Naim Audio NAP 350

The Naim NAP 350 is a 175-watt monoblock power amplifier designed with a minimalist approach, where each component is carefully selected for its impact on sound reproduction. It delivers stable power while maintaining precise rendering of musical details. Its ability to drive different types of speakers, including those with complex loads, makes it a suitable solution for many audio setups.

Controlled Power for Faithful Reproduction

The NAP 350 is a linear class AB amplifier capable of delivering 175 watts into 8 ohms and 345 watts into 4 ohms. These figures, while impressive, only tell part of the story. Its true strength lies in its peak power of 1.7 kW and peak current of +/-42 amperes, allowing it to effortlessly handle the most dynamic musical passages and the complex impedance loads of sophisticated speakers.

This power reserve is not just about numbers: it translates into a sound reproduction with striking liveliness. Fast transients, so important for the natural rendering of percussion instruments or note attacks, are reproduced with surgical precision. The damping factor of 36 into 8 ohms ensures optimal control of the speakers, particularly noticeable in the reproduction of bass frequencies, which are both firm and articulate.

The extremely low harmonic distortion of 0.006% guarantees remarkable transparency, allowing you to hear the slightest nuances of a recording without artificial coloration. This sonic purity is maintained even at high listening levels, with the amplifier having been tested under extreme conditions, notably with compressed electronic music from Major Lazer played on loop at full volume to ensure its stability in all circumstances.

Cutting-Edge Technologies Serving Musicality

At the heart of the NAP 350 are several technical innovations developed by Naim. DR (Discrete Regulator) technology is one of the cornerstones of its design. These discrete regulated power supplies, separated for the input and gain stages, ensure a stable, low-noise current—an essential element for preserving the integrity of the audio signal.

The high-current output stage uses eight NA009 transistors, initially developed for the Statement range, Naim’s flagship line. These custom components are mounted on ceramic insulators to minimize capacitive coupling, a potential source of signal degradation. This meticulous attention to detail is also found in the new triple-transistor constant current source in the gain stage, designed to optimize linearity and reduce distortion.

The polystyrene capacitors used in the filtering circuits were chosen for their low dielectric absorption, contributing to the characteristic transparency of the NAP 350. The division of eddy currents between the output terminals is another technical innovation aimed at improving sound quality by reducing electromagnetic interference.

Perfect Integration into the Naim Ecosystem

The NAP 350 has been designed to work in perfect synergy with other components from Naim’s New Classic range, notably the NSS 333 streamer and the NAC 332 preamplifier. This systemic approach ensures sonic coherence and optimal communication between the different links in the audio chain.

The NAP 350’s connectivity is based primarily on a balanced XLR input (47 kΩ), ensuring broad compatibility with various preamplifiers. An unbalanced input via an adapter cable (34 kΩ) is also available for more traditional setups. Optical communication via a 3.5 mm jack allows for synchronized system control, avoiding ground loops and facilitating the management of features such as LED brightness.

The speaker output terminals accept only 4 mm banana plugs, a deliberate choice by Naim to optimize sound quality by reducing the amount of metal in the signal path. Unlike previous Naim amplifiers, the NAP 350 does not depend on low-capacitance/high-impedance cables for its stability, which greatly expands the range of compatible speaker cabling options.

A Distinctive Sonic Signature

The NAP 350’s sonic signature is characterized by a remarkable balance between analytical precision and engaging musicality. While Naim amplifiers have traditionally been associated with a slightly dark sound, the NAP 350 reveals that this trait stems more from clean, non-aggressive highs than from any lack of extension in the upper frequencies.

Its extended frequency response, from 1.4 Hz to 100 kHz (-3 dB), ensures faithful reproduction of the entire audible spectrum and beyond. This extension at the extremes of the spectrum contributes to a sense of space and air in the sound reproduction, while preserving the harmonic richness of instruments.

The exceptional signal-to-noise ratio of 114 dB (reference 175 W into 8 Ω, A-weighted) results in an absolutely silent background, allowing the micro-details of recordings to emerge naturally. This transparency, combined with the NAP 350’s impressive dynamics, creates a sound presentation that is both precise and lively, capable of conveying all the emotional tension of a musical performance.

Technical specifications

Amplification and power

• Class A/B linear amplifier
• Output power:
  • 175 W into 8 Ω at 0.1% THD+N (195 W at 1%)
  • 345 W into 4 Ω at 1% THD+N
• Transient power: 610 W into 2 Ω at 1% THD+N (1 kHz for 20 ms, 500 ms IHF repetition)
• Peak current into 1 Ω: +/- 42 A (1.7 kW peak power)
• Designed to handle complex loads with stability and precision
• Damping factor into 8 Ω: 36
• Gain: +29 dB

Audio performance

• Harmonic distortion: 0.006% THD+N at 2/3 of maximum power into 8 Ω at 1 kHz
• Frequency response: -3 dB from 1.4 Hz to 100 kHz
• Input signal for clipping: 1.33 V RMS
• Signal-to-noise ratio:
  • 91 dB (reference 1 W into 8 Ω, A-weighted)
  • 114 dB (reference 175 W into 8 Ω, A-weighted)

Connectivity and inputs

• Balanced XLR input (47 kΩ)
• Unbalanced input via adapter cable (34 kΩ)
• Perfectly compatible with NAC 332 and NSS 333
• 3.5 mm optical communication for synchronized system control:
  • Prevents ground loops
  • Allows LED brightness and power control

Power supply

• Dual power supply system:
  • Two internal power supplies
  • High-quality linear power supply with large toroidal transformer
  • High-efficiency supply for reduced standby power consumption
• Discrete Regulator (DR) power supply for stable and low-noise current:
  • Separate DR supply for the power amplifier and XLR input stage
• Soft-start power-up sequence:
  • Prevents tripping of mains circuit breakers due to inrush current
• Mains voltage: 115 V, 230 V, 50 / 60 Hz

Design and construction

• Clean design with no superfluous elements
• High-conductivity aluminum alloy heatsinks:
  • Optimized design to respond perfectly to temperature changes
• Aluminum enclosure for thermal, magnetic, and vibration isolation
• Naim NA009 power transistors developed for the Statement range:
  • Eight transistors in total (4 for the power supplies, 4 for the output stages)
  • Mounted on ceramic insulators for ultra-low capacitive coupling
• Specially designed audiophile components:
  • Polystyrene capacitors in filter circuits for low dielectric absorption
  • Through-hole components to reduce microphonic effects caused by PCB flex

Technologies and innovations

• New high-current output stage with Statement NA009 transistors
• New dual-driver, dual-transistor output for improved sound quality
• Newly developed triple-transistor Constant Current Source (CCS)
• Eddy current splitting between output terminals for better sound quality

General information

• Dimensions (H x W x D): 9.15 x 43.2 x 31.75 cm
• Weight: 16.5 kg
• Power consumption:
  • 24 W in operation with no signal
  • Less than 0.5 W in standby mode

System integration

• Ideal pairing with New Classic products (NSS 333, NAC 332)
• Designed for perfect synergy in a complete system
• Compatible with traditional Naim products via a range of dedicated cables

Included accessories

• Power-Line Lite cable
• Balanced XLR-XLR audio interconnect cable
• Optical system automation cable