Statement control: separate preamplification, eight inputs and vertical isolation
Naim Statement NAC S1 is the Statement-family preamplifier, designed to drive a pair of NAP S1 monoblocks while accepting DIN, RCA and XLR sources.
The single Naim Statement NAC S1 is an analogue preamplifier built as a self-contained vertical system, with power circuitry at the bottom and audio electronics above. An acrylic section and dedicated internal chambers separate these areas, while sensitive circuits are suspended on a brass sub-chassis to reduce vibration and interference.
Key features
- Three DIN inputs, three RCA inputs and two balanced XLR inputs
- One balanced XLR output and two unbalanced 4-pin DIN outputs
- Vertical architecture with power and audio stages physically separated
- Sensitive electronics suspended on a brass sub-chassis with a 12 Hz resonant frequency
- Critical components selected and matched during construction
- Power supply integrated into the base with no additional external PSU required
- 940 × 270 × 412 mm dimensions and 61.5 kg weight
- Hand-built in Salisbury and produced to order
The natural partner for a pair of NAP S1s
Statement is conceived as a complete system: NAC S1 handles input selection, level control and line output, while the two NAP S1 monoblocks provide power, one per channel. XLR connection keeps the route balanced into the monoblocks and makes the division between control and power amplification explicit.
How it differs from NAC 552
NAC 552 belongs to the 500 Series and uses a separate 552 PS supply, with DIN and RCA inputs in a two-box horizontal arrangement. NAC S1 instead starts from Statement's vertical architecture, adds balanced XLR inputs and houses its power supply within the same structural body while keeping it electrically and mechanically isolated from audio circuitry.
A preamplifier that can work beyond the complete Statement system
XLR and DIN outputs allow NAC S1 to work with other Naim amplification where the correct cabling and system compatibility are observed. Its natural position remains ahead of NAP S1: preamplifier and monoblocks share the same mechanical logic, with power below, signal circuitry above and internal separation between functional sections. Build-to-order production also reflects Statement's role as a dedicated system component rather than an electronics box intended to drop casually into any chain. The result is a control stage whose role remains distinct from both the digital source and the power amplifiers.
