Assistance

If your Mu-so 2nd Generation is not pairing with your iOS device via Bluetooth, follow these steps: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iOS device. Put the Mu-so into pairing mode by pressing and holding the Bluetooth button until the indicator flashes. On your iOS device, go to Settings > Bluetooth and select the Mu-so from the list. If pairing fails, restart both devices and try again. If the problem persists, it is best to open the Naim app, forget any previously paired Bluetooth devices, and then reconnect your device. Also, make sure your iOS device is running the latest version of iOS, and that the Mu-so firmware is up to date.

After performing a factory reset on your Naim device, you may find that your Bluetooth device can no longer reconnect automatically. This is a common and expected behavior due to how Bluetooth pairing data is handled during the reset process. This guide explains why this happens and how to resolve it, using the Mu-so 2nd Generation as a reference example. The same steps apply to other Bluetooth-enabled Naim products such as the ND5 XS 2 and ND555.   Why Bluetooth Devices Fail to Reconnect When you reset your Naim device to factory settings, all user data is erased—including the list of previously paired Bluetooth devices. However, your phone, tablet, or computer may still retain the old pairing information, which no longer matches the reset Naim unit. This mismatch prevents automatic reconnection and may even block new pairing attempts until the old pairing data is cleared from your device.   How to Fix It To restore Bluetooth functionality after a factory reset: 1. Remove the Old Pairing from Your Bluetooth Device Open the Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet, or computer. Find the Naim device in the list of paired devices. Select it and choose “Forget,” “Remove,” or “Unpair.” 2. Re-pair with the Naim Device Ensure your Naim device is in Bluetooth pairing mode (this usually happens automatically after a reset). On your Bluetooth device, scan for available devices. Select your Naim product and complete the pairing process. Final Tips If pairing still fails, restart both your Naim unit and your Bluetooth device. Make sure your Naim product is running the latest firmware via the Focal & Naim app. For persistent issues, consult your retailer.

With the growing popularity of home cinema and streaming platforms, many users wonder whether their Naim product can double as a soundbar for their TV. While Naim systems are primarily designed for high-fidelity music playback, some models offer limited compatibility with television audio setups. This guide explores which Naim products can be used as a soundbar, what limitations exist, and how to get the best results. What Is a Soundbar? A soundbar is a speaker system designed specifically to enhance TV audio. It typically connects directly to a television via HDMI ARC, optical, or Bluetooth, and is optimized for dialogue clarity, surround effects, and ease of use in a home cinema context. Naim products, by contrast, are engineered for audiophile-grade music reproduction, with a focus on stereo imaging, musicality, and streaming performance. Tip: For any Naim products fitted with HDMI ARC or digital optical inputs, you will need to set your TV’s audio output to PCM. This option is sometimes listed as ‘stereo’ or ‘two channel’. The key is to avoid any Dolby or surround sound output formats.   Naim Products and Soundbar Compatibility Mu-so 2nd Generation Can be used as a soundbar Features a digital optical input and HDMI ARC for direct TV connection Easily switch to any one of the Mu-so 2’s streaming inputs for music playback Ideal for casual home cinema setups Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation Not designed as a soundbar Outfitted with an optical input, but due to the compact size of the Qb 2, you will not benefit from the stereo image that the Mu-so 2 can reproduce.   Uniti Range (Atom, Star, Nova) Cannot be used as soundbars, as there are no integrated speakers, however can still be used with a separate pair of passive speakers to reproduce excellent quality TV audio. Lip sync adjustment is possible via the Focal & Naim app. Outfitted with HDMI ARC (excepting some earlier models of the Uniti Atom) and optical inputs for direct TV connection Designed for music streaming and amplification, but will still process TV audio using their high quality digital audio processing capabilities. AV bypass can be enabled on analogueue inputs to facilitate the connection of a separate AV processor/receiver, enabling the Uniti to act as the centre left/right amplifier in a wider AV setup.   NSC 222 Cannot be used as a soundbar, as there are no integrated speakers or amplification, however can still be partnered with a Naim power amplifier and a separate pair of passive speakers to reproduce excellent quality TV audio. Lip sync adjustment is possible via the Focal & Naim app. Outfitted with optical inputs for direct TV connection Built for network streaming and high-resolution audio playback AV bypass can be enabled on analogueue inputs to facilitate the connection of a separate AV processor/receiver, enabling the Uniti to act as the centre left/right amplifier in a wider AV setup. Separate Streamers (ND5 XS 2, NDX 2, NSS 333, ND555) Cannot be used as soundbars, as there are no integrated speakers or amplification, however can still be partnered with suitable Naim amplification and a separate pair of passive speakers to reproduce excellent quality TV audio. Lip sync adjustment is possible via the Focal & Naim app. Outfitted with optical inputs for direct TV connection Built for network streaming and high-resolution audio playback No AV integration possible  Final Thoughts The Mu-so 2nd Generation offers a compelling solution for those who want both premium music playback and enhanced TV sound in a single device. A number of other Naim products offer varying degrees of potential for integration into an AV setup, depending on your requirements. If in doubt, contact your local Naim retailer or Naim Audio Technical Support.

