Audio T Verdict
The Naim CI-NAP 108 brings eight independently fed power-amplifier channels into a compact rack-mountable chassis. Each channel delivers 150W into 8 ohms or 260W into 4 ohms, making the amplifier suitable for multi-room audio, installed loudspeakers and multi-channel systems.
Its routing is more flexible than the channel count alone suggests. Eight local RCA inputs allow separate source feeds, while two shared bus inputs can distribute common programme material across selected channels. Matching RCA outputs allow signals to be passed to further amplifiers.
This is a custom-installation power amplifier rather than a network streamer or user-operated integrated amplifier. Source control, volume control, room grouping and app operation must be provided by the CI-Uniti 102, an audio-video processor or another suitable upstream system.
Naim CI-NAP 108 Eight-Channel Power Amplifier
The CI-NAP 108 is designed for professionally planned residential, commercial and marine audio installations. Its eight amplifier channels can serve four stereo zones, eight mono zones, an installed multi-channel loudspeaker layout or a combination of local and shared programme feeds.
Each channel has its own RCA input, input-source selection, level adjustment and Euroblock loudspeaker connection. Shared bus inputs simplify systems in which the same audio needs to be delivered to several rooms without providing a separate analogue feed for every channel.
Eight Channels, Not Ten
The CI-NAP 108 has ten RCA input connections because it combines eight local inputs with two shared bus inputs. It still contains eight power-amplifier channels.
Its ten RCA outputs are line-level loop-through connections for system expansion. They do not add amplifier channels and cannot drive passive loudspeakers.
Flexible Installation Roles
Four Stereo Zones
- Use two amplifier channels per stereo room
- Separate left and right source feeds
- Independent channel-level matching
- Local or shared bus routing as required
- Central rack installation
Eight Mono Channels
- One amplifier channel per mono circuit
- Eight independent local RCA inputs available
- Suitable for separately controlled programme feeds
- Euroblock outputs for installed wiring
- Zone control supplied upstream
Shared Programme Distribution
- Two common bus inputs
- Selected channels can use a shared source feed
- Reduces duplicated analogue wiring in the rack
- Line outputs support further daisy-chaining
- Useful for larger common-area installations
Eight Independent Amplifier Channels
The CI-NAP 108 provides eight low-impedance power-amplifier channels. Each is rated at 150W into 8 ohms and 260W into 4 ohms, with a frequency response of 3Hz to 70kHz at minus 3dB.
Channels can be paired for stereo rooms or used individually for mono circuits. They are not specified for bridge-mode operation, so two outputs must not be electrically joined in an attempt to create a higher-powered channel.
Loudspeaker impedance, sensitivity, power handling, cable route and required sound level all affect system suitability. Every connected circuit should be included in the installation design before the equipment is commissioned.
Eight Local RCA Inputs
A dedicated RCA input for each amplifier channel allows up to eight different analogue signals to be amplified independently. This supports installations in which rooms or loudspeaker circuits require different source content.
A stereo zone uses two local inputs and two amplifier channels, one for left and one for right. A mono zone uses one local input and one amplifier channel. The upstream matrix, streamer or processor remains responsible for source selection and normal listening volume.
Shared Bus Inputs
Two additional RCA inputs act as shared bus feeds. Each amplifier channel can be assigned to its local input or to the appropriate shared bus, allowing common audio to be distributed without a separate source cable for every channel.
This is useful when several rooms need the same programme, or when a stereo bus must feed multiple left and right channel pairs. The channel assignment should be documented clearly so later service work does not disturb the intended routing.
The Bus Is Signal Routing, Not Network Audio
The shared bus inputs are analogue RCA connections inside the rack. They do not carry network audio, control data or independent streamed zones.
Separate music streams require separate analogue feeds from a multi-zone source, matrix or processor into the eight local inputs.
Ten RCA Line Outputs
The CI-NAP 108 provides line-level RCA outputs corresponding to its local and shared input connections. These allow signals to be passed onward to another CI-NAP 108, a CI-NAP 101 or another compatible amplifier.
Daisy-chaining can expand the number of powered zones receiving the same source, but it does not create new streams. Large linked systems must also account for the combined load presented to the source component.
Parallel Euroblock Outputs
Each amplifier channel provides two Euroblock loudspeaker connections to simplify parallel wiring. Both connectors carry the same amplified channel and are not independently controllable outputs.
