4
2. Installing and Connecting
2.2.1 Audio Signal Inputs and Outputs
NAC-N 172 XS
Type Name Format
Notes
Input
an. 1
Analogue 5-pin DIN
Fixed volume capable
Input
an. 2
Analogue RCA phonos
Fixed volume capable
Input
Front
Analogue 3.5mm jack
Combined auto-switching analogue/digital socket
Digital 3.5mm miniTosLink S/PDIF (to 96kHz/24bit) format
Input
dig. 1
Digital coaxial (RCA phono) S/PDIF (to 192kHz/24bit) format
Input
dig. 2
Digital optical (TosLink)
S/PDIF (to 96kHz/24bit) format
Input
dig. 3
Digital coaxial (RCA phono) S/PDIF (to 192kHz/24bit) format
Input
dig. 4
Digital optical (TosLink)
S/PDIF (to 96kHz/24bit) format
Output
Preamp
Analogue 4-pin DIN
Post volume control
Output
Preamp
Analogue RCA phonos
Post volume control
Output
Line
Analogue RCA phonos
Pre volume control
Note: The NAC-N 172 XS Series front analogue/digital jack input socket can accommodate both conventional analogue
3.5mm plugs and miniTosLink optical digital plugs. It will automatically identify the type of plug inserted and handle the
signal appropriately. See Section 4.3.10.
NAC-N 272
Type Name Format
Notes
Input
an. 1
Analogue 5-pin DIN
Fixed volume capable
Input
an. 2
Analogue RCA phonos
Fixed volume capable
Input
an. 3
Analogue RCA phonos
Fixed volume capable
Input
dig. 1
Digital coaxial (BNC)
S/PDIF (to 192kHz/24bit) or DSD64 formats
Input
dig. 2
Digital coaxial (RCA phono) S/PDIF (to 192kHz/24bit) or DSD64 formats
Input
dig. 3
Digital coaxial (RCA phono) S/PDIF (to 192kHz/24bit) or DSD64 formats
Input
dig. 4
Digital optical (TosLink)
S/PDIF (to 96kHz/24bit) format
Input
dig. 5
Digital optical (TosLink)
S/PDIF (to 96kHz/24bit) format
Input
dig. 6
Digital optical (TosLink)
S/PDIF (to 96kHz/24bit) format
Output
Preamp
Analogue 4-pin DIN x 2
Post volume control
Output
Preamp
Analogue RCA phonos
Post volume control
Output
Line
Analogue RCA phonos
Pre volume control
Output
Line
Digital coaxial (BNC)
Pre volume control. S/PDIF (to 192kHz/24bit) format
Note: NAC-N preamplifier outputs are intended for connection to a power amplifier or a subwoofer. Preamplifier outputs
always reflect the selected input. Your local Naim retailer will be able to supply appropriate cables for power amplifier or
subwoofer connection if necessary.
2.2 Audio Signal Connections
Table 2.2.1 lists the audio inputs and outputs provided
on each NAC-N preamplifier. Always use high quality
interconnect cables to connect inputs and outputs.
Note: Post volume control output signals are affected
by volume and balance adjustments. Pre volume control
output signals are unaffected by volume and balance
adjustments and must be routed via a volume control
before reaching a power amplifier.
