Audio T Verdict
This dedicated Naim lead assembly connects the separate left and right balanced XLR outputs of an NSC 222 to the four-pin DIN signal input on a legacy NAP 200 or NAP 200 DR power amplifier.
It is a complete two-channel stereo interconnect, with two female XLR connectors at the NSC 222 end and one male four-pin DIN connector at the amplifier end. It is not a generic XLR-to-DIN cable and should not be replaced with an improvised adaptor.
The legacy NAP 200 DIN socket can also provide 24V power for a compatible older Naim pre-amplifier. The NSC 222 is not powered through this lead and must retain its own approved mains or external power-supply arrangement.
Naim NSC 222 to Legacy NAP 200 XLR to DIN Interconnect
Naim created this specialist lead to help owners combine a New Classic streaming pre-amplifier with an existing legacy NAP 200. It adapts the NSC 222's pair of balanced XLR outputs to the earlier amplifier's single four-pin DIN input.
Both left and right audio channels are carried through one assembly. The channels remain separate and are routed to their corresponding DIN pins rather than being combined into mono.
Designed For
- Naim NSC 222 streaming pre-amplifier
- Legacy Naim NAP 200 power amplifiers with a four-pin DIN input
- Naim NAP 200 DR power amplifier
- Adapting two New Classic balanced outputs to one legacy DIN input
- A complete two-channel stereo signal connection
- Staged migration from legacy to New Classic Naim electronics
Important Limitations
- It is not intended for a NAP 250, NAP 300 or New Classic NAP 250
- It is not a general-purpose XLR-to-DIN adaptor
- It is not a mono-summing cable or simple signal splitter
- It does not power the NSC 222 from the NAP 200
- It does not provide system automation
- It must not be extended, reterminated or rewired
- Other component combinations require different Naim leads
Connecting New Classic to Legacy Naim
The NSC 222 provides separate male XLR output sockets for its left and right audio channels. The legacy NAP 200 accepts both channels through one female four-pin DIN input socket.
This cable bridges those different connector and wiring arrangements. Its two female XLR plugs attach to the NSC 222, while its male four-pin DIN plug attaches to the NAP 200.
The presence of standard-looking XLR and DIN connectors does not make generic cables suitable. The Naim assembly provides the specific signal and ground routing required by this pairing.
The DIN Socket Also Carries a Power Output
Naim specifies that the NAP 200 input socket can provide a 24V, 0.3A output for an appropriate legacy Naim pre-amplifier. That voltage is part of the NAP 200's historical system architecture and is not a power source for the NSC 222.
Use only the approved connection assembly. Do not use a generic XLR-to-DIN cable whose internal wiring may place the NAP 200 power pin onto an unintended contact.
One Complete Stereo Assembly
The two XLR branches carry the separate left and right outputs from the NSC 222. Both channels then continue through the four-pin DIN connector to the matching NAP 200 input pins.
One 00-010-0246 lead assembly therefore completes the stereo signal connection. A second cable or separate left and right version is not required.
Keep the two source-end connectors matched to the left and right output labels during installation. Reversing them would exchange the loudspeaker channels even though both still produce sound.
Connector Layout and Direction
The two female XLR cable connectors fit the male left and right pre-amplifier output sockets on the NSC 222. The male four-pin DIN connector fits the female signal input on the legacy NAP 200.
DIN plugs must be aligned with the socket key before insertion. Never rotate, rock or force the connector, as bent DIN pins can damage both the lead and amplifier socket.
Use the assembly only in the specified direction from New Classic pre-amplifier output to legacy power-amplifier input. Do not connect it between two outputs, two inputs or unrelated products.
Balanced Outputs to an Unbalanced DIN Input
The NSC 222 produces separate balanced XLR outputs, while the NAP 200 uses Naim's legacy unbalanced DIN signal arrangement. The cable adapts the necessary signal and ground connections between those two interface types.
The complete connection is not fully balanced from pre-amplifier to power amplifier. Its purpose is correct electrical compatibility with the NAP 200 rather than conversion of the legacy amplifier into a balanced-input design.
A microphone lead, passive XLR splitter or arbitrary XLR-to-DIN cable cannot be assumed to provide the same wiring and should not be substituted.
The Two Channels Remain Separate
Both audio channels share the four-pin DIN connector but remain electrically separate. The cable does not mix left and right together and does not convert the system to mono.
NAP 200 and NAP 200 DR Compatibility
Naim identifies this assembly for the legacy NAP 200 DIN input arrangement. It is suitable for the NAP 200 DR and can also apply to compatible earlier NAP 200 versions fitted with the expected four-pin DIN socket.
Older amplifiers should be checked by exact model, serial number, rear-panel socket and service history. Previous modification or non-standard wiring can affect compatibility, so do not rely on the model name alone when dealing with a much older unit.
The NSC 222 Remains Independently Powered
The NSC 222 includes its own power supply and mains input, with approved upgrade options available separately. It cannot be powered by the 24V output from a NAP 200, and a HiCap is not required simply to make this signal connection.
If the NSC 222 is being used with an NPX 300 or another approved external supply, follow the power-supply instructions for its mains and Burndy connections. This XLR-to-DIN lead remains the analogue signal path to the NAP 200.
Not for Other Naim Power Amplifiers
The legacy NAP 250 and NAP 250 DR use a single Naim-wired XLR input and require a two-XLR-to-single-XLR assembly. The NAP 300 and NAP 300 DR use separate channel-specific XLR inputs and need distinct left and right cables.
The current New Classic NAP 250 and NAP 350 use standard balanced XLR inputs. They require the relevant balanced interconnects rather than this legacy DIN adaptor.