Connecting two loudspeaker circuits in parallel changes the total impedance seen by that amplifier channel. The combined load must remain within the approved operating range, and identical connector availability must not be mistaken for permission to connect any two speakers.
Use correctly rated installed loudspeaker cable, observe channel polarity and support the cable so its weight does not strain the Euroblock terminals. Disconnect mains power before terminating or altering any loudspeaker circuit.
Independent Channel-Level Adjustment
Individual level controls allow the eight amplifier channels to be balanced for loudspeaker sensitivity, room size and the gain structure of the wider system. This is particularly useful when different loudspeaker models or listening areas share the same source bus.
Channel level is primarily a commissioning adjustment. Normal user volume and muting should be handled by the source, processor, matrix or control system, with the amplifier settings left at their calibrated positions.
Music Sensing and Wired Trigger Control
Input signal detection allows the amplifier to wake when music is present and return to standby after 20 minutes without a signal. Published standby consumption is 0.5W.
Trigger input and output connections provide wired system automation and override music sensing. Naim identifies the trigger interface as compatible with 5V to 12V control signals, while the published specification describes 12V input and output automation.
An instant-on switch overrides both music sensing and trigger operation when the amplifier needs to remain continuously active. Trigger voltage, polarity, wiring and sequencing should be verified before installation.
No Built-In Streamer or Direct App Control
The CI-NAP 108 is an analogue power amplifier. Its published connections are RCA audio inputs and outputs, Euroblock loudspeaker outputs and wired automation, with no network audio input.
The Focal and Naim app can control a separate compatible source such as the CI-Uniti 102. It does not turn the CI-NAP 108 into a standalone network music player or provide eight internal streaming zones.
Partnering the CI-Uniti 102
The CI-NAP 108 is designed to complement the Naim CI-Uniti 102 streamer amplifier. The CI-Uniti 102 can provide network playback, source control and an analogue feed, while the CI-NAP 108 expands the number of installed loudspeaker channels.
Multiple independent streams require the corresponding number of separately routed analogue outputs from the source system. The amplifier does not derive eight different streams from one stereo bus input.
It can also partner a compatible audio-video processor, multi-room matrix or control system. Input voltage, grounding, gain structure and power sequencing should be checked across the complete system.
1.5U Rack Installation
The amplifier is designed for a 19-inch equipment rack and occupies 1.5U. Its chassis measures 66.6mm high, 440mm wide and 300mm deep, with a weight of 7.7kg.
The unusual 1.5U height must be included in the rack plan rather than rounded down to 1U. Rear-panel RCA, Euroblock, trigger and mains connections also require adequate depth, bend radius and cable support.
A temperature-controlled fan manages cooling. The ventilation openings and fan path must remain unobstructed, and the installation should provide the clearance and airflow required by Naim's instructions.
Power and Thermal Planning
The universal power supply accepts 100V to 240V AC at 50Hz or 60Hz. Nominal consumption is 340W, maximum consumption is 2300W and standby consumption is 0.5W.
Maximum demand matters when several CI amplifiers share a rack or mains distribution circuit. Circuit capacity, power sequencing, ventilation and heat extraction should be calculated for the installed system rather than based only on nominal consumption.
Naim specifies operation between 5°C and 35°C. The product sheet gives heat output figures of 310 BTU per hour in operation, 130 BTU per hour at idle and 1.7 BTU per hour in standby, useful when planning enclosed-rack cooling.
System Design and Documentation
Before installation, list the source assigned to every channel, whether it uses a local or shared bus feed, its loudspeaker load, level setting and room destination. A labelled channel schedule prevents routing mistakes and simplifies future support.
Plan analogue signal routing separately from mains and loudspeaker wiring. Secure every Euroblock connector, maintain polarity throughout the system and leave enough service loop for the amplifier to be accessed without pulling on its cables.
The CI-NAP 108 should be installed and commissioned by a competent custom installer, particularly where several rooms, parallel loudspeaker loads, automation and centralised rack cooling are involved.