Wired and Wireless Setup for All Naim Streamers and Systems Naim Audio products that support streaming or network control can be connected to your home network via Ethernet (wired) or Wi-Fi (wireless). The method depends on the product and your home setup. Below is a guide to connecting each type of Naim device to your network. Uniti Series (Atom, Star, Nova, Nova PE, Atom HE) All Uniti models support both wired and wireless connections: Wired: Connect an Ethernet cable from the rear panel to your router or network switch. Wireless: Attach the supplied Wi-Fi antenna. Use the Focal & Naim app to select your device, choose your Wi-Fi network, and enter the password. Mu-so Series (Mu-so 2nd Gen, Mu-so Qb 2nd Gen) These all-in-one wireless systems also support both connection types: Wired: Plug an Ethernet cable into the rear port and connect it to your router. Wireless: During setup, the LED will flash purple. Use the Focal & Naim app to connect to your Wi-Fi network. Classic and 500 Series Streamers (ND5 XS 2, NDX 2, ND555) These network players offer wired and wireless options: Wired: Use the Ethernet port on the rear panel for a stable connection. Wireless: Attach the Wi-Fi antenna and configure the connection using the Focal & Naim app or front panel display (if available). For best performance, a wired Ethernet connection is recommended, especially for high-resolution streaming. Legacy Products (HDX, SuperUniti, UnitiLite, etc.) Older Naim products like the HDX  typically support wired Ethernet only. Some may offer limited Wi-Fi functionality via USB dongles or internal modules. Unlike some other legacy models, the SuperUniti includes built-in Wi-Fi capability, allowing it to connect wirelessly to your home network. Refer to the product manual for specific instructions. Wired connections are preferred for stability and performance. Uniti Core (Music Server) The Uniti Core requires a wired Ethernet connection to function properly. It does not support Wi-Fi. Connect the Ethernet port to your router or switch. The Core will appear in the Focal & Naim app for control and library management.

  CategoryProduct nameDAC IncludedComments Streamers ND555 ✓ Yes Reference-level DAC (Burr-Brown PCM1704K), analogue outputs via DIN/RCA NSS 333 ✓ Yes Uses the Burr Brown PCM1791a DAC, compatible with the NPX 300 power supply, as well as the legacy XPS-DR and NAPS 555-DR NDX 2 ✓ Yes High-performance DAC, supports 32-bit/384kHz and DSD128 ND5 XS 2 ✓ Yes Entry-level DAC, same format support as NDX 2 All-in-One Uniti Atom ✓ Yes Integrated DAC for streaming and amplification Uniti Star ✓ Yes DAC included; also plays CDs but does not rip them Uniti Nova ✓ Yes High-end all-in-one with DAC and powerful amplification Music Server Uniti Core ✗  No No DAC; used for ripping and serving music files Mu-So Mu-so 2nd Generation ✓ Yes DAC integrated; functions as a complete speaker system Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation ✓ Yes Compact version of Mu-so with built-in DAC Knowing whether your Naim product has a DAC helps you: Choose the right interconnects (analogue vs. digital) Decide if you need an external DAC Understand how your system handles digital sources If your product has a DAC, it can serve as a complete digital source. If not, you’ll need to route its output to a DAC-equipped device.

