Audio T Verdict
The Naim NVC TT is a configurable moving-magnet and moving-coil phono stage with separate cartridge inputs, fixed MM loading, two MC gain settings and 16 choices each of MC resistance and capacitance. It provides the gain and RIAA equalisation needed to connect a suitable turntable cartridge to a normal line-level amplifier input.
Powering arrangements must be understood before ordering. A compatible NSC 222 or NAC 332 can supply power and receive audio through the included Type 1 cable. For older Naim amplification or a third-party amplifier, the separate NPX TT is required to power the NVC TT, with audio then connected through the supplied 5-pin DIN lead or a separately purchased RCA interconnect.
The NVC TT has no mains socket, internal power supply, volume control or headphone output. Cartridge matching remains important: the MM input is fixed at 47kO and 100pF, while MC gain and loading should be set from the cartridge manufacturer's recommendations and confirmed by listening.
Naim NVC TT MM and MC Phono Stage
Developed from ideas used in Naim's SuperLine phono stage, Statement amplification and Solstice Special Edition system, the NVC TT provides dedicated amplification for both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges in a compact half-width New Classic enclosure.
Separate MM and MC input circuitry allows each cartridge type to use a purpose-designed head amplifier. The output can connect directly to a compatible powered New Classic DIN input or to a conventional line input when the NVC TT is powered by the
Naim NPX TT
.
Designed For
- Moving-magnet cartridges requiring 47kO and 100pF
- Low-output and higher-output moving-coil cartridges
- MC cartridges suited to 85O through 1000O loading
- Direct Type 1 connection to NSC 222 or NAC 332
- DIN connection to compatible Naim line inputs
- RCA connection to suitable third-party line inputs
- Systems requiring adjustable MC resistance and capacitance
Important Limitations
- It cannot operate without a compatible external power source
- NPX TT is required with amplifiers that cannot supply Type 1 power
- MM gain and loading are fixed
- MC loading does not extend below 85O or above 1000O
- No balanced XLR output
- No volume control or headphone connection
- No streaming, DAC or USB-audio function
- No RCA output cable is included
What a Phono Stage Does
A record cartridge produces a much smaller and differently equalised signal than a normal line-level source. The NVC TT raises that signal to a usable level and applies the RIAA replay curve required to restore the recording's intended frequency balance.
Its output must connect to a line-level input on a preamplifier or integrated amplifier. Do not connect the NVC TT output to another phono input, as this would apply excessive gain and RIAA equalisation twice.
A turntable with a built-in phono stage must provide a true cartridge-level or phono output with its internal stage bypassed. A fixed line-level turntable output is not suitable for the NVC TT inputs.
Separate MM and MC Inputs
The rear panel provides separate stereo RCA input pairs for moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges. A selector switch determines which input and dedicated head amplifier are active.
An MM turntable and an MC turntable may be physically connected at the same time, but only the selected input is used. Turn the amplifier volume down before changing the selector, gain, loading or cabling.
Moving-Magnet Operation
MM mode provides 42dB of gain with fixed loading of 47kO and 100pF. This suits many moving-magnet cartridges, but total capacitive loading also includes the tonearm and phono-cable capacitance.
Check the cartridge manufacturer's recommended capacitance range. The NVC TT does not offer alternative MM resistance, capacitance or gain settings, so it should not be described as universally adjustable for every MM design.
Rear Controls in MM Mode
Naim instructs users to select MM mode and leave the otherwise inactive MC controls at High gain, 1000O and 100pF. The MC loading controls do not provide alternative MM loading.
Two Moving-Coil Gain Settings
MC Low provides 61dB of gain and MC High provides 67dB. Low gain is the starting point for a cartridge with relatively healthy output or where additional overload margin is useful. High gain is intended for lower-output cartridges or systems requiring more level.
Naim specifies 23dB of headroom referenced to a 0.5mV cartridge in Low gain and 17dB in High gain. Choose the lowest gain that provides a practical listening level without unnecessary noise, then confirm the result in the complete system.
Sixteen MC Resistance Settings
MC resistance is selected with a rear rotary control. The available values are 1000O, 600O, 430O, 330O, 250O, 215O, 185O, 165O, 150O, 140O, 125O, 115O, 105O, 100O, 90O and 85O.
