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5. Preamplifier
5.1 Selecting Inputs
Inputs can be selected by pressing the front panel input
button or one of the handset input selection keys.
Note: The handset up (
5
) and down (
6
) keys or front
panel up (
5
) and down (
6
) buttons will also scroll
through and select inputs if this navigation key action has
been configured. See Section 4.11.1.
Note: The NAC-N 172 XS front panel input is automatically
selected as soon as a plug is inserted.
Pressing the front panel input button scrolls through
and selects the inputs.
Pressing one of the handset input
selection keys either directly selects a single input or scrolls
through a group of inputs.
Note: The default input selection key assignments may be
altered within the NAC-N preamplifier set up menus. See
Section 4.11.2.
Selecting an input will route the input audio signal to the
preamplifier outputs.
The preamplifier will momentarily display input names
as they are selected before displaying input specific
information; USB track or radio preset for example.
If an input is not operational (for example, no USB memory
stick is attached) when selected, the NAC-N preamplifier
will display a descriptive alert message.
5.2 Volume Control
NAC-N preamplifier volume control is achieved by using
front panel volume control, Naim App or the handset vol–
and vol+ keys. The volume control affects the preamplifier
and headphone outputs.
The mute function silences the NAC-N preamplifier
headphone, preamplifier and line outputs. Mute is engaged
or disengaged by touching the front panel logo or pressing
the handset mute key. Mute is indicated by the display
volume icon flashing.
Note: Logo-touch muting can be disabled. See Section 4.8
5.3 Preamplifier Display
In normal operation the NAC-N preamplifier front panel
display primarily shows information relating to the selected
input. It will change temporarily to show adjustments such
as volume level and signal mute state as these are made.
5.4 Signal Outputs
NAC-N preamplifiers provide a preamplifier output, a line
output and a headphone output.
The preamplifier output is designed to be connected to a
downstream power amplifier. The line output is designed to
enable a variety of downstream ancillaries to be connected.
These might include a second headphone amplifier or a
remote integrated amplifier.
The NAC-N preamplifier headphone amplifier is able to
drive most commonly available headphones. Insertion
of a headphone plug will mute the NAC-N preamplifier
preamplifier outputs.
NAC-N preamplifiers incorporate a high performance stereo preamplifier based on established Naim design principles. Once
a preamplifier is connected to an appropriate power amplifier, using it is simply a matter of selecting the desired input and
setting the volume level.
