My time with the ND5 XS 2 was very enjoyable. Digital is not my go-to source – I play records more than I listen to digital music when left to my own devices. However, reviewing a streamer meant that vinyl took a back seat for many days of the week, and I really enjoyed the experience.

At the end of the day, the ND5 XS 2 impresses me as a good-sounding, pleasant-to-use player that offers very good value for the money. And when Qobuz compatibility comes aboard—at which time I hope Naim will let me revisit this model for a Follow-Up—it should be all the more appealing, especially if the price stays where it is. Glowingly recommended.

In spite of this, the excellent app manages to carry out an extremely impressive number of network audio applications with high levels of finesse, delivering streamed music with Naim’s distinctive flare and typically impressive sound

You can’t go wrong with an ND5 XS 2. If you can live without a screen and buttons on the front, you get one of the most well played and engaging music streamers in this class. It’s far from being the most advanced or best-equipped player out there, and the design seems minimalist at best in all its brushed grey-black appearance. But tap the accomplished Naim app and put some music on, and all the rainbow colours fall into place.

It may not be much to look at, but the Naim ND5 XS 2 focuses on class-leading sound over aesthetic gimmicks