Begin with the cartridge manufacturer's recommended load or the nearest available value. Lower resistance places a heavier electrical load on the cartridge; higher resistance loads it more lightly. Neither direction is automatically better, and cartridge design, cable capacitance and system balance all affect the result.
Sixteen MC Capacitance Settings
The MC capacitance choices are 100pF, 400pF, 700pF, 1000pF, 1300pF, 1600pF, 1900pF, 2200pF, 2500pF, 2700pF, 3100pF, 3400pF, 3700pF, 4000pF, 4300pF and 4600pF.
Capacitance can influence high-frequency behaviour and radio-frequency susceptibility. Start from the cartridge maker's guidance where available and adjust one setting at a time. Naim notes that adding capacitance may reduce perceived forwardness in some systems.
Factory MC Setting
The NVC TT is supplied in MC mode with High gain, 100O resistance and 1000pF capacitance selected. This is a starting configuration, not a universal recommendation for every moving-coil cartridge.
Direct Type 1 Connection to NSC 222
The
Naim NSC 222
has a powered 8-pin DIN input. The Type 1 cable supplied with the NVC TT carries positive and negative 18V power to the phono stage and returns its audio signal to the streaming preamplifier.
This direct arrangement requires no NPX TT and no separate audio interconnect. Select and configure the correct powered DIN input on the NSC 222, and make every connection with the complete system switched off.
Direct Type 1 Connection to NAC 332
Input 6 on the
Naim NAC 332
can also power the NVC TT and receive audio through the included Type 1 cable. This provides the matching 300 Series arrangement without requiring an NPX TT.
The NVC TT's standby behaviour then follows the capabilities and settings of the powering preamplifier rather than the Auto Standby switch intended for NPX TT operation.
Using the Dedicated NPX TT Power Supply
The NPX TT is required when the receiving amplifier cannot provide the NVC TT's Type 1 power. It also provides an optional dedicated-power route when the phono stage is used with an NSC 222 or NAC 332.
In this arrangement, the included Type 1 cable connects the NPX TT power output to the NVC TT power input. Audio then leaves the NVC TT through its 5-pin DIN or RCA output and enters a normal line input on the amplifier.
NPX TT Is Not Included
This listing is for the NVC TT phono stage only. The NPX TT and its Power-Line Lite mains lead are separate. The NVC TT package supplies the Type 1 power cable needed to connect the two products.
DIN and RCA Audio Outputs
A 5-pin DIN output is provided for a compatible Naim line input, and Naim includes a 5-pin DIN-to-DIN audio interconnect. The band on a Naim interconnect identifies the source end, so the banded end connects to the NVC TT.
A stereo RCA output allows connection to a compatible line input on Naim or third-party amplification. A suitable RCA interconnect is not included and must be added separately.
The published maximum output is 8Vrms. Actual output depends on cartridge output, selected gain and recorded level. Turn the amplifier volume down before switching the NVC TT on or changing cartridge settings.
Turntable Ground Connection
A dedicated rear grounding terminal accepts the tonearm or turntable ground lead where one is provided. This helps establish the correct low-level signal reference and can reduce hum.
Grounding is system-dependent. Avoid adding multiple unnecessary earth paths, and do not assume every turntable needs a separate wire. If hum is present, check cartridge tags, tonearm wiring, RCA plugs, the NVC TT ground terminal and the complete system-earth arrangement methodically.
Auto Standby and Instant On
When powered by an NPX TT, Auto Standby places the system into a sleep mode after approximately 20 minutes of inactivity, reducing consumption below 0.5W. Instant On leaves the sensitive audio circuitry powered for immediate use.
The NVC TT rear standby switch applies only with NPX TT power. When the phono stage is powered by an NSC 222 or NAC 332, standby behaviour is controlled by the compatible preamplifier arrangement.
Compact Aluminium Enclosure
The half-width aluminium case measures 70mm high by 214mm wide by 317mm deep and weighs 3.4kg. The illuminated white Naim logo has High, Medium and Low settings selected by a rear switch.
All cartridge, gain, loading, standby and logo controls are on the rear panel. The front panel carries no source, gain or mute buttons.
Installation and Cable Positioning
Place the NVC TT on a stable, level equipment support and do not stack it directly on another component. Keep it and the tonearm cable away from power amplifiers, large transformers, wireless power supplies and mains cables where practical.
