Audio T Verdict
This dedicated Naim lead assembly connects the separate left and right balanced XLR outputs of an NSC 222 to the single Naim-wired XLR input found on a legacy NAP 250 or NAP 250 DR power amplifier.
It is not a conventional balanced XLR cable or a simple signal splitter. The assembly retains the two stereo channels and adapts them to the Naim-specific unbalanced input arrangement used by the earlier amplifier.
One assembly provides the complete stereo signal connection. It has two female XLR connectors for the NSC 222 outputs and one male XLR connector for the legacy NAP 250 input.
Naim NSC 222 to Legacy NAP 250 XLR Interconnect
Naim developed this specialist interconnect to help owners combine a New Classic pre-amplifier with a legacy NAP 250 power amplifier. It allows an NSC 222 to be introduced without requiring the existing NAP 250 or NAP 250 DR to be replaced at the same time.
The two source-end XLR connectors carry the separate left and right outputs from the NSC 222. These join within the cable assembly and reach the corresponding left and right pins of the legacy amplifier's single XLR input without combining the music into mono.
Designed For
- Naim NSC 222 streaming pre-amplifier
- Legacy Naim NAP 250 power amplifiers with the single Naim XLR input
- Naim NAP 250 DR power amplifier
- Adapting two New Classic balanced outputs to one legacy input
- A complete two-channel stereo signal connection
- Staged migration from legacy to New Classic Naim electronics
Important Limitations
- It is not intended for the current New Classic NAP 250
- It is not a standard balanced XLR interconnect
- It is not a mono-summing cable or general signal splitter
- It is not suitable for a legacy NAP 200 or NAP 300
- It does not carry mains power or power-supply DC
- It does not provide system automation
- Other component combinations require different Naim leads
Connecting New Classic to Legacy Naim
The NSC 222 has separate male XLR output sockets for its left and right channels. The legacy NAP 250 family uses one female XLR socket that accepts both channels through Naim's own unbalanced pin arrangement.
This cable bridges those two layouts. Its pair of female XLR connectors attach to the NSC 222, while the single male XLR connector attaches to the power amplifier.
Matching XLR-shaped connectors do not guarantee matching electrical wiring. A conventional two-channel balanced cable set cannot replace this purpose-designed two-to-one assembly.
This Page Is for the Legacy NAP 250
The current New Classic NAP 250 is a different amplifier with two standard balanced XLR inputs. It normally connects to the NSC 222 using two conventional Naim balanced XLR leads and does not require this adaptor assembly.
The model name alone can therefore be misleading. Confirm whether the amplifier is a legacy NAP 250, NAP 250 DR or the current New Classic NAP 250 before ordering.
One Complete Stereo Assembly
Unlike the legacy NAP 300 connection, which requires distinct left and right cables, the legacy NAP 250 receives both audio channels through one XLR input. This product is therefore one complete stereo lead assembly.
The two branches at the NSC 222 end must be connected to the correct left and right outputs. The single amplifier-end connector then delivers both channels to the corresponding input pins on the NAP 250.
It should not be described as a pair of independent cables, and a second identical assembly is not required for normal stereo use.
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 single male XLR cable connector fits the female input socket on the legacy NAP 250.
Keep the source-end channel connectors matched to the output labels. Align every connector correctly, insert it fully and use the release catch when disconnecting rather than pulling on the cable.
The assembly is specified for operation from New Classic pre-amplifier output to legacy power-amplifier input. Do not reverse it or connect it between unrelated products.
Balanced Output to Naim-Specific Unbalanced Input
The NSC 222 generates separate balanced XLR outputs, but the legacy NAP 250 and NAP 250 DR use Naim-specific unbalanced XLR input wiring. This lead makes the required signal and ground connections between the two interface types.
The resulting path is not fully balanced from pre-amplifier to power amplifier. XLR describes the connector format, not automatically the electrical topology used behind it.
Do not substitute a microphone cable, generic Y-cable or home-made adaptor. Incorrect wiring could produce missing channels, reversed channels, hum or no usable signal.
The Two Channels Remain Separate
Although both channels enter one amplifier connector, they are not mixed together. The legacy NAP 250 input assigns the left and right signals to separate pins, preserving normal stereo operation.
Legacy NAP 250 Compatibility
Naim identifies this assembly for the legacy NAP 250 input arrangement, including the NAP 250 DR. Earlier NAP 250 generations may share the same connector format, but age, production variation, previous servicing and modification should be considered before ordering for an older amplifier.
Check the exact model, serial number and rear-panel input with Audio T if the amplifier is not clearly identified as a NAP 250 DR. A familiar XLR socket is not sufficient evidence on its own.
Not for Other Naim Power Amplifiers
The legacy NAP 200 uses a four-pin DIN signal input and requires a two-XLR-to-four-pin-DIN assembly. The legacy NAP 300 and NAP 300 DR use separate left and right XLR inputs and require two distinct channel-specific leads.