Naim devices feature customizable lighting options to suit your listening environment.  You can adjust the brightness of the display and logo illumination via the Naim app or directly on the device, depending on the model.  Options typically include several brightness levels and the ability to turn off lighting after a period of inactivity. This is particularly useful for nighttime listening or when placing the unit in a media cabinet.  Disabling lighting can also reduce distractions and conserve energy. 

Product Compatibility Overview Product Category Models Internal Storage USB Storage NAS (UPnP) Storage Support Uniti Series Uniti Atom, Star, Nova ✗ No ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✓ Supported Mu-so Series Mu-so 2nd Gen, Mu-so Qb 2nd Gen ✗ No ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✓ Supported Classic Streamers ND5 XS 2, NDX 2, ND 555 ✗ No ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✓ Supported Legacy Streamers NDX, ND5 XS, SuperUniti, etc. ✗ No ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✓ Supported CD Players CD5si, CD5 XS, CDX2 ✗ No ✗ No ✗ No ✗ Not Supported Amplifiers NAIT, NAC, NAP Series ✗ No ✗ No ✗ No ✗ Not Supported Legacy Pre-Streamers HDX, NS01 (built-in storage, not user-expandable) ✓ Internal only ✗ No ✗ No ✗ Not Expandable USB Storage Compatibility All compatible Naim products support USB drives formatted in: FAT32 NTFS exFAT EXT4 Drive Type Supported Notes USB Flash Drive ✓ Yes Ideal for small libraries or playlists USB HDD / SSD ✓ Yes Recommended for larger music collections Tip: Use a high-quality, externally powered USB drive for best performance with large libraries.   Connecting USB Storage Uniti Series & Classic Streamers Plug the USB drive into the front or rear USB port. Open the Focal &Naim App. Navigate to Local Music > USB Drive. The app will index the music and make it available for playback. Mu-so Series Insert the USB drive into the side USB port. Use the Focal &Naim App or the touch panel to browse and play music. Mu-so QB Series Insert the USB drive into the rear USB port. Use the Focal &Naim App or the touch panel to browse and play music.   Using Network-Attached Storage (NAS) All modern Naim streamers and all-in-one systems support UPnP streaming from a NAS device. Setup Steps Connect your NAS to the same network as your Naim device. Enable UPnP server functionality on the NAS (e.g., Twonky, MinimServer). Open the Focal & Naim App and go to Local Music > UPnP. Select your NAS and browse your music library. NAS drives are ideal for large libraries and multiroom setups. Storage Guidelines There is a recommended size limit for USB or NAS Storage: up to 1TB for issue free indexing Organize music files in folders for easier navigation. Use FLAC or WAV formats for best audio quality and compatibility. Avoid using USB hubs or daisy-chained storage devices.

