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Naim NDX 2
The NDX 2 is a versatile and upgradable network player that offers world-class performance and immersive playback. It comes with several features such as high-resolution UPnP™ streaming, AirPlay, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, and USB inputs. Our primary goal was to enhance its performance by integrating an advanced DAC and discrete analogue stages, making it an impressive sonic experience.
Features
• The NDX 2 allows for streaming of high-quality audio files from different sources. It supports various music formats such as WAV, FLAC, DSD, AAC, and MP3, and comes with four digital inputs for external connections.
• It features a 5" colour display to show album artwork and track information.
• The device also has built-in Chromecast and Apple AirPlay to stream music from your smartphone, iTunes, or Apple Music.
• It has Spotify Connect and supports high-resolution streaming via Qobuz and TIDAL.
• You can control the device using an iOS or Android app, and it also has Bluetooth connectivity.
• A front-panel USB port lets you listen to music from MP3 players or USBs. It also has internet radio and is compatible with multiroom and party mode.
• The NDX 2 is Roon ready, and you can control compatible amplifiers through the Focal & Naim app on your phone or tablet.
• The device comes with a remote control and is designed for easy use.
Technology & Craft
The Burr-Brown® digital-to-analogue converter, working alongside our new streaming platform, is one of the best available. We improved its performance even further by implementing our own digital filters and adding a discrete current-to-voltage converter immediately after the DAC.
The NDX 2's streaming section uses the latest Naim network card with low-noise, high-speed LVDS to route the digital audio signal. It can decode all HD audio formats up to 32 bits/384 kHz or DSD128. Our new streaming board allows our DAC clock to control the flow of audio data instead of the source. The data is then over-sampled in a SHARC DSP to a 40-bit accuracy before being fed to the Burr-Brown DAC.
The NDX 2 has an integrated low-noise power supply with a custom-designed toroidal transformer and separate windings for digital and analogue sections. The player can be upgraded with an external XPS DR or 555 PS DR power supply for richer sound quality. Our engineers examined every detail, resulting in a network player that delivers clear, detailed sound, worthy of the Naim badge.
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Professional Reviews 93/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
95/100
Build Quality
89/100
Features Usability
92/100
Value for Money
91/100
The Naim NDX 2 brings explosive rhythmic drive, deep controlled bass and finely resolved detail to serious streaming systems. What Hi-Fi? praised its confident dynamics and layered imaging, while HiFi News highlighted its rich, insightful presentation. Broad high-resolution support, responsive streaming and optional power-supply upgrades make this a deeply musical, future-ready source.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally engaging, rhythmically assured sound with punch, expressive dynamics and strong musical cohesion.
Highly detailed and spacious presentation, combining focused treble, deep bass control and stable layered imaging.
Flexible, responsive streaming platform with wired and wireless networking, multiple digital inputs, USB playback and substantial upgrade potential.
&
Cons
External XPS DR and 555 PS DR power-supply upgrades are expensive.
No balanced XLR analogue outputs, which may limit integration with some systems.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 95/100
Reviewers consistently find the NDX 2 unusually involving, rhythmically assured and musically communicative, while also praising its insight, scale and stable imaging. It combines forceful bass and expressive dynamics with a clear, refined top end rather than treating detail as an end in itself.
Tonal Balance Musicality
95/100
The NDX 2 is repeatedly described as fast, exciting, bold and rich, with an exceptionally strong sense of timing and an infectious ability to communicate music. What Hi-Fi praises its rounded tonal balance and finesse with poorer recordings, while HiFi News hears real weight, attack and musical fulfilment.
Resolution Detail
95/100
Reviews praise fine instrumental textures, nuanced low-level detail and the ability to keep multiple musical strands intelligible. The Ear calls its transparency extraordinary, while HiFi News highlights its highly nuanced view of recorded ambience and detail.
Digital Performance
94/100
The streamer is praised for near mixing-desk clarity, focused treble detail, low noise and convincing scale from high-resolution material. What Hi-Fi also found source changes responsive and trouble-free, and reports that even Bluetooth and AirPlay remain enjoyable despite an expected reduction in sound quality.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
The NDX 2 combines a mature control experience with broad streaming, file-playback and input options. Its platform supports both straightforward day-to-day listening and a more elaborate multiroom or Roon-based system.
Streaming Software
91/100
What Hi-Fi found the NDX 2 more responsive than earlier Naim streamers, with source changes handled without issue or delay. Sound Advice calls it a breeze to use and highlights the developed iOS and Android app, Roon readiness and integration with Naim multiroom systems.
Features Connectivity
93/100
The NDX 2 supports local-network playback, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Tidal, AirPlay, Chromecast, Bluetooth, internet radio and high-resolution PCM and DSD files. RCA and DIN analogue outputs, multiple optical and coaxial digital inputs, USB playback and an optional external power supply make it notably flexible for a high-end streamer.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
89/100
What Hi-Fi finds the NDX 2 solidly made and nicely finished, even if it does not project a luxurious feel. Sound Advice similarly describes it as beautifully hand-built, though the reviews offer little long-term commentary beyond these favourable impressions.
Value for Money
91/100
At roughly £5,000 when reviewed, What Hi-Fi judged the NDX 2 to sound excellent for the money and suggested the standalone player would satisfy most buyers. Other reviewers focus less directly on price, but describe its wide source support and absorbing, long-term musical appeal as compelling at this level.
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Naim NDX 2
- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accent On Music — in-store — Mount Kisco, New York, United States (website)
- Accessories 4 less — online and in-store — Apopka, Florida, United States (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Adventures in HiFi — in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
and 272 more verified dealers