Naim Audio ND 555 Reference Network Player

The ND 555 is the result of over four decades of audio engineering. From our state-of-the-art streaming module to powerful, natural-sounding audio stages – every element of this network player is built on our design DNA, giving it that distinctive, captivating Naim sound. The ND 555 development process also helped us step foot into new technologies: for the first time, we’ve added low-voltage differential signalling (LVDS) to a premium Naim player. We chose LVDS because it minimises timing errors due to its fast speed and it minimises radiation thanks to its low noise.

The ND 555 is bristling with innovative technology from input to output. The streaming section uses the latest Naim network card featuring low-noise, high-speed LVDS to route the digital audio signal. The higher speed is capable of decoding most HD audio formats at up to 32 bits/384 kHz or DSD128. Rather than the source acting as the digital timing master, our new streaming board turns things around and allows our DAC clock to control the flow of audio data. The data is integer-over-sampled in a SHARC DSP to an incredible 40-bit accuracy and fed into the Burr-Brown® PCM1704, a true R2R ladder DAC valued for its exceptional sound quality.

Naim’s renowned DR regulator technology, as used in our range of amplifiers and power supplies, makes its first appearance in a network player, providing ultra-pure DC voltage to the sensitive audio circuitry in the ND 555. The analogue stages use only high-grade through-hole components and are suspended on sprung sub-chassis with heavy brass plates to minimise the effects of microphony.

There are several ways to control ND 555. The Naim App for iOS and Android gives you complete control over individual or multiple Naim products. You can access all of your music including radio pre-sets, streaming services and playlists, sync several Naim players for multiroom playback or explore artist discographies and biographies. The app also controls our Uniti Core music server (so there’s no need for two separate apps) and allows you to update your system wirelessly with a single tap.

For those who prefer a more tactile experience, a premium metal Zigbee® remote control is supplied. It requires no line of sight to the player, so you can take control whatever direction you’re facing. The front panel features a 5” colour display presenting album artwork as well as track information in crisp detail, and there are keys for most commonly used functions including standby and input selection.