The Naim Uniti Core is a powerful music server designed to rip, store, and serve your music collection in the highest quality. To unlock its full potential, you’ll need to install internal or external storage. This guide explains what type of drive to use, how to install it, and how to configure your storage for ripping and playback. 1. What Kind of SSD or HDD Can I Use? The Uniti Core supports both 2.5" and 3.5" SATA hard drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). Drive Type Supported Notes 3.5" HDD ✓ Yes Offers large capacity and good value 2.5" HDD ✓ Yes Quieter and more compact 2.5" SSD ✓ Yes Silent operation and faster access Important: The drive must be unformatted or formatted in NTFS or exFAT. The Uniti Core will reformat the drive during setup. 2. What Size Drive Do I Need? The official upper limit to the drive size supported by Uniti Core is 8 TB However, Naim recommends: Minimum: 1TB for moderate collections Typical: 2TB–4TB for most users Large libraries: 6TB or more The actual capacity needed depends on your music collection size. For example: 100 CDs ≈ 60,000 MB of space or 60 GB 400 CDS ≈  512 GB of space   3. How to Install an Internal Drive Step-by-Step: Power off the Uniti Core and unplug it. Remove the removable caddy to access the drive bay : use a small cross-headed screwdriver to remove the two screws on the caddy. Slide the caddy out and place your chosen HDD on the caddy, carefully turn it over and insert the provided HDD/SSD screws into the marked holes for your HDD/SSD to secure it in place. Make sure the SATA connection for the drive is mounted towards the internal connections of the Core. Slide the caddy back into the Core and replace the screws on the caddy tray. Power on the unit. The Uniti Core will detect the drive and prompt you to format it via the Focal & Naim App. 4. Can I Use External or NAS Storage? Yes. Uniti Core supports: USB drives (connected to the rear USB port) Network-attached storage (NAS) via UPnP These can be used for: Ripping destination (if no internal drive is installed) Playback of stored music Note: Only one internal drive can be used at a time. If no internal drive is installed, the Core will prompt you to select an external or network location for ripping. 5. How to Set Up Storage for Ripping Once your drive is installed or connected: Open the Focal &Naim App. Go to Settings > Music Stores. Select your internal, USB, or NAS drive. The Core will format the drive (if needed) and set it as the default ripping location. You can also configure: Backup locations Music folder sharing Metadata preferences

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.

Naim’s multiroom functionality is designed to deliver seamless, synchronized playback across multiple Naim products. But what happens when you want to integrate third-party devices into your setup? This guide explains how Naim’s multiroom system works, its compatibility with other Naim units, and the limitations when it comes to third-party products. How Naim Multiroom Works Naim’s multiroom feature allows you to stream music simultaneously to multiple Naim devices over your home network. Using the Focal & Naim app, you can group compatible products and control playback across rooms with ease. Supported features include: Synchronised playback across devices Independent volume control per room Grouping and ungrouping zones on the fly Compatibility with Other Naim Products Multiroom is fully supported across the following Naim product families: Uniti range (Uniti Atom, Uniti Star, Uniti Nova) ND series (ND5 XS 2, NDX 2, ND555) Mu-so range (Mu-so and Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation, Mu-so and Mu-so Qb 1st Generation) Legacy streamers (NDX, SuperUniti, UnitiLite, Uniti Qute etc) These products can be grouped together in any combination, allowing for flexible and scalable multiroom setups. ✓ Example: You can group a Uniti Atom in the living room with a Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation in the kitchen and an ND555 in the listening room—all controlled from the same app. Compatibility with Third-Party Devices Naim’s multiroom system is not compatible with third-party audio products. This includes: Wireless speakers from other brands Smart speakers (e.g. Sonos, Bose, Apple HomePod) AV receivers or amplifiers from non-Naim manufacturers This limitation exists because Naim uses a proprietary multiroom protocol optimized for performance, synchronization, and sound quality within its own ecosystem. Note: Even if a third-party device supports UPnP, AirPlay, or Chromecast, it cannot be grouped with Naim products in a multiroom configuration using the Focal & Naim app. Alternatives for Mixed-Brand Setups If you want to integrate Naim products into a broader smart home or multi-brand audio system, consider these options: AirPlay 2: Allows simultaneous playback to multiple AirPlay 2-compatible devices (including Naim) from Apple devices. Streaming individually: You can stream to each device separately using Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, or Chromecast, but without synchronisation.   Final Tips For the best multiroom experience, use only Naim products within the group. Keep all devices on the same network and ensure firmware is up to date via the Focal & Naim app. If you need help designing a multiroom system, consult your local Naim dealer.