Use the shortest practical low-capacitance phono connection from the turntable, and keep cartridge-level cables separate from mains and loudspeaker leads. Switch off the complete system before changing the Type 1 cable, cartridge leads, input selector, gain or loading.
Key Features
- Separate moving-magnet and moving-coil RCA inputs
- Dedicated discrete head-amplifier circuitry for MM and MC
- Fixed 42dB moving-magnet gain
- Switchable 61dB and 67dB moving-coil gain
- Sixteen moving-coil resistance settings from 85O to 1000O
- Sixteen moving-coil capacitance settings from 100pF to 4600pF
- RIAA accuracy within plus or minus 0.1dB
- Partial IEC low-frequency cut
- 5-pin DIN and stereo RCA audio outputs
- Combined Type 1 power and audio connection for NSC 222 or NAC 332
- Compatible with dedicated NPX TT power supply
- Turntable grounding terminal
- Adjustable Naim logo brightness
- Compact half-width aluminium enclosure
- Type 1 cable and 5-pin DIN interconnect supplied
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the NVC TT support MM and MC cartridges?
Yes. It has separate RCA input pairs and dedicated circuitry for moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges. A rear switch selects the active input.
Can two turntables be connected?
An MM source and an MC source can be connected to their separate input pairs, but only the input selected by the rear MM and MC switch is active. Turn the amplifier volume down before changing it.
Does every moving-coil cartridge work?
No phono stage is universal. Confirm that the cartridge output suits 61dB or 67dB gain and that its recommended load falls within the NVC TT's 85O to 1000O resistance and 100pF to 4600pF capacitance ranges.
Can MM loading be adjusted?
No. MM mode uses fixed 47kO and 100pF loading with 42dB gain. The rotary loading controls apply to MC operation only.
What are the factory MC settings?
Naim supplies the NVC TT in MC mode with High gain, 100O resistance and 1000pF capacitance selected. Check and change these settings before use if they do not suit the cartridge.
Does the NVC TT require NPX TT?
Not when it is powered directly by the compatible Type 1 input on an NSC 222 or NAC 332. NPX TT is required with older Naim or third-party amplifiers that cannot supply the necessary power.
Can NPX 300 power the NVC TT?
No. The dedicated standalone supply is NPX TT. NPX 300 powers compatible full-width New Classic source and preamplifier products through different Type 3 and Type 4 connections.
Can it work with a non-Naim amplifier?
Yes. Add the NPX TT for power, then connect the NVC TT RCA output to a compatible line-level input on the amplifier. Do not use the amplifier's phono input.
Is an RCA output cable supplied?
No. The NVC TT includes a Type 1 power cable and a 5-pin DIN audio interconnect. A stereo RCA interconnect must be added for an RCA connection.
Does it connect directly to NSC 222 or NAC 332?
Yes. The supplied Type 1 cable carries power from the compatible preamplifier to the NVC TT and returns the phono signal through the same connection.
Which end of the DIN audio cable connects to NVC TT?
The banded end identifies the source end and therefore connects to the NVC TT. The unbanded end connects to the receiving Naim line input.
Where does the turntable ground wire connect?
Connect it to the NVC TT ground terminal when the turntable or tonearm provides a separate ground lead. If hum remains, the complete system-earth arrangement should be checked rather than adding random extra ground wires.
Does the NVC TT plug into the mains?
No. It has no mains socket. Power comes through the Type 1 connection from an NSC 222, NAC 332 or NPX TT.
What is the difference between Auto Standby and Instant On?
With NPX TT power, Auto Standby enters a sub-0.5W sleep mode after approximately 20 minutes. Instant On leaves the sensitive audio circuitry powered. The NVC TT switch does not control standby when power comes from a preamplifier.
Does it have USB or firmware controls?
NVC TT has no USB socket. The Micro USB service connection belongs to the separate NPX TT and is for updates only, not audio or charging.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- NVC TT and NPX TT demonstrations by arrangement
- Moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridge matching
- Gain, resistance and capacitance setup guidance
- NSC 222 and NAC 332 Type 1 connection checks
- DIN and RCA line-input compatibility advice
- Turntable grounding and hum investigation
- Tonearm cable and cartridge-tag inspection
- Equipment-rack and cable-dressing advice
- Part-exchange options on suitable equipment
- Ongoing Naim system and servicing support
Contact your local Audio T store
to confirm the cartridge, gain, loading, power-supply, output cable and amplifier-input requirements before ordering.
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