Naim Statement NAC S1 Preamplifier & NAP S1 Power Amplifier
Crafted for pure musical performance, Naim Statement represents the pinnacle of Naim’s engineering knowledge and artistry. This ground-breaking series includes the NAC S1 Preamplifier and NAP S1 Mono Power Amplifiers.
Origins
The idea for an entirely new kind of amplifier was first conceived by Naim’s engineers over a decade ago, with development beginning in earnest in 2011. The objective was to set a new reference standard in high-end audio and music reproduction.
The result is Naim Statement. Three years of relentless questioning, iterative design, and a point-blank refusal to accept no as an answer.
Performance First Engineering
Product engineers often start with existing designs, questioning how to enhance them or where improvements are needed. With the Statement NAC S1 Preamplifier and the NAP S1 Power Amplifier, Naim began with a blank sheet of paper and a clear vision: to craft the ultimate amplifier system.
Following the initial concept stage, Naim’s engineering team pushed aside practical constraints and mapped out the Statement amplifier in free space. This burst of creativity was supported by 3D computer models, which determined the optimal position for each component.
To support this innovative layout, the Statement NAC S1 Preamplifier and the NAP S1 Power Amplifier introduce a new vertical structure. This design choice is key to minimising electromagnetic and mechanical interference while maximising thermal performance.
Duality In Design
Statement’s radically different aesthetic might appear as a departure from Naim Audio’s tradition, yet it embodies the ultimate expression of what Naim represents.
The amplifier’s imposing monolithic structure and stark silhouette are balanced by the organic sculptural flow of the heat sink, along with the beautifully lit volume control and central divide. This design duality mirrors Naim Audio’s approach where the pursuit of technical brilliance is firmly rooted in the abstract human experience of music. Naim believes that achieving top results in lab tests is just a part of the success – it’s the performance in the listening room that truly matters.
Technology
Everything about Statement marks a significant advancement in technology and design, engineered from the ground up for unmatched performance.
The concept of isolation is central to Statement, showcasing Naim’s philosophy of delivering superior power supply quality while isolating individual sections to prevent interference.
Both the NAC S1 and NAP S1 models share this fundamental design principle. The noisier power supply components are located in the base, with sensitive electronics positioned above. An acrylic centerpiece divides each section, effectively blocking any interaction between them. Additionally, the electronics in the top section are further isolated, with internal chambers dedicated to segregating individual stages.
Dual Power
The Statement NAP S1 showcases a groundbreaking bridged dual design, devoid of global feedback. This design physically separates the two stages, optimizing the amplifier circuit. The delicate voltage stage is strategically placed at the very top of the power amplifier, far from the current stage located at the bottom.
Each mono power amplifier in the NAP S1 series employs an immense 4000VA transformer, capable of delivering a precise 746W (into 8 ohms) to the speakers. This precision engineering ensures that every watt is utilised effectively, delivered exactly where and when it’s needed. This aligns with the principle that power is meaningless without a clear purpose.
Precision-engineered and handcrafted in England
Every component, curve, and connection in the Statement demands unprecedented engineering precision and meticulous attention to detail. Naim Statement is crafted with advanced manufacturing technology, but its perfection relies on human expertise. For instance, Naim Audio’s skilled technicians meticulously position and solder each sound-critical component by hand. True to the tradition of Naim Audio, the final assembly of Statement is also done manually in Wiltshire, England.
The Statement’s unique ‘wave’ heat sinks start as a solid billet of raw aluminum. This billet is first sized, then machined to attain the curved profile. The process involves a five-axis, temperature-controlled, CNC machine to carve out the fins. It’s a three-hour journey for each shape to reach completion. After machining, each piece undergoes a thorough hand-polishing and an individual quality inspection.
Following the inspection, the metalwork undergoes a detailed finishing process. It is first dipped into baths of cleansing acid, followed by immersion in an electrolyte fluid mixed with black ink. An electrical current is then applied, facilitating the bonding of the ink to the metalwork, resulting in Naim Audio’s iconic black finish. Achieving this distinct finish required months of collaborative effort between Naim Audio’s engineers and their suppliers, tailored specifically for Statement.
