Naim NSS 333

[What Hi-Fi?]

Naim’s NSS 333 music streamer weaves a powerful sonic spell.

Naim NSS 333 : Read more

 

[Hifiman]

I am surprised more was not made of the lack of USB (B) input at this level. When the less expensive 222 was reviewed by WHF last year this omission was regarded as ‘a bit of an oversight to us’ whereas here it ‘isn’t a deal breaker’.
I suspect a fair few might disagree.

 

[Friesiansam]

It is something of a surprise to find a USB (Type B) not included, but given that the NSS 333 can play pretty much every music file your computer can, this isn’t a deal breaker.

I am surprised more was not made of the lack of USB (B) input at this level.

It has a USB (type A) input, there is not a problem.

NSS 333 - High resolution streamer | Naim Audio

Experience the exceptional sound quality and streaming capabilities of the NSS 333, the preferred choice of audiophiles. It supports popular file formats for easy music listening through multiple sources.

www.naimaudio.com

 

[Kenneth Fernandes]

I am surprised more was not made of the lack of USB (B) input at this level. When the less expensive 222 was reviewed by WHF last year this omission was regarded as ‘a bit of an oversight to us’ whereas here it ‘isn’t a deal breaker’.
I suspect a fair few might disagree.

And what about USB-C then?

 

[Friesiansam]

And what about USB-C then?

Doesn't matter whether it is A, B or C. What does matter is that the WHF reviewer criticised a lack of USB input, even though one is present.

 

[Kenneth Fernandes]

Doesn't matter whether it is A, B or C. What does matter is that the WHF reviewer criticised a lack of USB input, even though one is present.

Although there are other Naim products like the Uniti range of all-in-one Wireless Streaming Amplifiers, there is very little scope for purchasing separates these days. Simply because it has never been easier to recycle old electronic devices and replace them with modern and energy-efficient devices. Also, it is very much possible to have a Processor+DAC+Amplifier on a single PCB board without any wires(wire-less), except for power input, and still achieve optimal cooling. In that way, you could easily connect any other device like a laptop via USB-C and use it as an external DAC (if the device has the feature), to stream content from a dedicated music software and also charge your laptop/device.

 

[Friesiansam]

Although there are other Naim products like the Uniti range of all-in-one Wireless Streaming Amplifiers, there is very little scope for purchasing separates these days. Simply because it has never been easier to recycle old electronic devices and replace them with modern and energy-efficient devices. Also, it is very much possible to have a Processor+DAC+Amplifier on a single PCB board without any wires(wire-less), except for power input, and still achieve optimal cooling. In that way, you could easily connect any other device like a laptop via USB-C and use it as an external DAC (if the device has the feature), to stream content from a dedicated music software and also charge your laptop/device.

All USB types can be powered.

 

[Jasonovich]

It has it's hallmark NAIM signature, in term of aesthetics, it's quirky, love or hate it. I'm not sure I want to pay £8.5K for a streamer, when I can have a Rose for much less. Still, if you're sold into the NAIM eco-system this might appeal to you.

 

[Woof !]

It has a USB (type A) input, there is not a problem.

NSS 333 - High resolution streamer | Naim Audio

Experience the exceptional sound quality and streaming capabilities of the NSS 333, the preferred choice of audiophiles. It supports popular file formats for easy music listening through multiple sources.

www.naimaudio.com

I borrowed one for a week. It has USB-A connector for file storage only, not for input. There are also NO drivers available for using USB for input from a computer. The onboard streamer software is clunky - like they all are - so using a PC via USB-B or C is definitely preferable, especially if you have a large collection of stored music. For the record; I gave it back and bought a Mola Mola Tambaqui instead which is superb!

 

[Jasonovich]

I borrowed one for a week. It has USB-A connector for file storage only, not for input. There are also NO drivers available for using USB for input from a computer. The onboard streamer software is clunky - like they all are - so using a PC via USB-B or C is definitely preferable, especially if you have a large collection of stored music. For the record; I gave it back and bought a Mola Mola Tambaqui instead which is superb!

Welcome to the forum Woof, from your well crafted comment I can see you're not 'Barking Mad' ! Sorry
I've never heard of the Mola Mola Tambaqui, I'll need to check it out.

NAIM has a very fine reputation and make excellent HiFi but I do wish the connectivity for their devices adhere to open standards, LINN is the same. It means you have to pay a premium for their bespoke cabling. I don't know, maybe they just want to wean people into their eco system. I have a theory, people feel specially treated when they have exclusivity i.e. doing different things from the norm, like NAIM, weird shaped boxes, odd aesthetics, alien sockets etc., I'm sure someone with a better understanding of psychology will no doubt debunk this.

 

[Woof !]

Welcome to the forum Woof, from your well crafted comment I can see you're not 'Barking Mad' ! Sorry
I've never heard of the Mola Mola Tambaqui, I'll need to check it out.

NAIM has a very fine reputation and make excellent HiFi but I do wish the connectivity for their devices adhere to open standards, LINN is the same. It means you have to pay a premium for their bespoke cabling. I don't know, maybe they just want to wean people into their eco system. I have a theory, people feel specially treated when they have exclusivity i.e. doing different things from the norm, like NAIM, weird shaped boxes, odd aesthetics, alien sockets etc., I'm sure someone with a better understanding of psychology will no doubt debunk this.

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Thank you for your faint praise and the welcome :0)

I have to say that all the Naim kit I have heard does indeed sound better using their weird DIN connectors. Whether that's by design or because they just are better is open for debate I reckon. There are at least some 3rd party manufacturers making Naim/DIN cables but they are properly expensive - maybe they have to pay a large %age to Naim for a license??

Mola Mola are based in Denmark. We were replacing a Naim DAC-V1 which originally cost about £1250 I think. We basically had to spend £10K to find something that was a step-change better which says a lot about the quality of the Naim DAC and/or about the cost of modern high-end hi-fi. A real shame Naim discontinued the V1 instead of creating a V2!