Audio T Verdict
This dedicated Naim interconnect allows the balanced XLR pre-amplifier outputs of the New Classic NSC 222 to feed the channel-specific, Naim-wired XLR inputs of a legacy NAP 300 or NAP 300 DR power amplifier.
Although it has familiar three-pin XLR connectors, it is not a generic balanced XLR cable. The legacy NAP 300 uses Naim-specific unbalanced XLR inputs, so the cable provides the correct connection between two different interface arrangements.
Left and right versions are distinct. The current Audio T selector offers one channel cable at a time, and a complete stereo connection requires one left-channel cable and one right-channel cable.
Naim NSC 222 to Legacy NAP 300 XLR Interconnect
Naim introduced this specialist lead assembly to help owners combine a New Classic pre-amplifier with a legacy NAP 300 power amplifier. It carries one channel of line-level analogue audio from the NSC 222 to the corresponding NAP 300 input.
Each cable has one female XLR connector for the NSC 222 output and one male XLR connector for the NAP 300 input. The left and right cables use channel-specific wiring and must be fitted to the matching outputs and inputs.
Designed For
- Naim NSC 222 streaming pre-amplifier
- Legacy Naim NAP 300 power amplifier
- Legacy Naim NAP 300 DR power amplifier
- Adapting New Classic balanced XLR output wiring
- Feeding the NAP 300's Naim-specific unbalanced XLR input
- One channel of a two-channel stereo connection
Important Limitations
- A complete stereo system requires both left and right cables
- Two left cables or two right cables are not a valid substitute
- It is not a standard balanced XLR interconnect
- It is not intended for the New Classic NAP 250 or NAP 350
- It does not carry mains power or power-supply DC
- It does not provide system automation
- Other pre-amplifier and power-amplifier combinations need different leads
Connecting New Classic to Legacy Naim
The NSC 222 belongs to Naim's New Classic generation and provides separate left and right balanced XLR pre-amplifier outputs. The legacy NAP 300 and NAP 300 DR also use XLR-shaped input sockets, but their electrical arrangement is Naim-specific and unbalanced.
Matching connector shells do not make the interfaces electrically identical. This lead assembly is wired for the specific transition from the New Classic output to the legacy NAP 300 input, avoiding the uncertainty of a generic XLR cable or an improvised adaptor.
Not a Generic XLR Cable
Standard balanced XLR wiring should not be assumed to suit every Naim product fitted with an XLR socket. Naim identifies the NAP 300 and NAP 300 DR inputs as Naim-specific unbalanced XLR connections.
Use this lead only for the supported source-to-amplifier direction and channel. Do not substitute a microphone cable, reverse the lead or use it as a general-purpose adaptor.
Left and Right Channel Versions
The NAP 300 has separate input sockets for its left and right audio channels. Naim therefore provides two distinct versions of this interconnect: one for the left signal path and one for the right.
Select the cable that matches the channel being connected. For normal stereo operation, the NSC 222 left output must feed the NAP 300 left input and the NSC 222 right output must feed the NAP 300 right input.
A single selected cable carries only one channel, so purchasing only the left or only the right version will not provide a complete stereo connection. Keep both leads clearly identified during installation and future system changes.
Check Both Cables Before Installation
Confirm that the left and right channel identifiers are present and correspond with the order. Do not rely only on cable appearance, as the two leads can look very similar while using different channel-specific wiring.
Connector Direction
The female XLR cable connector attaches to the male XLR output socket on the NSC 222. The male XLR cable connector attaches to the female input socket for the corresponding channel on the NAP 300.
Align each connector correctly before insertion and push it fully home without twisting or forcing it. Use the release catch when disconnecting a locking XLR connector rather than pulling on the cable.
The lead should run from pre-amplifier output to power-amplifier input. It is not specified for reverse operation or for connecting two outputs, two inputs or unrelated equipment.
Balanced Output to Naim-Specific Unbalanced Input
The NSC 222 offers a balanced analogue output, while the legacy NAP 300 uses Naim's earlier unbalanced XLR input arrangement. This cable adapts the required signal and ground connections so the two products can work together correctly.
The resulting system should not be described as a fully balanced signal path simply because both ends use XLR connectors. Its purpose is compatibility with the legacy amplifier input, not conversion of the NAP 300 into a balanced-input amplifier.
What the Cable Does Not Replace
This is a line-level audio interconnect. It does not replace the NAP 300's dedicated power supply, its Burndy connections, mains cables, speaker cables or any other required system wiring.
The NAP 300 or NAP 300 DR must remain connected to its matching NAP 300 PS power supply exactly as described in the amplifier manual. The NSC 222 also requires its own mains connection or an approved external power-supply arrangement.
Legacy NAP 300 amplifiers do not gain New Classic system-automation functions through this analogue cable. Power sequencing and front-panel operation remain those specified for the individual products.
Not for Other Naim Power Amplifiers
Different Naim power amplifiers use different input arrangements. The legacy NAP 200 requires a two-XLR-to-four-pin-DIN assembly, while the legacy NAP 250 requires a two-XLR-to-single-XLR assembly.
