Audio T Verdict
The Naim ND 555 is the reference network player in Naim's 500 Series. It combines the company's current streaming platform with a 40-bit SHARC processing stage, a Burr-Brown PCM1704K ladder DAC, Discrete Regulator technology and a suspended brass sub-chassis for its sensitive audio circuitry.
This listing is for the ND 555 head unit. It has no internal mains power supply and will not operate on its own: at least one separately purchased Naim 555 PS DR is mandatory. A second 555 PS DR is an optional upgrade rather than a requirement.
The ND 555 is a fixed-level source component, not a streaming pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier. It requires a suitable pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier, power amplification and loudspeakers. It has no HDMI ARC, analogue input, phono stage, headphone output, CD drive or internal music storage.
Naim ND 555 Reference Network Player
The ND 555 is designed to place Naim's highest-performance network and digital replay platform in a dedicated 500 Series source component. It can play music from current online services, UPnP music servers and USB storage, receive AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth streams, and accept four external S/PDIF digital sources.
Converted audio is available through a Naim 5-pin DIN output or a stereo RCA pair. A separate BNC S/PDIF output allows the ND 555 to feed a compatible external digital component. Playback and setup are handled through the Focal and Naim app, the supplied Zigbee remote control or the front-panel controls and five-inch colour display.
Designed For
- Reference two-channel Naim systems
- High-resolution streaming from services and local libraries
- UPnP playback from a NAS or music server
- USB storage connected at the front or rear
- AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth and Spotify Connect playback
- External optical, RCA coaxial and BNC coaxial digital sources
- Systems using one or two 555 PS DR power supplies
Important Limitations
- The displayed product price is for the ND 555 head unit
- At least one separate 555 PS DR is required
- No onboard volume-controlled pre-amplifier output
- No power amplifier or loudspeaker outputs
- No analogue, phono, HDMI ARC or USB computer-audio input
- No headphone output, CD mechanism or internal storage
- Four transit screws must be removed before use
- The player must not be inverted after transit-screw removal
555 PS DR Power Supply Required
The ND 555 contains no conventional internal mains power supply. One Naim 555 PS DR, also called the NAPS 555 DR on Naim's current website, is required for the player to work and is purchased separately from this listing.
The ND 555 cannot be powered by its own mains lead and should not be ordered as a complete working source unless the required 555 PS DR is already owned or included separately in the system quotation.
One or Two 555 PS DR Power Supplies
With one 555 PS DR, the ND 555 uses both of its supplied Burndy leads. The two leads are differently marked for the player's separate supply sections and must be connected to the matching sockets exactly as shown in Naim's installation instructions.
Naim also supports an optional twin-supply installation. A second 555 PS DR allows the principal supply sections to be separated between two power-supply enclosures. It is a performance upgrade for an already complete system, not a prerequisite for normal operation.
Burndy connections must be made only while the complete system is switched off. The correct marked lead, socket assignment, power sequence and cable dressing should be checked during installation; the two leads should never be treated as interchangeable simply because their connectors appear similar.
What Is Supplied with the ND 555?
Naim's quick-start guide lists the ND 555 with a Zigbee remote handset, four AAA batteries, two Wi-Fi antennas, one Bluetooth antenna, a 5-pin DIN Hi-Line interconnect, two Burndy leads, a BNC-to-RCA adaptor, cleaning cloth and document pack.
The required 555 PS DR is not part of the ND 555 package. An Ethernet cable, pre-amplifier, power amplifier and loudspeakers are also outside the scope of the head-unit listing.
Current Streaming Services and Protocols
Naim's current specification lists Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast, internet radio, Qobuz, Roon Ready operation, Spotify Connect, TIDAL and UPnP. The Focal and Naim app brings compatible services, local libraries, inputs, favourites and multiroom control together in one interface.
Service availability, feature sets, account requirements and maximum streaming quality are controlled partly by each service provider and may change through firmware or app updates. Paid services normally require their own subscription and are not included with the player.
Ethernet and Wi-Fi Networking
The ND 555 can connect to the home network through 10/100Mbps Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi using the two supplied external antennas. A wired connection is generally preferred where the network layout allows because it gives predictable bandwidth and avoids radio-coverage variables.
Wi-Fi remains useful where a cable cannot be installed. The player, control device, music server and other Naim multiroom products must be on a correctly configured local network, and internet-based services require a stable broadband connection.
High-Resolution UPnP and USB Playback
Local music can be streamed from a compatible UPnP server or played from USB storage attached to either of the two Type A USB sockets. The ND 555 has no internal drive and does not rip CDs; a NAS, Naim Uniti Core or other compatible server is required for a network music library.
