Naim ND5 XS 2+FOCAL KANTA N°1 Review

Recently, I've been auditioning a FOCAL Powered by Naim system. Sometimes, the audio hobby resembles the world of luxury goods, where premium pricing partly reflects the owner's status. However, FOCAL Powered by Naim doesn't exclusively cater to the ultra-wealthy; beneath those stratospheric offerings, they provide thoughtful solutions for audiophiles with varying requirements.

Even if you lack a limitless budget but maintain exacting standards for sonic performance, FOCAL Powered by Naim consistently delivers equipment combinations tailored to your needs. When these two influential brands collaborate, the result inevitably represents both reputation and exceptional quality. This particular combination demonstrates through its streamlined system and refined sound that these manufacturers genuinely care about enthusiasts with more modest entry points.

The system I've been evaluating serves as an excellent reference point: a Naim ND5 XS 2 network streamer paired with the NAIT XS 3 integrated amplifier driving FOCAL KANTA N°1 bookshelf loudspeakers.

The Naim ND5 XS 2 network streamer serves as the system's source component and is officially positioned as Naim's entry-level offering. Physically, the ND5 XS 2 presents a notably slimmer profile compared to most competing streamers, with a front panel that embraces minimalist design principles. Users need only pair it with the Naim App—custom-developed by Naim's engineering team for both iOS and Android platforms—to access complete operational control and configuration options, along with album artwork and relevant playback information.

Yet beneath this understated, svelte exterior lies a revelation: examining the ND5 XS 2's internal components and construction reveals a level of engineering that defies its entry-level classification. One would scarcely believe this represents Naim's most accessible streaming solution given what lies within.

Functionally, the ND5 XS 2 offers significant enhancements over its predecessors. At its heart lies the NP800 high-definition streaming module, capable of processing digital signals up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD128 formats. When operating in streaming mode, the clock signal embedded within the incoming data stream is extracted and reclocked by the master clock generator connected to the DAC chip—a technique that completely eliminates time-based distortion (jitter).

The ND5 XS 2 represents one of the first of Naim's new generation streamers to incorporate Low-Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) technology. This implementation delivers the dual benefits of high-bit precision and low power consumption while further improving the signal-to-noise ratio. Working in concert with this architecture is a fourth-generation 40-bit SHARC ADSP-21489 high-speed processor that provides 16x oversampling and digital filtering capabilities, further elevating fidelity.

For digital-to-analog conversion, Naim's engineering team selected the Burr-Brown® PCM1791A chip. When combined with Naim's distinctive voicing techniques, the result is an extraordinary listening experience that delivers both dynamic scale and delicate refinement in equal measure.

Regarding power management, the ND5 XS 2 employs a sophisticated dual-supply architecture incorporating both traditional linear and high-efficiency switching modules. When the unit enters standby mode, the switching power supply immediately activates, completely replacing the linear supply. Upon returning to operational status, this process reverses—the switching circuitry gracefully withdraws, ceding control to the linear supply. This intricate dual power arrangement not only satisfies increasingly stringent environmental regulations but also ensures uncompromised sonic performance.

Connectivity options abound with the ND5 XS 2. Digital inputs include Ethernet, BNC coaxial, RCA coaxial, and dual Toslink optical ports. Wireless connectivity comes via high-speed dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/ac) featuring an integrated high-capacity buffer memory. A USB port allows direct playback from flash drives or portable hard disks. On the analog side, the unit provides both conventional RCA outputs and Naim's signature 5-pin DIN connections—the latter embodying their single-point grounding philosophy for optimized signal integrity.

Did you know that Naim's NAIT XS integrated amplifier has enjoyed remarkable market success since its introduction in the 1990s? Rather than resting on their laurels, Naim has continually refined this model to meet evolving audiophile demands across different eras. The current NAIT XS 3 represents the third generation in this distinguished lineage.

True to Naim's signature aesthetic, the NAIT XS 3 embraces minimalist design without sacrificing usability. The front panel features a volume control knob on the left, complemented by a row of input selector buttons on the right—each subtly illuminated with gentle green backlighting. This straightforward interface ensures effortless operation for everyone in the household. Meanwhile, the rear panel offers abundant connectivity options to accommodate multiple source components.

Interestingly, the NAIT XS 3 maintains Naim's distinctive approach to connections. While providing conventional RCA inputs, it preserves Naim's proprietary DIN connectors. The RCA section offers just one subwoofer output, whereas the DIN connections include both preamplifier output and power amplifier input options—clearly indicating Naim's foresight in facilitating future system expansion for enthusiasts.

Additionally, the NAIT XS 3 incorporates a built-in MM phono stage, eliminating the need for vinyl enthusiasts to purchase a separate phono preamplifier when assembling their analog playback system. This integration offers another significant advantage: by reducing the number of signal cable connections, signal degradation is minimized, allowing the precious details inherent in vinyl recordings to be preserved more faithfully.

In the line-level amplification section, the NAIT XS 3 employs a redesigned voltage gain stage circuit that more than doubles the speed of voltage amplification, consequently doubling the power output stage's responsiveness. Furthermore, the second-stage amplification transistors have been optimized, eliminating the need for common-source/common-gate transistor shielding. This refinement enables higher slew rates (faster response times) and delivers noticeable improvements in sonic performance.