The New Classic NAP 250 and NAP 350 use standard balanced XLR inputs and require the appropriate balanced interconnects instead. Connector shape alone must never be used to choose a Naim cable.
This listing should therefore remain specific to the NSC 222 and legacy NAP 300 family. Ask Audio T to identify the correct cable if either component is different.
Installation and Power Sequence
Switch off the NAP 300, NSC 222 and associated power supplies before fitting or removing either interconnect. Turn the NSC 222 volume down before powering the system again.
Connect the labelled left cable between the left output and left input, then repeat with the right cable. Check both connections before reconnecting mains power. Source components and pre-amplification should normally be powered before the power amplifier; switch the power amplifier off first when shutting the system down.
Route the leads without tight coils, sharp bends, crushing or tension at the plugs. Keep signal cables sensibly separated from mains cables, power supplies and transformers where the rack layout permits.
System Planning and Compatibility
Combining an NSC 222 with an existing NAP 300 or NAP 300 DR can allow a staged move into the New Classic range without replacing the power amplifier at the same time. The interconnects solve the signal-interface requirement but do not by themselves confirm the suitability of the complete system.
Audio T can check amplifier condition, required NAP 300 power-supply cables, speaker-cable termination, rack spacing and the complete left-to-right signal path before installation. This is particularly useful when equipment has been purchased used or its original accessories are incomplete.
Key Features
- Official Naim New Classic-to-legacy lead assembly
- Connects the NSC 222 to a legacy NAP 300 or NAP 300 DR
- Adapts a balanced New Classic output to a Naim-specific unbalanced input
- Separate left and right channel versions
- One female three-pin XLR connector per cable
- One male three-pin XLR connector per cable
- Published 1m cable length
- Naim catalogue reference 00-010-0248
- Two distinct channel cables required for stereo
- Black cable and connector finish
Technical Specifications
- Product type: Channel-specific analogue signal interconnect
- Source product: Naim NSC 222 streaming pre-amplifier
- Destination product: Legacy Naim NAP 300 or NAP 300 DR power amplifier
- Source interface: Balanced XLR pre-amplifier output
- Destination interface: Naim-specific unbalanced XLR input
- Connectors per cable: One female three-pin XLR and one male three-pin XLR
- Channel options: Left or right
- Stereo requirement: One left cable and one right cable
- Published length: 1m
- Naim catalogue reference: 00-010-0248
- Signal type: Line-level analogue audio
- Direction: New Classic pre-amplifier output to legacy NAP 300 input
- Finish: Black
- Current Audio T option quantity: One selected channel cable
Left and right leads are electrically channel-specific. Confirm the current Naim supply configuration and that both required channels are included in the order before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this cable connect?
It connects one balanced XLR pre-amplifier output on a Naim NSC 222 to the corresponding Naim-specific XLR input on a legacy NAP 300 or NAP 300 DR.
Do I need both left and right cables?
Yes. One cable carries one channel. A stereo connection requires the distinct left-channel and right-channel versions.
Can I use two identical left-channel cables?
No. The channels use distinct cable versions. Fit one correctly identified left cable and one correctly identified right cable.
Is this a standard balanced XLR interconnect?
No. The NSC 222 output is balanced, but the legacy NAP 300 input uses Naim-specific unbalanced XLR wiring. This lead is designed to connect those two arrangements.
Which connector goes to the NSC 222?
The female XLR cable connector fits the male output socket on the NSC 222. The male XLR cable connector fits the corresponding female input on the NAP 300.
Will it work with the NAP 300 DR?
Yes. The legacy compatibility information covers the NAP 300 family, including the NAP 300 DR. Confirm the exact amplifier model when ordering.
Will it work with a New Classic NAP 250?
No. The New Classic NAP 250 uses standard balanced XLR inputs and the appropriate balanced XLR cables. This adaptor lead is for the legacy NAP 300 input arrangement.
Will it work with a legacy NAP 250 or NAP 200?
No. Those amplifiers require different Naim lead assemblies because their channel and connector arrangements differ.
Can it connect the NSC 222 to active speakers?
It is not intended as a general active-speaker cable. Use interconnects that match the active speakers' input standard and the manufacturer's instructions.
Does it carry power?
No. It carries line-level analogue audio only. The NSC 222, NAP 300 and NAP 300 PS retain their required mains and power-supply connections.
Does it provide system automation?
No. It carries audio only and does not add New Classic standby or logo-brightness automation to a legacy NAP 300.
Can the cable be used in reverse?
No. Use it only in the specified direction from the New Classic pre-amplifier output to the matching legacy NAP 300 input.
How long is the cable?
Naim catalogue and distributor information identifies this lead assembly as 1m. Confirm the current supplied length if rack spacing makes this critical.
Can it be extended or reterminated?
No. Extension or retermination could alter the channel-specific wiring and intended electrical arrangement. Ask Audio T about an approved alternative if greater length is required.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Checks for NSC 222, NAP 300 and NAP 300 DR compatibility
- Confirmation of the required left and right cable versions
- Advice on New Classic and legacy Naim integration
- Identification of alternative leads for NAP 200 and NAP 250
- NAP 300 power-supply and Burndy cable 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, channel selection, supplied quantity and complete cable requirement before ordering.
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