FOR
Impressive clarity combined with exceptional dynamic expression and rhythmic coherence
Fine build
AGAINST
Price puts it out of the reach of most
VERDICT
The ND 555/555 PS DR combination isn’t cheap, but it is the best-sounding digital streaming source we’ve heard
Naim is rightly proud of its ND 555 music streamer. It’s the first of the company’s streaming products to gain 500 series status, and in Naim-speak that means it’s the very best it makes right now.
The ND 555 is claimed to be a ground-up new design, but it still focuses on evolutionary thinking rather than trying to reinvent anything. Considering the success the company has had with that approach over the decades, that’s no bad thing.
If you spend lakhs on a music steamer, you’d normally expect it to work straight from the box. But that’s not the case here; the ND 555 doesn’t have a built-in power supply. You’ll need to add at least one of the company’s 555 PS DR outboard power units – and that costs lakhs more. You can add another if you’re really feeling flush, and the claim is of another performance lift.
So what we really have here (in base form) is a very expensive music streamer; and you know what? We love it.
THE FRUIT OF HEAVY INVESTMENT
Naim has been at the forefront of hi-fi streaming for years. It invested in the technology early, when most rivals (apart from Linn) hedged their bets. It has continued to pour resources into R&D to make sure it stays at the leading edge.
Denne historien er fra September 2020-utgaven av What Hi-Fi.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 2020-utgaven av What Hi-Fi.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The slim, not shady soundbar
Shaking up the category and its nomenclature, Sony is pulling no punches with the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9.
New world charm
The Music System (Gen 2) doesn't mince words, does it? It does exactly what it says on the wrapper play music. Simple.
Singing the verse
One of the most hallowed Indian hi-fi brands, Sonodyne has been making speakers for virtually every kind of application for decades now.
Radio Ga Ga
FOR Build quality, retro design, natural sound, simple controls
Maximizing on Mini
FOR Bright panel, calibrated modes, great picture quality
Vertere Dark Sabre
Details matter in audio design.
INDOOR PLANTS IN FULL BOOM
These premium wireless speakers are designed for use in the home - where they will raise the roof
RAISING THE BAR
Elevate your home cinema sound with this trio of convenient soundbar packages
I SPENT 24 HOURS IMMERSED IN DOLBY ATMOS MUSIC - THESE ARE 8 KEY THINGS I LEARNED
What Hi-Fi? UK deputy editor Andy Madden gained some interesting insights from the world of immersive audio on a visit to a Dolby Atmos studio
TAKE TO THE FLOOR
From pumping dance music to grand orchestral heft, these pillars of strength will deliver in spades