{"product_id":"naim-nac-202-open-box-clearance","title":"Naim NAC 202 Analog Stereo Preamplifier - Open Box - Clearance","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClearance items are sold as is without a warranty guarantee and no returns.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Naim NAC 202 is a classic analog preamplifier built for listeners who value clarity, rhythmic drive, and a direct connection to the performance. Its carefully controlled circuit layout, star-earthed boards, precision volume components, and vibration-resistant chassis give it the quiet, stable foundation needed to handle delicate source signals without softening their character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour DIN inputs and two RCA inputs make the NAC 202 flexible enough for both traditional Naim systems and components from other manufacturers. It also supports a powered Naim phono stage, configurable unity-gain AV integration, remote-control systems, and several external power-supply upgrades, allowing the preamplifier to grow with the rest of the system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClear, Controlled Analog Preamplification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe NAC 202 sits between the NAC 152 XS and Naim’s higher-tier preamplifiers, adding star-earthed circuit boards and a lower-resonance internal layout. These measures help control noise and reduce unwanted interaction between sensitive parts of the circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts presentation is shaped by careful signal handling rather than added processing. Music retains its timing, dynamic contrasts, and tonal structure, whether the source is a digital front end, tuner, tape deck, or external phono stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLow-Resonance Construction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall vibrations can affect sensitive analog electronics, particularly within a preamplifier where signals are handled at relatively low levels. Naim mounts the NAC 202’s circuitry on low-resonance boards and supports the chassis with anti-vibration feet designed to reduce mechanical interference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe internal component layout is also arranged to keep resonance and electrical noise under control. Together, these choices give the circuit a stable operating environment and help preserve low-level detail, spatial information, and the natural decay of instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePrecision Volume and Balance Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume stage uses carefully matched rotary potentiometers with precious-metal wipers, selected for consistent tracking and long-term stability. This helps maintain channel balance and signal integrity throughout the usable volume range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe motorized balance control combines a high-quality analog potentiometer with circuitry that identifies its center position. Front-panel controls remain straightforward, with volume, balance, source selection, and monitoring functions arranged in Naim’s familiar eight-button layout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDIN and RCA Source Connections\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe NAC 202 includes four DIN inputs and two RCA inputs, allowing it to accommodate a broad range of analog source components. DIN connections provide the preferred interface for a traditional Naim system, while RCA inputs make it easier to integrate third-party DACs, streamers, disc players, and other equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo variable DIN outputs connect to compatible power amplifiers, while three additional line-level outputs support recording and other fixed-level applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePhono Stage and AV Integration\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA powered input allows the NAC 202 to supply power directly to a compatible Naim StageLine or Prefix phono stage. This keeps a vinyl source integrated cleanly into the system without requiring a separate power supply for the phono component.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne input can also be configured for unity gain, allowing the NAC 202 to work alongside an AV receiver or surround processor. In this arrangement, the external processor controls the volume of the front channels during home theater use, while the NAC 202 remains the primary preamplifier for two-channel listening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlexible Power Supply Options\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe NAC 202 does not contain its own conventional internal power supply. It can receive 24V power from the preamplifier connection of a compatible NAP 155 XS or NAP 200 power amplifier, or from an external Naim power supply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompatible external supplies include the FlatCap XS, HiCap, and SuperCap. Moving to a dedicated power supply separates the preamplifier from more of the power amplifier’s electrical demands and provides a clear upgrade path for an established Naim system. An optional NAPSC can also be added to power the control circuitry separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSystem Control and Automation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rear-panel RC5 input and Naim’s Smart IR system support coordinated remote control of compatible Naim components. An optional RS232 connection is available for integration with whole-home control and automation systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe internal microprocessor manages switching, remote commands, and protection functions, then enters a sleep state during listening to reduce its influence on the audio circuitry. It also monitors the power supplies and manages safe shutdown behavior during a loss of mains power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalog stereo preamplifier with classic Naim circuit design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStar-earthed circuit boards for improved noise control and transparency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow-resonance internal layout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnti-vibration, resonance-controlling feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrecision rotary potentiometers with precious-metal wipers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMotorized balance control with center-position indication\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour DIN analog inputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo RCA analog inputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUser-configurable unity-gain AV input\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePowered input for a compatible Naim StageLine or Prefix phono stage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo variable DIN outputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree fixed line-level outputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRC5 input and Smart IR system integration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional RS232 connection for home-automation systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilent microprocessor that sleeps during listening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower-supply monitoring and protection circuitry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan be powered by a compatible NAP 155 XS or NAP 200 power amplifier\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with FlatCap XS, HiCap, and SuperCap external power supplies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional NAPSC control-circuit power supply upgrade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNARCOM-4 remote control included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Specs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnalog stereo preamplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnalog Inputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 × DIN, 2 × RCA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInput Impedance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e47kΩ\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInput Sensitivity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75mV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAV Input\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUser-configurable for unity gain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVariable Outputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 × DIN\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVariable Output Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e775mV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFixed Line Outputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFixed Output Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75mV, 600Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutput Impedance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt;50Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Load Impedance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10kΩ\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhono Power Output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFor compatible Naim phono amplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRemote Input\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRear RCA, RC5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRS232\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptional DE9 female connection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupply Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatible Power Sources\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNAP 155 XS, NAP 200, FlatCap XS, HiCap, or SuperCap\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdditional Power Upgrade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptional NAPSC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFront-Panel Controls\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVolume control and eight-button matrix\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRemote Control\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInfrared RC5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCase Finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack powder-coated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFront-Panel Finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrushed and black anodized\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e87 × 432 × 314mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat’s in the Box\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNaim NAC 202 preamplifier\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNARCOM-4 remote control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Naim","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42981430624327,"sku":"NAIM-202-OPEN","price":1499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1791\/0383\/files\/NaimNAC202.jpg?v=1784571903","url":"https:\/\/headphones.com\/products\/naim-nac-202-open-box-clearance","provider":"Headphones.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}