Ask Audio T to identify the correct lead whenever either component differs from the NSC 222 and legacy NAP 200 combination named here.
What the Cable Does Not Replace
This interconnect carries line-level analogue audio. It does not replace the NSC 222 or NAP 200 mains lead, any approved external NSC 222 power-supply connection, the amplifier's speaker cables or other required system wiring.
It also does not provide New Classic system automation. The legacy NAP 200 will not gain synchronised standby or logo-brightness control through this analogue lead.
Installation and Power Sequence
Switch off the NAP 200, NSC 222 and any associated external power supplies before fitting or removing the cable. Turn the NSC 222 volume fully down before reconnecting power.
Connect the two female XLR plugs to the correctly labelled left and right outputs on the NSC 222. Align the DIN plug carefully with the NAP 200 input and insert it straight into the socket without twisting.
Source components and pre-amplification should normally be powered before the power amplifier. When switching off, turn the power amplifier off first. Follow the product manuals if their instructions differ.
Route the lead without tight bends, crushing or tension at its split and connectors. Keep it sensibly separated from mains cables, external power supplies and transformers where the rack layout permits.
System Planning
Retaining an existing NAP 200 DR can make a move to the NSC 222 more manageable by spreading the system upgrade across stages. This cable solves the signal-interface requirement while leaving the option of a later power-amplifier change open.
Audio T can check the amplifier generation, service condition, speaker-cable termination, rack layout and any optional NSC 222 power supply before installation. This is especially useful when the legacy amplifier has been purchased used or its original history is incomplete.
Key Features
- Official Naim New Classic-to-legacy lead assembly
- Connects an NSC 222 to a legacy NAP 200 or NAP 200 DR
- Two female XLR connectors at the pre-amplifier end
- One male four-pin DIN connector at the amplifier end
- Complete left and right stereo signal assembly
- Adapts balanced New Classic outputs to a legacy unbalanced DIN input
- The NAP 200's 24V pre-amplifier supply is not used to power the NSC 222
- Published 1m cable length
- Naim catalogue reference 00-010-0246
- Black cable and connector finish
Technical Specifications
- Product type: Two-channel analogue signal lead assembly
- Source product: Naim NSC 222 streaming pre-amplifier
- Destination product: Legacy Naim NAP 200 or NAP 200 DR power amplifier
- Source interface: Two balanced XLR pre-amplifier outputs
- Destination interface: One legacy Naim four-pin DIN input
- Source-end connectors: Two female three-pin XLR connectors
- Amplifier-end connector: One male four-pin DIN connector
- Channels: Left and right stereo
- Published length: 1m
- Naim catalogue reference: 00-010-0246
- Signal type: Line-level analogue audio
- Direction: New Classic pre-amplifier output to legacy NAP 200 input
- NAP 200 DIN power provision: Not used to power the NSC 222
- Finish: Black
- Supplied quantity: One complete stereo lead assembly
Confirm the exact NAP 200 model and available 1m routing distance before ordering. Older, modified or differently connected amplifiers should be checked individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this interconnect connect?
It connects the separate left and right XLR outputs of a Naim NSC 222 to the four-pin DIN input on a legacy NAP 200 or NAP 200 DR.
Is one assembly enough for stereo?
Yes. Both channels are carried through the single four-pin DIN connector, so one assembly completes the normal stereo connection.
Does it combine the channels into mono?
No. The left and right signals remain separate and are routed to their corresponding DIN pins.
Is this a generic XLR-to-DIN cable?
No. It uses the signal and ground arrangement required for this pairing while accounting for the NAP 200's powered DIN socket.
Which connectors go to the NSC 222?
The two female XLR connectors fit the NSC 222 left and right male output sockets. The four-pin DIN plug fits the NAP 200 input.
Will it work with the NAP 200 DR?
Yes. Naim identifies this connection assembly for the legacy NAP 200 DIN arrangement, including the NAP 200 DR.
Will the NAP 200 power the NSC 222?
No. Although the NAP 200 DIN socket provides 24V for certain legacy pre-amplifiers, the NSC 222 requires its own approved mains or external power-supply arrangement.
Do I need a HiCap between the NSC 222 and NAP 200?
No. The NSC 222 can feed a compatible NAP 200 directly through this signal lead. Any NSC 222 power-supply upgrade is a separate system decision.
Will it work with a legacy NAP 250 or NAP 300?
No. Those amplifiers use different XLR input arrangements and require their own New Classic-to-legacy lead assemblies.
Can it be used with other DIN-equipped equipment?
Do not assume so. DIN sockets can use different pin assignments and may carry power. Compatibility must be confirmed for the exact product.
Does it provide system automation?
No. It carries analogue audio only and does not add New Classic standby or logo-brightness automation to the legacy amplifier.
Can it be connected in reverse?
No. Use it only from the two New Classic pre-amplifier outputs to the legacy NAP 200 DIN input.
How long is the cable?
Naim catalogue and distributor information identifies this assembly as 1m. Confirm that the equipment placement allows relaxed routing without tension.
Can it be extended or reterminated?
No. Modification could alter the Naim-specific wiring and expose equipment to an unintended connection. Ask Audio T about an approved alternative if more length is required.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Checks for NSC 222, legacy NAP 200 and NAP 200 DR compatibility
- Clear identification of the four-pin DIN input and its power provision
- Advice on New Classic and legacy Naim integration
- Identification of alternative leads for NAP 250 and NAP 300
- Speaker-cable and termination checks
- Rack-layout and cable-dressing guidance
- Safe installation and power-sequence advice
- Ongoing Naim system and servicing support
Contact your local Audio T store
to confirm the amplifier version, DIN input, cable length and complete system requirements before ordering.
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