Audio T Verdict
The Naim NPX TT is the dedicated external power supply for the NVC TT moving-magnet and moving-coil phono stage. It allows the NVC TT to operate independently of a powered New Classic pre-amplifier input, making the phono stage suitable for older Naim systems and amplifiers from other manufacturers.
It originated as part of the Solstice Special Edition vinyl system and provides separate Type 1 and Type 2 power outputs. The Type 1 output powers the NVC TT, while the Type 2 output supports the NVS TT turntable in the original Solstice arrangement.
The NPX TT does not power the NAC-N 272 or other Naim pre-amplifiers, streamers or power amplifiers. That compatibility claim belongs to the full-width NPX 300 and should not appear on this page. The NPX TT package includes a Power-Line Lite but does not list Type 1 or Type 2 output cables as supplied accessories.
Naim NPX TT Power Supply for NVC TT
The NPX TT is a compact, dedicated power supply developed alongside Naim's NVC TT phono stage. Its purpose is to provide the sensitive phono circuitry with stable power from a separate enclosure while allowing the NVC TT's audio output to connect to a wide choice of pre-amplifiers and integrated amplifiers.
A large toroidal transformer and linear audio power supply are combined with a separate low-consumption standby supply. The half-width aluminium case matches the NVC TT and incorporates an illuminated Naim logo with adjustable brightness.
Designed For
- Dedicated external power for the Naim NVC TT phono stage
- NVC TT systems using older Naim pre-amplifiers
- NVC TT systems using third-party integrated amplifiers or pre-amplifiers
- Optional NVC TT upgrade in NSC 222 and NAC 332 systems
- Original Solstice systems using NVC TT and NVS TT
- Moving-magnet and moving-coil vinyl replay through the NVC TT
- Half-width New Classic equipment installations
Important Limitations
- It is a power supply, not a phono stage
- The NVC TT is purchased separately
- Type 1 and Type 2 output cables are not listed with the NPX TT
- It does not power the NAC-N 272, NDX 2 or ND 555
- It does not power the NSC 222, NAC 332 or NSS 333
- It does not power a Naim NAP power amplifier
- It is not interchangeable with the NPX 300
- Its Micro USB socket is for service updates only
Correction to the Existing Product Copy
The NPX TT does not connect to or power the NAC-N 272. Naim's documentation says that it allows the separately purchased NVC TT phono stage to be used with older Naim products and third-party amplifiers.
The NDX 2 and NAC-N 272 are supported by the larger NPX 300 in Legacy Mode with special cables. The NPX TT and NPX 300 have different outputs, partner products and applications.
Why Give a Phono Stage Its Own Power Supply?
A phono cartridge produces a very small electrical signal, particularly when a low-output moving-coil design is used. The phono stage must apply substantial gain before the signal reaches a normal line-level amplifier input, making the quality of its power rails and its exposure to electrical or mechanical noise especially important.
The NPX TT moves its transformer, rectification and primary regulation into a separate enclosure. The NVC TT can then concentrate on cartridge loading, gain and equalisation without housing the mains transformer beside its low-level audio circuitry.
This is a product-specific upgrade rather than a general mains filter. It supplies the voltage and control arrangements required by the NVC TT and Solstice architecture; it does not condition the mains for other components.
Linear Audio Supply and Low-Power Standby Supply
Naim describes two internal power-supply sections. The audio circuitry is supported by a high-quality linear design based around a large toroidal transformer, while a separate efficient switch-mode supply enables standby consumption below 0.5W.
Separating normal audio operation from low-power standby allows the NVC TT to offer an Auto Standby mode without making the small-signal audio stages dependent on the standby supply during listening.
Type 1 Output for the NVC TT
The Type 1 output is the normal connection between the NPX TT and NVC TT. The matching Type 1 cable is supplied with the NVC TT phono stage rather than listed in the NPX TT package.
When the NPX TT powers the phono stage, the NVC TT's separate 5-pin DIN or stereo RCA output carries the audio signal to the pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier. Naim recommends the 5-pin DIN route where the receiving Naim amplifier provides a compatible input.
Switch off and disconnect the complete system before fitting or removing the Type 1 cable. The multi-pin plug must be correctly aligned and secured without twisting the connector body or forcing the pins.
