Want to get on the audiphle ladder, unable to audition kit

[Gray]

If I'm wrong about all that then I guess the amp will run hot or have noise and I'll have to investigate further.

It could be a lot worse than that.
Unfortunately, your purchase of an old Naim means you MUST only use cable that meets their instructed specification.

Do not take a chance with anything else.

 

[jjbomber]

"Only Naim Audio speaker cable should be used to connect a loudspeaker to the output of the NAP 200."

It's total BS, and that's according to my local Naim dealer. He says to avoid Naim speaker cable like the plague.

 

[Gray]

It's total BS, and that's according to my local Naim dealer. He says to avoid Naim speaker cable like the plague.

But people have reported blown up specific old model Naims because of it haven't they?

 

[nopiano]

It's total BS, and that's according to my local Naim dealer. He says to avoid Naim speaker cable like the plague.

It has the necessary inductance to ensure the amplifier stays stable. I’m not saying I agree with that aspect of the design, but I’m copying the manufacturer’s published guidance to protect the poster from destroying his amplifier. It’s pretty standard shotgun copper stuff iirc.

A Naim dealer might well be able to recommend an alternative from Chord (also in Wiltshire, not far from Naim) but otherwise I’d not risk it. You’ll note many of the current designs don’t carry this warning. Personally I’d heed it.

 

[Gray]

Personally I’d heed it.

So would I.
If his amp were to go unstable, there's no telling what it might do to the £2,200 speakers that he's borrowing.
(And he couldn't say he wasn't warned).

 

[jjbomber]

A Naim dealer might well be able to recommend an alternative from Chord (also in Wiltshire, not far from Naim)

You got it in one. That's exactly who he did recommend!

 

[nopiano]

You got it in one. That's exactly who he did recommend!

That’s a relief! They seem to have formed an unofficial partnership for cables, so that’s a possibility. I remember hearing a Chord demo many years ago with Naim gear, and some of the cables cost more than the amp! But at least it won’t blow up in the process.

 

[SohoAudiophile]

Thanks everybody! I'm grateful for the advice and will heed it.

I've asked the Van Damme cable supplier if he knows if the cables work with the NAIM NAP 200 DR. I'll see if I can find out the exact inductance and capacitance values and compare these with Nac A5, and maybe ask NAIM if they can give me the requirements for the amp.

There's little definitive information around about this, which is a situation that needs to be addressed really. I suspect NAIM are still carrying those warnings on modern amps because of some EU directive and they are stable in reality regardless of cable, but I agree certainty is needed here.

 

[SohoAudiophile]

The Eagle has Landed!

They look fantastic. They are enormous.

Can't wait for the rest of the kit to arrive so I can see how they sound.

Thanks again to everybody for the advice.

 

[nopiano]

The Eagle has Landed!

They look fantastic. They are enormous.

Can't wait for the rest of the kit to arrive so I can see how they sound.

Thanks again to everybody for the advice.

They’re not that big, but they are deep, like many modern designs. Look great in your room.