I know there's a few forumites with Naim kit. I got my second hand purchase today (5i-2) and wondering if you could tell me whether the quirks are made up in sound quality (still to listen properly). Some design choices are puzzling for first time Naim user.
First, thump on switch on. What the...? Wasn't expecting that. Read the manual and Naim forum and it's normal. Ok if you say so... Sure the volume was all the way down but still, it scared me. There's also a pop on switch off which isn't as loud but present. But Naim gear like many other is designed to be left on. Fair enough.
Second, speaker terminals... Right channel is positioned on the left hand side of the amp. Left channel on the right hand side. I only know this as connected them as normal and had to listen to a few tracks to realise that the instruments are in the wrong channel. That means speakers cables are crossing... Why would that be? Never seen anything like it. That's bizarre.
Do you use them wired other way round so that channels are correct and speaker cables don't cross?
Third... Hum/hiss, audible hum/hiss that goes up and down with volume. White noise like. How is that acceptable with an always on amp? Still slightly audible at minimum volume. My system is the bedroom so keeping it on with it hissing/humming is not an option. But I'm not looking forward to switching on and off either. EDIT: This turned out to be a ground loop!
Above are apparently design choices and not issue. I know it's ultimately all about the sound and I'm still to listen.
Come on... out with it what other design quirks have you come across with other kit/brands?
First, thump on switch on. What the...? Wasn't expecting that. Read the manual and Naim forum and it's normal. Ok if you say so... Sure the volume was all the way down but still, it scared me. There's also a pop on switch off which isn't as loud but present. But Naim gear like many other is designed to be left on. Fair enough.
Second, speaker terminals... Right channel is positioned on the left hand side of the amp. Left channel on the right hand side. I only know this as connected them as normal and had to listen to a few tracks to realise that the instruments are in the wrong channel. That means speakers cables are crossing... Why would that be? Never seen anything like it. That's bizarre.
Do you use them wired other way round so that channels are correct and speaker cables don't cross?
Third... Hum/hiss, audible hum/hiss that goes up and down with volume. White noise like. How is that acceptable with an always on amp? Still slightly audible at minimum volume. My system is the bedroom so keeping it on with it hissing/humming is not an option. But I'm not looking forward to switching on and off either. EDIT: This turned out to be a ground loop!
Above are apparently design choices and not issue. I know it's ultimately all about the sound and I'm still to listen.
Come on... out with it what other design quirks have you come across with other kit/brands?