New Update Available for Naim Audio Streaming Products

UPDATE: Bluetooth (aptX) and Firmware Version 4.3. 

From today new ND5 XS, NDX and NAC-N 172 XS network players will be shipped with Bluetooth (aptX) compatibility. Firmware Version 4.3 for all Naim Audio streaming products is also now available to download below.

Version 4.3 will enable DSD playback for existing owners of network players equipped with the higher spec SHARC DSP hardware (ND5 XS, NDX, NDS, SuperUniti, NAC-N 272). The NDS gets multiroom capability for the first time and all players now support the higher resolution BBC Radio HLS format, can use Spotify Connect in multiroom mode and benefit from a host of minor bug fixes.  

You can see exactly how version 4.3 will affect your product by referring to the update table below:
 

Original NaimUniti and UnitiQute models and early NDX models are compatible with this new update but will only gain the new features (HLS BBC Radio support, Spotify Connect multiroom) if they are 24bit/192kHz capable. 

You can check if your product is 24/192 capable by entering the Setup menu using the front panel or remote control. Then go to Factory Settings > System Status and scroll to > BC SW. If the version number displayed starts ‘3D’ you have the latest hardware. If it displays anything else then you will need to upgrade your hardware to benefit from new features.

Bluetooth (aptX) will only feature on new products and is not available as an upgrade.

A full list of new features and fixes in Firmware Version 4.3 is available below:

• DSD 64 support for SuperUniti, ND5XS, NDX and NDS
• Spotify Connect input can now be streamed using multiroom
• Support for high-res HLS format used by BBC Radio stations
• Fix for incorrect ‘Fault 36’ report occurring on some NDS network players
• Multiroom support for NDS
• DST (Daylight Saving Time) full implementation
   

Applying The Update 

To update your streaming products you will need a PC or a Mac and a USB to mini-USB B or USB to RS232 cable, depending on the age of your product. You can download the Naim Audio streamer updater for your operating system from the links below.

DOWNLOAD: Naim Audio Streamer Updater Version 4.3 - PC

DOWNLOAD: Naim Streamer Updater Version 4.3 - MAC

Make sure you read the accompanying update instructions available below carefully before beginning the process and have them open to refer to throughout. If you experience any issues whilst updating please contact Naim Audio Support. 

PC
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (English)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (German)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (Chinese)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (Spanish)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (Italian)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (Polish)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (Korean)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (French)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (Russian)

MAC
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (English)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (German)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (Chinese)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (Spanish)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (Italian)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (Polish)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (Korean)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (French)
Naim Audio Streamer Updater Instructions (Russian)

Further information 

DSD 64 Compatibility 

The Naim Audio NDS, NDX, ND5 XS and SuperUniti streaming products are now able to play single rate DSD files (DSF64 and DFF64 DSD). This adds to the already rich list of features available and means owners can explore even more music from different sources and in different formats.

DSD files can be played back via the UPnP™, electrical S/PDIF or USB inputs. To keep the DSD audio routing as pure as possible the digital header information is stripped out by the DSP leaving only the audio. This is then optimised for the DAC by down sampling the stream to 40bit/768kHz, using Naim Audio software to maintain the high sample rate and accuracy. This adapted DSD stream then enters the DAC, bypassing the DACs internal digital filter.

BBC Radio HLS Format 

Earlier this year the BBC introduced a new system for streaming its radio stations over the internet. Unfortunately this caused a temporary loss of service and meant that the higher-resolution stations became unavailable. This update enables compatibility with the new BBC HLS system, making the higher resolution stations available for selection from your product again.  

Spotify Connect Multiroom 

Spotify Connect makes the millions of songs from the world's most popular streaming service available for direct playback from your Naim Audio streaming product. Firmware Version 4.3 expands on this functionality, allowing Spotify Connect to be broadcast from one Naim Audio streaming product to up to four client Naim Audio players in other rooms using the multiroom and party mode feature.