I’m just going to add a quick note I received my unit today.
Initial impressions are strongly positive!
The Naim HE has a typical NAIM sound signature. It is a Class-A headphone amp and sounds as such. Neutral with a slightly warm tonality.
It is very well built, the software/firmware well implemented. And to be honest, I’m rather impressed. Not much of my equipment pairs well with every headphone I throw at it. But the NAIM does. I’ve tested it with my HD800S ; Meze Empyrean and Focal Utopia today out of the balanced outputs. And be thoroughly happy with how it sounds out of each one.
No, it doesn’t have the detail retrieval, airy transparency and soundstage of the DCS Bartok. But it’s a fraction of the price and cost.
For a transportable set-up I have the Chord 2Go/Hugo2 → Cayin C9. The NAIM is cheaper. Whilst the DAC isn’t quite as detailed a Hugo2, I’m splitting hairs and find it still perfectly acceptable. And most importantly, enjoyable
This is my first NAIM product so no conflict of interest other than my wallet!
There will be many happy headphone owners. I cannot think of another unit, in this price point that does the ‘all in one’ as well. And I’ve been looking for a very long time.