Well, it couldn't be anything but a Naim!
However, despite looking like a control-less DVD/CD player, this is in fact the Salisbury company's new NaimNet NS01server. Designed for the custom installation market, it's able to store up to 600 albums in uncompressed CD quality.
The unit has a CD drive for ripping discs, and one very high-quality audio output via RCA phono or DIN connections, plus the ability to stream up to six different CD-quality outputs at once.
It uses an extended music database, and has interfaces for the NaimNet distributed music system, a client PC and a TV. It's expected to be available next month, and will be joined in April by the NS03, which is described as being targeted at the hi-fi market.
But for all this newfangledness, Naim also chose CES to finally unveil its StageLine phono stage – another one of those 'long-expected' products from the company.
Expected to be available in March or April, the StageLine is designed for use with moving coil cartridges, and has user-configurable loading for optimal cartridge matching. It can be powered by the auxiliary input of Naim preamps or offboard power supplies - at the show Naim was using it with a SuperCap2 - and has 25 low-noise power supplies, and a two-stage Class A 'phono engine'.
The circuitry is isolated by a floating brass sub-chassis, and the rear panel is also decoupled from the main casework, which is in Naim's familiar aluminium for reduced interference.
