Managing inputs and outputs on Naim devices

Naim products are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to tailor your system to your needs—whether you're connecting a turntable, a subwoofer, or an external headphone amplifier. This guide explains how to manage inputs and outputs on your Naim device, including renaming, disabling, and configuring connections for optimal performance.

Renaming Inputs

Many Naim devices allow you to rename inputs for easier navigation and personalization.

How to Rename Inputs:

• Open the Focal & Naim app.
• Go to Settings > System Settings > Input Settings.
• Select the input you want to rename.
• Enter a custom name (e.g., “TV,” “Turntable,” “Streamer”).

Renaming inputs helps you quickly identify sources on both the app and device display.

Disabling Unused Inputs

To simplify your interface and avoid accidental switching, you can disable inputs you don’t use.

How to Disable Inputs:

• In the app, go to Settings > System Settings > Input Settings.
• Toggle off any inputs you don’t need.
• Disabled inputs will no longer appear in the input list. Note that this does not disable the input at an electronic level within the unit, it simply removes the icon from the app home screen as well as the unit’s front display list.

Input Trim: What It Means

Input Trim allows you to adjust the volume level of each input independently, ensuring consistent loudness when switching between sources.

• Useful when one source (e.g., a CD player) is louder than another (e.g., a TV).
• Found under Settings > System Settings > Input Settings > Input Trim in the app.

Connecting External Devices

Supported External Sources:

• Turntables (via a Naim or compatible phono stage)
• CD players
• TVs (via optical or analogueue input)
• Computers (via analogueue or digital input)
• Streamers and DACs

✓ Always use high-quality interconnects and follow Naim’s connection guides for best results.

Connecting a Subwoofer

Some Naim units support subwoofer output via RCA or DIN connections.

How to Connect:

• Use the preamp output or sub out socket (if available).
• Set the subwoofer’s crossover and volume to match your main speakers.
• Consult your product manual for socket location and compatibility.
• Some subwoofer support a ‘high level’ connection. Consult the subwoofer manufacturer and/or Naim Technical Support for further advice.

Connecting a Phono Stage

The NSC 222, Supernait 3 and NAIT XS 3 are all fitted with a built-in moving magnet phono stage, but for the remainder of the Naim ranges, you can connect one externally.

How to Connect:

• Using a Naim phono stage (Stageline or Superline, with accompanying power supply where applicable), connect your turntable’s arm leads and earth wire.
• Connect the phono stage to an available analogueue input on your Naim device.

Connecting an External Headphone Amplifier

If your Naim device doesn’t have a built-in headphone output or you want to upgrade:

• Use the preamp output or line out to connect to a headphone amp.
• Ensure volume control is managed appropriately.

Selecting Output Sockets 

Some Naim streamers allow you to choose between signal outputs.

How to Select (ND555, NSS 333, NDX 2, ND5 XS 2, NSC 222):

• Open the Focal & Naim app
• Go to Settings > System Settings > Output Settings
• Choose RCA, DIN, both of these, or digital, depending on your setup

DIN is preferred for best performance when connecting to other Naim equipment.

How to Select (NAC 332)

• To switch from XLR only to XLR and RCA, simply toggle the two-position switch on the rear of the NAC 332 near these sockets.

Final Tips

• Use the Focal & Naim app to manage inputs, outputs, and settings with ease.

• Always power off devices before making or changing physical connections.