Naim NAC-N 172 XS DAB/FM Extensive Naim servicing including new screen, tuner module and latest software update Serial Number 341*** - 2013 model Excellent condition and with all accessories About this NAC-N172XS DAB/FM This is an excellent example of the versatile Naim NAC-N 172 XS streamer/pre-amp/tuner. This exceptional example has the desirable DAB/FM tuner board fitted. It also has a fantastic service history with the crucial components recently replaced or updated by Naim. It’s in full working order, excellent cosmetic condition and is complete with all of its original accessories. The first service (Jan 2023) at Naim consisted of replacing the OLED screen (always a weakness with these products), brownout capacitor and a software update to the latest spec. As a Band 7 repair, this cost £549. The unit was then sent to Naim for a second repair (May). This time they replaced the entire tuner module and volume control. Again, this was another £549 job, making a grand total of nearly £1100 of service work having recently been carried out. With all the weak points replaced and the latest software installed, this NAC-N172 XS is now in superb working order and very possibly the best available. As you’d expect, every function works flawlessly and the display is clear and bright. As this player has the most recent software, it also has direct access to both Spotify and Tidal via the control panel (just link to your account). Cosmetically, the unit is equally impressive. There are no major marks anywhere on the player, with just a very faint line above the volume control the only very slight flaw we could find when studying closely. The display is perfect, of course, as is the illuminated Naim logo - it’s not unusual for these to ‘bleed’ but this one is perfect. Please see the images to make a personal appraisal of the condition. Very importantly, it comes with all its genuine Naim accessories, including the Naim remote control, genuine Naim power lead (Crabtree UK plug), quick start instructions, wi-fi aerial and full Naim packaging (including the outer slip box, inner foams and card. About the NAC-N172 XS The NAC-N 172 XS was launched in 2012 and effectively combined Naim’s ND5 XS streamer with an analogue pre-amp based around the NAC 152 XS. The key here is flexibility, as this device suits dozens of different applications. As a pre-amp, it connects to a power amp (either Naim or other brand). It has digital and analogue inputs. On top of this it also has a built in music network streamer and DAB/FM tuner. You don’t have to connect it to a power amp. The line output makes it ideal for use as a stand alone source with your existing amp or with active speakers. Or you can simply use it with a pair of headphones… Over the years we’ve meant people using this (and the 272 version) for everything from a full ‘heart of system’ pre-amp to simply using it as a top quality Naim DAB tuner! With its digital inputs and line level output, it also works as a standalone DAC, of course. Where the NAC-N 172 XS really stands apart from rivals of its time, and even today, is in the quality of its components. How many other streamers use a toroidal transformer, for example. As you can see from magazine reviews of the time the sound quality is a highlight. By the time Naim launched the NAC-N 172 XS in 2012, they already had plenty of experience of streaming audio products with the previously launched Unity (2009), NDX (2010) and ND5 XS (2011). This means that the NAC-C 172 XS came with HiRes compatibility to 24-bit/192kHz from day one - unlike the first Unity and NDX models. The player is technically very similar to the ND5 XS model and even uses the same ‘XS’ casing with anodised front panel. If you’re unfamiliar with Naim’s network players, essentially they perform a whole host of music streaming functions. These include; UPnP playback - stream music from your PC, NAS drive or laptop via Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection Play Spotify direct Play Tidal direct vTuner for Internet radio USB input (front) for media stored music 4 x digital inputs, 2 x optical and 2 x coaxial (effectively making the player a DAC upgrade for your CD/DVD/Blu-ray player, TV and other digital sources) On top of this, as this is a pre-amp, too it also has the following analogue socketry. 1 x DIN line level input (ideal for a Naim CD player) 1 x RCA phono input 1 x 3.5mm AUX input (front) 1 x DIN pre-out (for Naim power amp) 1 x RCA phono pre-out (for other power amp) 1 x RCA phono line output (connects to your amp or active speakers) It’s, of course, compatible with HiRes music and supports many formats, including WAV, FLAC, DSD, Apple Lossless, AIFF, AAC, Windows Media-formatted files, Ogg Vorbis and MP3. Crucially, it has gapless playback on all lossless file formats and most compressed ones, meaning you don’t get an annoying pause between movements in longer stretches of music. What makes this (and all other) Naim network streamers a joy to use is the brilliant Naim app. It’s really easy to use, very slick and constantly updated to get the best from the players. Reviews Highly regarded by the Hi-Fi press, this player was generally considered to be one of the best-sounding streamers around £2000. “Whether you are new to Naim or already a user, its well worth a listen.” - ‘Hi-Fi World’ - ‘5 Globes’ “In fact, at this price, we can’t think of anything else that can match the versatility and the sonic performance of the NAC-N 172 XS – it’s a great streamer.” - ‘What Hi-Fi’ - 5-star review “There’s a directness and honesty about the sound that really communicates a recording very well indeed.” - ‘Gramophone’ Dimensions & Spec Case size (mm): 432 wide x 301 deep x 70 high Weight: 5.65kg More available on the Naim website Supplied Naim NAC-N172 XS Naim service history Remote control Naim power cable with Crabtree plug (UK) Wi-Fi aerial Quick start instructions Original Naim boxes with inner foams and card Postage Original Naim double boxes Box sealed with parcel tape at all openings Leads wrapped in bubblewrap and carefully placed within the box Box wrapped for added protection and security Signed for courier Item may be collected in person at no extra charge Payment PayPal (when posting only) Cleared cheque (posting or collection) Cleared bank transfer (posting or collection) Cash (collection only)