Troubleshooting USB Playback Issues If a USB drive is connected but music files aren’t playing, several factors may be affecting compatibility. This guide outlines the steps to resolve playback issues across all Naim products that support USB audio playback. 1. Check the File System Format Ensure the USB drive is formatted using a supported file system: FAT32: Supported across all products. exFAT: Supported on newer products running firmware version 3.4 or later. NTFS and HFS+: Supported on some models such as the NDX 2 and ND555. If the drive is not recognized, reformatting it to FAT32 or exFAT is recommended. Always back up your data before reformatting. 2. Confirm File Compatibility Only supported audio file formats will be recognized. These include: WAV FLAC AIFF ALAC MP3 AAC OGG Files in unsupported formats or with incorrect extensions will not appear in the Focal & Naim app. 3. Simplify Folder Structure and File Names Drives with overly complex folder hierarchies or special characters in file or folder names may not be indexed correctly. For best results: Use simple folder structures. Avoid special characters such as & in file or folder names, which may cause playback issues on some firmware versions. Keep the number of tracks below 100,000 to ensure smooth indexing. 4. Reconnect and Restart If the drive is correctly formatted and contains supported files: Disconnect and reconnect the USB drive. Restart the Naim product. Wait a few moments for the device to scan and index the content.   5. Use the Focal & Naim App to Access USB Content Once connected: Open the Focal & Naim app. Select your device from the My Devices screen. Navigate to the USB input. Browse and play music directly from the drive. If the USB input does not appear, the drive may not be recognized or may need to be reformatted.

A reliable network is essential for getting the best performance from your Naim streaming system. Whether you're using a wired connection, Wi-Fi, or a mesh network, this guide explains how to optimize your setup and avoid common pitfalls.   1. Do I Need to Buy a New Router? Not always. Most modern routers are compatible with Naim products, but performance can vary depending on: The age and quality of the router Wi-Fi coverage in your home The number of connected devices If your router is more than five years old or was supplied by your ISP, upgrading to a higher-quality model may improve stability and streaming performance. Recommended features: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Gigabit Ethernet ports Support for Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 Strong signal coverage 2. Can I Use HomePlugs or Mains Extenders? Naim does not recommend using HomePlugs or mains extenders. These devices transmit data over your home’s electrical wiring, which can introduce: Electrical noise Unstable connections Reduced audio performance For best results, use wired Ethernet or a high-quality mesh Wi-Fi system. 3. Can I Use Wireless Extenders? Wireless extenders can work, but they often create separate sub-networks that may cause communication issues between your Naim device and the Focal & Naim App. This can lead to: Dropouts Delayed response Inconsistent multiroom performance If you must use an extender, ensure it supports seamless roaming and is configured to broadcast the same SSID as your main router. 4. Mesh Networks: Pros and Considerations Mesh networks are increasingly popular and many Naim users report good results. However, they can introduce challenges: How Mesh Works Unlike traditional extenders, mesh nodes communicate with each other, forming a chain back to the router. This can sometimes lead to: Data loss or delays over long chains Signal confusion between nodes Missed communication between the Naim device and the app Why This Matters Smartphones and computers can compensate for missing data. Naim devices, however, require precise and uninterrupted data streams. If the signal is fragmented or delayed, playback issues may occur.   5. Tips for Using Mesh Networks with Naim Tip Benefit Rename each mesh node Helps identify and connect to the closest node Connect your Naim device to the nearest node Reduces signal hops and improves stability Use Ethernet if available on the node Bypasses wireless interference and improves reliability Avoid placing nodes too close together Prevents overlapping signals and confusion Note: Naim is actively testing mesh systems to improve compatibility, but due to the wide variety of brands and configurations, results may vary. 6. How to Run a Network Scan (Troubleshooting) If you're experiencing issues, a network scan can help identify signal strength and connectivity problems. Steps: Ensure your Focal & Naim App is up to date (Android/iOS version 7.5 or above). Open the Focal & Naim App and go to the My Devices screen. Tap the question mark (?) in the top-right corner. Scroll down and note your User ID. Place your phone/tablet 3–5 meters from your main router. Tap Network Scan and wait for the process to complete. Do not minimize the app during the scan.