WAV is supported up to 32-bit/384kHz. FLAC, AIFF and ALAC are supported up to 24-bit/384kHz, while DSD64 and DSD128 playback is supported. Gapless playback is available across the listed audio formats.
The USB Type A sockets are for storage-device playback rather than a direct USB audio connection from a computer. A computer library should normally reach the ND 555 through a suitable UPnP server, AirPlay, Chromecast or another supported network route.
Four S/PDIF Digital Inputs
Two optical TOSLink inputs accept compatible signals up to 24-bit/96kHz. One RCA coaxial input and one BNC coaxial input accept up to 24-bit/192kHz and support DSD64 carried as DoP.
These inputs allow compatible CD transports, televisions, set-top boxes and other digital sources to use the ND 555's DAC. A television must provide a compatible two-channel PCM optical signal; the player has no HDMI ARC connection and should not be expected to decode multichannel home-cinema formats.
Burr-Brown Ladder DAC and 40-Bit Processing
Naim's streaming board uses low-voltage differential signalling to transfer digital audio with low noise. The DAC clock controls the flow of data from the streaming section, rather than allowing the incoming source to define the final conversion timing.
Audio data is integer-oversampled in a SHARC processor at 40-bit precision before being passed to the Burr-Brown PCM1704K R2R ladder DAC. Naim Discrete Regulator technology then provides low-noise local supply regulation for sensitive audio circuitry inside the player.
Suspended Analogue Stages
The analogue circuitry uses selected through-hole components mounted on sprung sub-chassis with substantial brass plates. The suspension is intended to reduce the transfer of vibration and microphony to sound-critical stages.
This mechanically isolated construction makes correct support and transport especially important. A level, rigid equipment rack should be regarded as part of the installation, and the player should not be stacked directly on another component.
Four Transit Screws
Four transit screws on the underside secure the suspended assemblies during shipping. They must be removed before the player is installed and retained so they can be refitted whenever the ND 555 is packed, shipped or carried any significant distance.
Naim specifically warns that the player must not be inverted during or after removal of the transit screws. Because the screws are underneath the case, safe removal and later refitting should follow the manufacturer's procedure rather than placing the operating player upside down.
Plan the Rack Position Before Connection
The ND 555 should be level in its final position before its Burndy and signal cables are dressed. Leave the supplied cables free from strain, avoid tight bends near the connectors and keep the power-supply enclosures sensibly separated from low-level signal components where the rack layout permits.
DIN, RCA and Digital Outputs
Analogue audio is available through one 5-pin DIN socket and one stereo RCA pair. The Focal and Naim app can select DIN, RCA, both analogue outputs or the digital output to suit the system. Naim recommends the DIN route when connecting to a compatible Naim amplifier.
The BNC S/PDIF digital output supports compatible audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. The supplied BNC-to-RCA adaptor helps with equipment that uses an RCA coaxial input, although the receiving DAC must support the selected format and sample rate.
A Source Component, Not a Streaming Pre-Amplifier
The analogue outputs are intended to feed a pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier at line level. The remote handset includes volume and mute buttons because the ND 555 can control compatible Naim amplification through System Automation; those buttons do not turn the player into an independently volume-controlled pre-amplifier.
Do not connect the analogue output directly to a conventional power amplifier unless a suitable volume-control stage is present elsewhere and the complete connection has been verified. The player also has no loudspeaker or headphone drive of its own.
Five-Inch Display, Remote and App Control
The full-colour front display shows album artwork, source and playback information. Proximity sensing and four front-panel controls provide direct access to standby, play or pause, input selection and favourites.
The supplied bidirectional Zigbee remote does not require line of sight in normal use. The Focal and Naim app for iOS and Android provides deeper browsing, input setup, output selection, multiroom control and wireless firmware updates.
Roon, Multiroom and System Automation
Roon Ready certification allows the ND 555 to operate as a network endpoint in a suitable Roon system. Native Naim multiroom can group it with compatible Naim streamers and wireless systems for synchronised playback controlled through the app.
A rear remote-output connection supports System Automation with compatible Naim amplification. This can pass volume, mute and input commands to the amplifier, preserving one-app or one-handset control while the pre-amplifier remains responsible for the actual listening level.
Ground Switch and System Earthing
The rear-panel ground switch provides the required signal-ground arrangement for different systems. It is not a tone control or general cure for noise. Leave it in the setting appropriate to the system and seek Audio T advice if hum, multiple signal-earth paths or mixed-brand equipment make the correct position uncertain.
Firmware and Service Availability
Streaming products depend on maintained firmware, mobile applications and third-party online services. Keep the ND 555 and the Focal and Naim app updated, but do not interrupt power during an update. Available services and interface details can evolve after purchase.