Type 2 Output and the Solstice NVS TT
The second output comes from the NPX TT's original role in the Solstice Special Edition, where the supply powered both the NVC TT phono stage and NVS TT turntable through electrically separate arrangements.
A Solstice NVS TT uses its system-specific Type 2 cable. That cable is not listed as an accessory supplied with the standalone NPX TT, and the complete Solstice connection path should remain exactly as documented for the original package.
The presence of a Type 2 socket does not make the NPX TT compatible with arbitrary turntables, motor controllers or other Naim products. A conventional turntable connects its cartridge leads to the NVC TT and does not draw power from the NPX TT.
Using the NVC TT with Older Naim Amplification
Older Naim pre-amplifiers do not provide the New Classic Type 1 connection required to power the NVC TT directly. Adding the NPX TT solves the power requirement, after which the phono stage's 5-pin DIN audio output can connect to a suitable line-level DIN input.
Compatibility here refers to the NVC TT's audio connection with the older pre-amplifier. The NPX TT powers only the phono stage; it does not replace a HiCap, SuperCap, XPS, 555 PS or another supply required by the amplifier itself.
Using the NVC TT with Third-Party Amplifiers
The NPX TT also allows the NVC TT to be used in systems without a Naim powered Type 1 input. The phono stage's stereo RCA output connects to a conventional line-level input on a compatible pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier.
The receiving input must be a standard line input rather than another phono input. Passing the already equalised and amplified NVC TT signal through a second phono stage would apply incorrect gain and equalisation.
Optional Upgrade with NSC 222 or NAC 332
The NVC TT can receive power directly from compatible NSC 222 and NAC 332 pre-amplifiers through its Type 1 connection, so an NPX TT is not required for the phono stage to operate in those systems.
Adding the dedicated supply becomes an optional upgrade. The NPX TT then powers the NVC TT independently, while the phono stage sends audio to the pre-amplifier through its separate DIN or RCA line output.
Do not confuse this arrangement with powering the NSC 222 or NAC 332 themselves. Their external power-supply upgrade is the full-width NPX 300, which uses Type 3 and Type 4 cables.
What Is Supplied?
Naim lists the NPX TT power supply, Power-Line Lite mains cable, cleaning cloth and document pack. The current product page does not list a Type 1 or Type 2 output cable with the power supply.
The NVC TT package includes its Type 1 power cable, 5-pin DIN audio interconnect, cleaning cloth and documents. An original Solstice system includes the connection hardware required for its NVS TT arrangement.
Check the Complete Cable Set
If the NPX TT is being purchased separately from a used NVC TT or Solstice package, confirm that the correct original Type 1 or Type 2 cable is present. Similar multi-pin Naim connectors should never be treated as interchangeable.
Auto Standby and Instant On
When powered by the NPX TT, the NVC TT's default Auto Standby setting places the system into a sleep mode after approximately 20 minutes and reduces consumption below 0.5W.
The NVC TT can instead be set to Instant On, which keeps its sensitive audio circuitry powered for immediate use. The preferred setting depends on convenience, energy use and how the system is normally operated.
Adjustable Logo Brightness
The white illuminated Naim logo can be set to high, medium or low brightness. A rear push button adjusts the NPX TT illumination, while the corresponding NVC TT control manages the phono-stage logo.
Holding the rear NPX TT button performs a reset rather than a normal brightness change, so it should not be pressed and held casually during installation.
Micro USB Service Port
The rear Micro USB socket is for service updates only. It cannot receive USB audio, power a user accessory, play music from storage or connect the NPX TT to an app.
Installation and Power Sequence
Place the turntable, NVC TT, NPX TT and amplification in their final positions before making connections. Turn the amplifier volume fully down, switch off the complete system and disconnect the relevant products from mains before fitting power or signal cables.
Connect the required Type 1 cable between the NPX TT and NVC TT, then connect the phono stage's DIN or RCA audio output to a line-level amplifier input. Connect the Power-Line Lite to the NPX TT only after the low-voltage and audio connections have been checked.
Source components and supplies should be powered before the power amplifier. Never connect or disconnect the Type 1 or Type 2 cable while the NPX TT is energised.
Placement, Ventilation and Cable Dressing
The NPX TT should sit level on a stable equipment support and should not be stacked directly above or below the NVC TT. Reasonable physical separation helps keep transformer fields and mechanical vibration away from the phono stage's small-signal circuitry.
