What it is
Naim 300-series flagship preamp; designed and manufactured Salisbury, UK. New Classic styling with white logos (replacing traditional green). Bi-directional ZigBee remote and inter-product synchronisation (connects to NSS 333 streamer, NAP 250/350 power amps via 3.5mm optical).
I/O combination is exceptional: 3 RCA + 2 XLR + 3 DIN inputs; outputs on BOTH XLR and RCA (uncommon at this level — many flagship preamps are XLR-only). This makes NAC 332 unusually versatile for matching with non-Naim power amps.
8-pin DIN with ±18V supply makes it a natural pair with NVC TT phono stage (no separate PSU needed for that phono).
Who it comes up against
10 lost · Anchored, Artisan, Cavity-Native, Characterful, PRaT, Reference, Romantic, Silent Path
Against the Silent Path brief, the Music First Audio Baby Reference V2 keeps the slot decisively.
With the Audio Note P1 SE, the pairing gives up most on quietness at rest.
With the Whest Audio 60Se Pro, the pairing gives up most on quietness at rest.
On its own merits the Naim NAC 332 is the stronger preamplifier — but it loses here on fit: the pairing with the Audio Note P1 SE gives up quietness at rest under the Silent Path weighting.
had not heard a better preampStereophile (Art Dudley) — Baby Reference V1 review
had not heard a better preampStereophile (Art Dudley) — Baby Reference V1 review
8 lost · Anchored, Artisan, Cavity-Native, Intimate, PRaT, Reference
Against the Anchored brief, the NVA P50SA MKII keeps the slot clearly.
With the Longdog Audio P6100M (pair), the pairing gives up most on quietness at rest.
With the Rega Aria Mk3 MM/MC, the pairing gives up most on quietness at rest.
On its own merits the Naim NAC 332 is the stronger preamplifier — but it loses here on fit: the pairing with the Longdog Audio P6100M (pair) gives up quietness at rest under the Anchored weighting.
pin sharp clarityNVA owner consensus (P50SA)
pin sharp clarityNVA owner consensus (P50SA)
6 lost· 3 won · Anchored, Artisan, Characterful, PRaT, Reference, Romantic, Silent Path
Against the Anchored brief, the Audiolab 9000Q keeps the slot clearly.
With the Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl, the pairing gives up most on quietness at rest.
On its own merits the Naim NAC 332 is the weaker preamplifier for that brief.
It sits well above the share of the budget this brief aims at the preamplifier position.
S/N exceeding 112dB A-weighted, THD <0.002%Audiolab 9000P/Q HomeTheaterReview specs + Audio Tailor review
4 lost · Cavity-Native, Characterful, Romantic
Against the Cavity-Native brief, the Leema Neutron keeps the slot decisively.
With the Rega Aura Reference MC, the pairing gives up most on quietness at rest.
With the Leema Hydra II, the pairing gives up most on vocal presence.
On its own merits the Naim NAC 332 is the stronger preamplifier — but it loses here on fit: the pairing with the Rega Aura Reference MC gives up quietness at rest under the Cavity-Native weighting.
dynamic power and attack... mesmerizingSoundStage! Ultra (Gorse) 2024
2 lost · Intimate
Against the Intimate brief, the EAR Yoshino 868L (Line) keeps the slot decisively.
With the EAR Yoshino 890, the pairing gives up most on midrange truth.
With the Rega Aura Reference MC, the pairing gives up most on low-level clarity.
On its own merits the Naim NAC 332 is the weaker preamplifier for that brief.
quieter, blacker backgroundSoundStage! Ultra (Gorse) 2024
868L line preamp, Tim de Paravicini valve designEAR Yoshino 868L + multi-decade Stereophile heritage
2 lost · Artisan, Reference
Against the Artisan brief, the Exposure 3510 Preamplifier keeps the slot decisively.
With the Naim NVC TT MM/MC, the pairing gives up most on rhythmic grip.
With the Exposure XM9 Biamp 2x2 (4 units), the pairing gives up most on vocal presence.
On its own merits the Naim NAC 332 is the stronger preamplifier — but it loses here on fit: the pairing with the Naim NVC TT MM/MC gives up rhythmic grip under the Artisan weighting.
dynamic power and attack... mesmerizingSoundStage! Ultra (Gorse) 2024
1 lost · Intimate
Against the Intimate brief, the Audio Note M2 Phono keeps the slot decisively.
With the Audio Note P1 SE, the pairing gives up most on midrange truth.
With the Naim NVC TT MM/MC, the pairing gives up most on rhythmic grip.
On its own merits the Naim NAC 332 is the stronger preamplifier — but it loses here on fit: the pairing with the Audio Note P1 SE gives up midrange truth under the Intimate weighting.
Audio Note pre with onboard phono, classic SET-friendly voicingAudio Note M2 Phono + Stereophile heritage