A reference source of this complexity benefits from dealer setup, network checks and careful system matching. Retain the original packaging, transit screws, marked Burndy leads, antennas and documentation for future service or transport.
Key Features
- Reference Naim 500 Series network player
- Requires one separately purchased 555 PS DR power supply
- Supports an optional second 555 PS DR
- Two marked Burndy power leads supplied
- 40-bit SHARC digital signal processing
- Burr-Brown PCM1704K R2R ladder DAC
- Naim Discrete Regulator technology inside the player
- Suspended brass sub-chassis for sensitive audio circuitry
- Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth and Chromecast
- Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify Connect and internet radio
- Roon Ready and UPnP playback
- WAV playback up to 32-bit/384kHz
- FLAC, AIFF and ALAC playback up to 24-bit/384kHz
- DSD64 and DSD128 support
- Two Type A USB storage sockets
- Four S/PDIF digital inputs
- BNC S/PDIF digital output up to 24-bit/192kHz
- 5-pin DIN and stereo RCA analogue outputs
- Five-inch colour display with proximity sensing
- Focal and Naim app for iOS and Android
- Bidirectional Zigbee remote control
- Naim multiroom and System Automation support
- Hi-Line DIN interconnect, antennas and BNC adaptor supplied
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Audio T price include a 555 PS DR?
No. This product page is for the ND 555 head unit. At least one separately purchased 555 PS DR is required before the player can operate.
Can the ND 555 work without an external power supply?
No. It has no internal mains power supply and must be connected to at least one compatible 555 PS DR.
Does it need one or two 555 PS DR units?
One is mandatory and sufficient for normal operation. A second 555 PS DR is an optional upgrade that further separates the player's supply sections.
Are the Burndy leads included?
Yes. Naim lists two marked Burndy leads with the ND 555. With one 555 PS DR, both leads are used and must be connected to their matching supply sections.
Is an analogue interconnect included?
Yes. The published package includes a Naim Hi-Line 5-pin DIN interconnect. A stereo RCA interconnect is not listed as part of the standard package.
Can the ND 555 control volume?
It does not provide an onboard volume-controlled pre-amplifier output. Its remote and app can pass volume and mute commands to compatible Naim amplification through System Automation, but the connected pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier controls the listening level.
Can it connect directly to a power amplifier?
Not safely as a conventional standalone source-to-power-amplifier system because the ND 555 has fixed line-level outputs. Use a suitable pre-amplifier, integrated amplifier or another verified volume-control stage between the player and power amplification.
Can DIN and RCA outputs operate together?
Naim's current setup guidance allows DIN, RCA or both analogue outputs to be selected in the Focal and Naim app. Use only the outputs required for the system and choose the DIN connection where appropriate for compatible Naim amplification.
Does it have a digital output?
Yes. A BNC S/PDIF output supports compatible audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. A BNC-to-RCA adaptor is included for suitable receiving equipment.
Can it play music from a USB drive?
Yes. One front and one rear USB Type A socket accept compatible storage devices for local playback. These sockets are not a USB computer-audio input.
Does the ND 555 store or rip music?
No. It contains no user music storage and no CD drive. Use a compatible USB drive, UPnP server, NAS or music server such as the Naim Uniti Core.
Can a television be connected?
A television with a compatible two-channel PCM optical or coaxial digital output can be connected. The ND 555 has no HDMI ARC and does not decode multichannel cinema formats.
Does it support AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Roon?
Yes. Naim's current specification lists AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, and the player is Roon Ready. Each platform still requires a compatible network, controller and account where applicable.
Should Ethernet or Wi-Fi be used?
Both are supported. Ethernet is usually preferred for predictable high-resolution streaming, while the supplied Wi-Fi antennas allow wireless installation where cabling is impractical.
What must be done with the transit screws?
All four underside transit screws must be removed before operation and retained for future transport. Follow Naim's procedure and never invert the player during or after their removal.
Can streaming services change?
Yes. Online services, subscriptions and features can change independently of the hardware. Keep the player and app updated and confirm any essential service before purchase.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Clear quotation of the ND 555 head unit and required 555 PS DR
- Single-supply and twin-supply system planning
- Safe transit-screw removal and installation guidance
- Correct Burndy connection and cable-dressing advice
- Network, app, UPnP and streaming-service setup
- Pre-amplifier, power-amplifier and loudspeaker matching
- Fraim and equipment-support planning
- In-store or home demonstration by arrangement
- Part-exchange options on suitable equipment
- Ongoing Naim system and servicing support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration and confirm the complete player, power-supply, amplification, rack and cable package before ordering.
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