Keep power cables, turntable leads and phono-stage outputs separated where possible. Allow multi-pin cables to follow a natural curve without tight bends, contact with the floor or strain at the connectors.
Compact Aluminium Casework
The half-width enclosure measures 70mm high, 214mm wide and 330mm deep and weighs 5.6kg. Its aluminium construction and adjustable white logo match the NVC TT and complement the wider New Classic range.
The NPX TT contains no cartridge controls, phono inputs or audio outputs. Cartridge type, moving-coil gain and loading remain functions of the connected NVC TT.
Key Features
- Dedicated external power supply for the Naim NVC TT
- Allows NVC TT use with older Naim and third-party amplification
- Optional NVC TT upgrade with NSC 222 and NAC 332 systems
- Developed from the Naim Solstice Special Edition architecture
- Type 1 output for the NVC TT phono stage
- Type 2 output for the original Solstice NVS TT arrangement
- Separate linear audio and low-power standby supplies
- Large toroidal transformer
- Standby consumption below 0.5W
- Supports NVC TT Auto Standby and Instant On modes
- Power-Line Lite mains cable supplied
- Micro USB service-update socket
- Adjustable high, medium and low logo brightness
- White illuminated Naim logo
- Compact half-width aluminium casework
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the NPX TT power?
Its primary current partner is the NVC TT phono stage. Its second Type 2 output also supports the NVS TT turntable in the original Solstice system arrangement.
Is the NVC TT included?
No. This listing is for the NPX TT power supply. The NVC TT phono stage is a separate product.
Does the NVC TT require an NPX TT?
Not when the NVC TT is powered directly by a compatible NSC 222 or NAC 332 Type 1 connection. The NPX TT is required when using the phono stage with an amplifier that cannot provide that supply and is an optional dedicated-power upgrade in New Classic systems.
Can it power the NVC TT and NVS TT together?
Yes, in the original Naim Solstice arrangement, where the two products use the separate Type 1 and Type 2 outputs with their correct system cables. This does not create compatibility with unrelated turntables.
Is the Type 1 cable included with the NPX TT?
Naim lists the Type 1 power cable with the NVC TT rather than the NPX TT. The standalone NPX TT package lists a Power-Line Lite, cleaning cloth and documents.
Can I use the NVC TT with a non-Naim amplifier?
Yes. The NPX TT powers the NVC TT, whose stereo RCA output can then connect to a compatible line-level input. Do not connect it to another phono input.
Does it power an older Naim pre-amplifier?
No. It powers the NVC TT so that the phono stage can send audio to an older Naim pre-amplifier. Any power supply required by that pre-amplifier remains separate.
Can it power a NAC-N 272?
No. The existing claim is incorrect. A NAC-N 272 may use the full-width NPX 300 in Legacy Mode with the correct special cable, not the NPX TT.
Can it power the NSC 222, NSS 333 or NAC 332?
No. Those components use the NPX 300 as their external upgrade supply. The similarly named NPX TT is dedicated to the NVC TT and Solstice vinyl architecture.
Is a Power-Line supplied?
Naim specifies a Power-Line Lite mains cable with the NPX TT.
What is the difference between Auto Standby and Instant On?
Auto Standby places the NVC TT and NPX TT system into a sub-0.5W sleep mode after approximately 20 minutes. Instant On leaves the sensitive NVC TT audio circuitry powered for immediate use.
What is the Micro USB socket for?
It is for service updates only and has no user audio, storage or charging function.
Can the power cables be changed while the system is on?
No. Switch off the complete system and disconnect it from mains before fitting or removing a Type 1 or Type 2 cable.
Is the mains voltage user-switchable?
Do not assume so. Naim publishes separate 110 to 120V and 220 to 240V market versions. Use only a unit correctly configured and labelled for the local supply.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- NVC TT and NPX TT system demonstrations by arrangement
- Clear distinction between NPX TT and NPX 300 compatibility
- Type 1 and Solstice Type 2 cable checks
- Advice for older Naim and third-party amplifier integration
- Moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridge matching
- NVC TT gain and loading setup guidance
- Turntable grounding and hum investigation
- 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 NVC TT, amplifier, Type 1 or Type 2 cable and mains-version requirements before ordering.
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