredible build quality and attention to detail resulting in a wonderful, engaging, and detailed sound. Best used with other Naim gear but will work with the rest.

Fully bench tested and performing to factory specs. In good condition without any significant signs of wear.

This listing also includes the Naim remote as shown in our photos. 

*Please note this NAC 202 requires a separate Naim power supply (or mated to a Naim amp) and corresponding Naim DIN connecting cable for operation. Please call us with any questions on Naim connections.

More from Naim:
The NAC 202 is the next step up from our entry-level NAC 152 XS, adding star-earthed circuit boards for superior transparency and an even lower resonance circuit layout. It provides for a wide range of expansion and upgrade options, including connection to a StageLine phonostage and an AV bypass connection to an external AV amplifier. 

Features:
• Support for both DIN and RCA inputs to ease connection into a wider range of systems 
• User configurable unity-gain AV input 
• Powered input for use with StageLine or Prefix phono stage 
• RC5 input and Smart IR system for remote control integration of Naim Audio products 
• Optional RS232 (Serial) input/output for use in full home automation systems 
• Can be powered from the preamp inputs of the NAP 155 XS or NAP 200 power amplifier or external power supply (see Upgrade Path)

Technology & Craft
The NAC 202 introduced a new level of technical and musical performance to our range of preamplifiers, along with elegant new styling. 

Low-resonance circuit boards and anti-vibration, resonance controlling feet minimise the effect of microphonic vibration on the highly sensitive electronic components while carefully matched precision rotary potentiometers with precious metal wipers are used to preserve musical integrity and ensure long-term stability. 

The intelligent balance control combines a high quality motorised potentiometer for the best performance with intelligent circuitry to indicate the centre position. 

The NAC 202 also features a silent microprocessor that sleeps during listening and controls all aspects of the amplifier including: protection circuits that continuously monitor the power supplies ensuring safe shut down in the event of a power cut; user-configurable RC5 input and Smart IR system for remote control integration of Naim Audio products.

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top.. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Weight:
15.43 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects - Best

Testing Process:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCB’s for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope. We then switch to a 1KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment. Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected. If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.