The New Classic NAP 250 and NAP 350 use standard balanced XLR inputs. They require the appropriate balanced cables rather than this legacy adaptor.
Ask Audio T to confirm the correct lead whenever either the pre-amplifier or power amplifier differs from the combination named on this page.
What the Cable Does Not Replace
This interconnect carries line-level analogue audio only. It does not replace either product's mains lead, an optional NSC 222 external power-supply connection, the NAP 250's speaker cables or any other required system wiring.
It also does not provide the standby and logo-brightness system automation available between compatible New Classic components. The legacy NAP 250 continues to use its own normal power controls and sequence.
Installation and Power Sequence
Switch off the NAP 250, NSC 222 and any associated external power supplies before fitting or removing the lead. 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. Fit the single male XLR plug to the legacy NAP 250 input and check that every connector is fully seated.
Source components and pre-amplification should normally be powered before the power amplifier. When switching off, turn the power amplifier off first. Follow the manuals supplied with the actual products if their sequence differs.
Route the cable without tight bends, crushing or tension at the split and connectors. Keep it sensibly separated from mains leads, external power supplies and transformers where the rack layout permits.
System Planning
This interconnect can make a staged Naim upgrade practical by allowing an existing NAP 250 DR to remain in the system with an NSC 222. It solves the signal-connection requirement but does not automatically confirm that every part of the system is correctly configured.
Audio T can check the amplifier version, speaker cable and termination, rack layout, optional NSC 222 power supply and complete power sequence. This is particularly valuable when the legacy amplifier has been purchased used or its service history is unknown.
Key Features
- Official Naim New Classic-to-legacy lead assembly
- Connects an NSC 222 to a legacy NAP 250 or NAP 250 DR
- Two female XLR connectors at the pre-amplifier end
- One male XLR connector at the power-amplifier end
- Complete two-channel stereo assembly
- Adapts balanced New Classic outputs to a Naim-specific unbalanced input
- Published 1m cable length
- Naim catalogue reference 00-010-0247
- No second cable required for normal stereo use
- 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 250 or NAP 250 DR power amplifier
- Source interface: Two balanced XLR pre-amplifier outputs
- Destination interface: One Naim-specific unbalanced XLR input
- Source-end connectors: Two female three-pin XLR connectors
- Amplifier-end connector: One male three-pin XLR connector
- Channels: Left and right stereo
- Published length: 1m
- Naim catalogue reference: 00-010-0247
- Signal type: Line-level analogue audio
- Direction: New Classic pre-amplifier output to legacy NAP 250 input
- Finish: Black
- Supplied quantity: One complete stereo lead assembly
Confirm the exact legacy NAP 250 model and available 1m routing distance before ordering. The current New Classic NAP 250 requires a different cable arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this interconnect connect?
It connects the separate left and right balanced XLR outputs of a Naim NSC 222 to the single Naim-wired XLR input of a legacy NAP 250 or NAP 250 DR.
Is one assembly enough for stereo?
Yes. The two NSC 222 connectors carry the left and right channels into the legacy amplifier's single two-channel input. No matching second cable is required.
Does the cable combine the channels into mono?
No. The channels remain separate and are routed to their respective pins in the NAP 250 input connector.
Is this a standard balanced XLR cable?
No. It adapts two balanced New Classic outputs to the Naim-specific unbalanced input arrangement of the legacy NAP 250.
Which connectors go to the NSC 222?
The two female XLR connectors fit the NSC 222 left and right male output sockets. The single male XLR connector fits the legacy NAP 250 female input.
Will it work with the NAP 250 DR?
Yes. It is intended for the legacy NAP 250 input arrangement used by the NAP 250 DR. Confirm the precise model when ordering.
Will it work with the current New Classic NAP 250?
No. The current NAP 250 has two standard balanced XLR inputs and uses the appropriate pair of balanced XLR leads.
Will it work with a legacy NAP 200 or NAP 300?
No. The NAP 200 requires a four-pin DIN assembly, while the NAP 300 requires separate left and right channel-specific XLR leads.
Can it be used with active speakers or third-party amplifiers?
It is not a general-purpose XLR adaptor. Use cables that match the third-party product's published input standard and wiring.
Does it carry power?
No. It carries line-level analogue audio only. The NSC 222 and NAP 250 retain their own mains and approved power-supply arrangements.
Does it provide system automation?
No. It 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 single legacy NAP 250 input.
How long is the cable?
Naim catalogue and distributor information identifies the lead as 1m. Confirm that the equipment placement permits relaxed routing without tension.
Can it be extended or reterminated?
No. Modification could alter the Naim-specific wiring and intended electrical arrangement. Ask Audio T about an approved alternative if more length is required.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Checks for NSC 222, legacy NAP 250 and NAP 250 DR compatibility
- Clear identification of legacy and New Classic NAP 250 models
- Advice on New Classic and legacy Naim integration
- Identification of alternative leads for NAP 200 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 generation, connector arrangement, cable length and complete system requirements before ordering.
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