The NAIT XS 3 derives its power from a substantial 350W toroidal transformer, with filtering capacitors strategically positioned adjacent to the power amplification circuitry. This configuration ensures the output transistors receive instantaneous current when demanding passages require significant power delivery, guaranteeing rapid transient response.

Every circuit stage within the NAIT XS 3 demonstrates meticulous attention to layout, with left and right channels arranged in perfect mirror symmetry—even the grounding points have been carefully considered. This exacting approach yields superior soundstage symmetry and precise image localization.

Further enhancing its versatility, the NAIT XS 3 features a dedicated high-current, pure Class A headphone amplifier output stage. This thoughtful inclusion effectively saves headphone enthusiasts the expense of a separate headphone amplifier and associated cabling.

What represents the crown jewel in FOCAL's speaker lineup? Undoubtedly, it's their flagship Utopia series. However, after experiencing the KANTA series from the same manufacturer, you'll discover that terms like "value proposition" remain entirely appropriate when discussing FOCAL speakers. Within FOCAL's premium home audio offerings, the KANTA series occupies the third position in their hierarchy. 

KANTA speakers distinguish themselves with their unique "four-claw" support feet, substantial and boldly designed front baffles, and vibrant color options—design choices that seem deliberately calibrated to resonate with a younger generation of audiophiles.

The KANTA N°1 cabinet is constructed from compressed multi-layered materials, ensuring exceptional sonic neutrality. The front baffle is crafted from the innovative HDP (High Density Polymer)—a material with remarkable inert properties that exceeds MDF by impressive margins: 70% greater density, 15% higher rigidity, and 25% superior damping characteristics. This single-piece front baffle design eliminates sound diffraction, significantly enhancing clarity across the frequency spectrum.

At the upper portion of the rear panel sits a generously proportioned bass reflex port, ensuring the speakers deliver sound that is natural and authentic while maintaining complete freedom from dynamic compression. The distinctive "four-claw" metal stands come as standard equipment, completing the original design concept.

The KANTA N°1 bookshelf speaker features a 27mm IAL3 pure beryllium inverted dome tweeter—the same precious material used in FOCAL's flagship Utopia series. This illustrates that despite its position as the "third tier" in FOCAL's lineup, the KANTA makes absolutely no compromises in materials selection. The tweeter benefits from IAL3 technology, which combines IAL (Infinite Acoustic Loading) and IHL (Infinite Horn Loading) to absorb sound waves and lower the tweeter's resonant frequency.

The 6.5-inch mid-bass driver showcases FOCAL's renowned flax cone, incorporating two proprietary technologies: TMD (Tuned Mass Damper), which stabilizes cone excursion during movement to prevent deformation without sacrificing dynamics; and NIC (Neutral Inductance Circuit), which ensures consistent magnetic field density throughout the voice coil's travel path, eliminating interference from eddy currents. The result is clear bass reproduction with neutral, precise midrange performance.

To guarantee optimal sound quality, FOCAL recommends using the KANTA N°1 in rooms not exceeding 25 square meters. These speakers exemplify compact high-performance bookshelf design, delivering astonishing bass response. Within their distinctly modern and clever design aesthetic, the performance of the next-generation IAL tweeter provides the perfect finishing touch.

 Focal Kanta N°1: Delivering Exceptional Musicality

To achieve richer detail retrieval and a broader soundstage, the entire Naim system was paired with ISoAcoustics OREA isolation feet. This combination, when playing vocal albums, reveals not only a quiet background and impressive depth, but even captures the subtle dental articulations and breathing nuances of the performers. Clearly, despite its entry-level positioning, no corners have been cut in its design.

When playing "Chlara EVO Sessions," one can experience fluid, vivid, precise, and delicate vocal performances with remarkable presence. Switching to Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off"—a pop track more aligned with younger listeners' preferences—allows us to evaluate the system's capabilities with contemporary material. The melody and vocalist remain distinctly clear throughout, and during the climactic sections with their dynamic shifts, the multiple instruments playing simultaneously maintain their separation without muddiness, demonstrating the system's solid foundation and excellent dynamic capabilities.

Worth noting is how the KANTA N°1 speakers deliver flawless frequency integration and smooth extension at both frequency extremes. The soundstage is open and transparent, with a tonal brightness that strikes just the right balance without becoming fatiguing. The midrange texture is refined and rounded, exhibiting a natural warmth that brings vocals to life.

Meanwhile, the Naim ND5 XS 2 streamer demonstrates stability and sonic authority that surpasses many competitors in its class. Its strongest attributes lie in its robust, powerful mid-bass reproduction with concentrated depth and detail—never sounding thin or insubstantial. The streamer excels at revealing streaming music's rich intricacies, powerful dynamics, and frequency balance with remarkable coherence.

When playing Claudio Arrau's "19 Chopin Waltzes," the system conveys a decisive, crisp temporal precision that proves genuinely moving. The piano tones emerge with authentic fullness, exceptional transparency, and musical integrity. Switching to Mozart's Violin Concertos through the Naim ND5 XS 2, one immediately experiences that quintessential "high-end" quality that distinguishes premium audio components. The soundstage presents an exceptionally deep, black background that effectively recedes into the distance. This naturally dark foundation brilliantly accentuates instrumental presence, with violins exhibiting perfect dimensionality and luminosity, recreating an intensely immersive three-dimensional concert experience.