Key Features
- Eight independent low-impedance amplifier channels
- 150W per channel into 8 ohms
- 260W per channel into 4 ohms
- Eight local RCA inputs
- Two shared RCA bus inputs
- Ten RCA line outputs for daisy-chaining
- Input-source selection for each amplifier channel
- Independent channel-level controls
- Two parallel Euroblock outputs per channel
- Music sensing with automatic standby after 20 minutes
- Wired trigger input and output
- Instant-on mode
- Temperature-controlled fan
- Universal 100V to 240V mains supply
- 1.5U 19-inch rack-mountable chassis
Technical Specifications
- Product type: Eight-channel low-impedance power amplifier
- Number of channels: Eight
- Power output per channel into 8 ohms: 150W
- Power output per channel into 4 ohms: 260W
- Local analogue inputs: Eight RCA
- Shared bus inputs: Two RCA
- Total analogue inputs: Ten RCA
- Input impedance: 47 kilohms
- Line outputs: Ten RCA for daisy-chaining
- Loudspeaker outputs: Two parallel Euroblock connections per channel
- Analogue gain: 29dB
- Total harmonic distortion and noise: Less than 0.006 percent at 1kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 105dB, A-weighted
- Frequency response: 3Hz to 70kHz at minus 3dB
- Level adjustment: Independent control for each channel
- Automatic standby: After 20 minutes without an input signal
- Wired automation: Trigger input and output, 5V to 12V compatible
- Cooling: Temperature-controlled fan
- Mains supply: 100V to 240V AC, plus or minus 10 percent, 50Hz or 60Hz
- Nominal power consumption: 340W
- Maximum power consumption: 2300W
- Standby consumption: 0.5W
- Operating heat output: 310 BTU per hour
- Idle heat output: 130 BTU per hour
- Standby heat output: 1.7 BTU per hour
- Rack format: 1.5U, 19-inch rack mount
- Dimensions: 66.6mm high by 440mm wide by 300mm deep
- Weight: 7.7kg
- Operating temperature: 5°C to 35°C
- Storage temperature: Minus 20°C to 60°C
Each channel's two Euroblock sockets are connected in parallel and share that channel's rated output. Calculate the combined loudspeaker impedance before using both connectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the correct product name Nait CI-NAP 108?
No. The official manufacturer name is Naim CI-NAP 108. NAIT identifies Naim integrated amplifiers and is not part of this product's name.
How many amplifier channels does it have?
It has eight independent amplifier channels. The additional RCA connections are shared bus inputs and line-level outputs, not extra powered channels.
Can it power four stereo rooms?
Yes. Two channels can be assigned to each room for left and right loudspeakers, provided the source system supplies suitable stereo signals and controls each zone as required.
Can all eight rooms play different music?
The amplifier can accept eight separate local analogue feeds, but the eight streams must come from an upstream multi-zone source or matrix. The CI-NAP 108 does not generate or stream them itself.
What are the two bus inputs for?
They provide shared analogue feeds that can be selected by multiple amplifier channels, reducing duplicated source wiring when several zones need the same programme.
What are the ten RCA outputs for?
They are line-level loop-through connections for passing local and bus signals to further compatible amplifiers. They cannot power loudspeakers.
Why are there two Euroblock outputs per channel?
They simplify parallel connection of two loudspeaker circuits. Both sockets carry the same channel and the combined speaker load must remain compatible with the amplifier.
Can channels be bridged for more power?
Naim does not publish a bridge-mode specification for the CI-NAP 108. Amplifier outputs must not be joined unless Naim provides explicit instructions for a supported configuration.
Can the Focal and Naim app control it directly?
No direct network or app interface is specified. The app can control a separate compatible Naim streamer, while the CI-NAP 108 receives analogue audio and wired power-control signals.
How does automatic power control work?
The amplifier supports music sensing, automatic standby after 20 minutes and wired trigger control. Instant-on mode overrides both automatic systems.
Is the amplifier silent?
It is designed for quiet installation, but it contains a temperature-controlled fan. Rack location and ventilation should therefore be planned rather than assuming completely silent operation.
How much rack space does it require?
The chassis is 1.5U high and designed for a 19-inch rack. Additional space and airflow may be required by the complete rack design and Naim's installation instructions.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Correction and confirmation of the exact Naim CI model
- Eight-channel and four-zone system planning
- Local-input and shared-bus routing design
- Parallel loudspeaker-load calculation
- Channel-level and gain-structure commissioning
- Trigger-control and automation checks
- Rack, airflow and mains-capacity planning
- Support for CI-Uniti 102 and Focal installed-speaker systems
Contact your local Audio T store
with the source equipment, room plan, loudspeaker models, channel assignments and rack details so the CI-NAP 108 installation can be specified correctly.
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