Comparative Analysis of NACA5 Lengths on a NAC252/NAP250DR System

Hi-Fi Corner
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I have collected a number of pairs of NACA5 over time, and have noted the effects of different lengths of it on my main system (see below, or view my profile for details).

  • 5.5M: Nothing broken, but less refined (looser?) vs longer lengths
  • 6-2/3M: More refined. Sounds tight and punchy, but not too much. In other words, it sounds “right”
  • 8.5M: Sounds slightly pinched and restrained. Loses the “foot tapping” effect for me.

These are not “day vs night” differences, but are most definitely quite noticeable.

Why these specific lengths? No particular reason other than these are the three longest pairs of NACA5 that I currently own.

I was surprised to find that the system sounded pinched and restrained with the longer (8.5M) pair, as some have reported very good results, and indeed prefer longer runs of NACA5. So I wanted to love it, but took it out after 1 week, as the system was not enjoyable.

Among these three lengths, the middle, 6-2/3M pair was unquestionably the goldilocks length for me.

The usual caveats: My system, my room, my ears.

Has anyone else reverted from longer to shorter lengths out of preference for the sound?

System: NDS, NDAC *, NAC252, NAP250DR, Dynaudio Focus 260, Dual REL Storm III subwoofers in a 4M x 6.25M (+ alcove) room with some basic treatments (tube traps).

* Why an NDAC after the NDS? Because I share the NDS between my Nait 50 desktop and main system. The NDS is located on my desktop rack, but is also a source to my main system via the digital output to the NDAC in the main system rack.

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Naim NACA4 OR NACA5 cable difference
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Hi Tamarin

Thanks for posting the info and question. I’m afraid I’m unable to add to the topic of which length cable is best, as I have had 3m Transparent Audio Musicwave cables on my system since the start (2017 installed).

I have seen quite a number of posts where 7m length cables deliver better SQ. However after reading many, I don’t see how to manage the excess length of cables - do you simply loop these on the floor? Are there considerations for the minimum bend radius of the cable?

I ask these questions as I will commence repositioning my system in January and have a number of system upgrades in mind thereafter.

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For the OP’s findings to be meaningful, all the cables would need to be well terminated with exactly the same solder and plugs, otherwise the latter would cause variations.

I’d suggest that the best length is the length you need to reach from the amplifier to the speakers, subject to a 3.3m minimum.

If there is any excess it can be folded in a tight Z fold, with the bends as tight as you like. In the past I’ve heated the cable with a hairdryer to make it more flexible, and then folded it really tightly so that it folds back on itself.

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We tested various lengths of NACA5 at the factory some years ago. All lengths were made up by the same person (very experienced in properly soldering NACA5 to SA8s) on the same day, using the same batch of SA8 plugs. Overall consensus was that performance improved as the NACA5 length increased, with the favourite being 10m per channel (the maximum length we tried).

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How do you hide 10 meters (20meters) of NACA5? :grin:

I had some of the stuff years ago (was given it free) and it is one of the most awkward stiff cables I’ve encountered. I now have a ribbon which is almost as difficult and can’t imagine having a mile of this either … .

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I use 10m per channel at home. I have the system on the other side of the room, just to the left and behind the main sofa. The NACA5 stiffness is actually quite helpful as it can then be formed and hold shape so it hugs closely along the skirting board and effectively “disappears”.

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Hi Richard,

Could you specify what you mean by the sound improved?

I know that different people prefer different kind of sound signature, me and my dealer, for example.

Regards

Anders

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It was too long ago to recall exact specifics, but generally the sound gained in sense of ease and flow. 3.5m per channel had sense of itchiness and edginess to it by comparison to moving up to the next length of 5m. 7m was better still, but by a much smaller margin, and from 7 to 10m any differences were fairly minimal, albeit the latter probably just edged it. So, personally I felt that 3.5m wasn’t really worthwhile, much better to go to at least 5m per channel, and then maybe go longer if the room required it or you could accommodate the extra length.

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Thanks.

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Like so

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Who can afford 10m SuperLumina! :laughing:

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:grin:

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Not me. I use NACA5.

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Thank you so much for this. I have wanted this information for a very long time.

I’m going to be ordering NAC A5 for active setup and I was looking for somebody who has had experience of different lengths. Golden post. Thank you!

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OP, Richard and others shared their data with me a while back when I was searching for a 7m+ pair to suit my new listening room (where the equipment is also off to one side). The advice to explore longer lengths was given and I remain so glad that I took it.

Terminations do matter. I started with a pair of Witch Hat Phantom 3.5m cables and had been using those for several years. Those were all I knew; until I moved and needed more length. During my research, a fellow Naim owner posted a 10m pair of WH Phantoms for sale on one of the auction sites. Terminated with Audioquest 100 series silver Z-banana (the standard termination option for Phantom), which was identical to my pair.

Bottom line: my experiences of the benefits mirror Richards and others with the longer (10m, in my case) length. Even with a different cable from A5.

Lastly, my Supernait 3 has never run cooler during Jam sessions and never sounded better. There’s something to this.

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I guess 3 meters of this directly contravenes Naim law :grinning_face:

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I wouldn’t worry, in your system the only prevailing law should be what you hear.

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NACA5 was apparently designed to work at 10 metres, with an optimum range of between 5 and 20m. I guess the 3.5m minimum was about stability of the amp more than optimal sound quality.

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This makes a lot of sense to me regarding the 3.5M minimum.

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Much obliged for all the responses.

All three pairs have Naim SA8 banana plugs, minus the housings on the speaker ends, in order to fit into Dynaudio Focus 260 binding posts.

I reinspected the soldering on the 8.5M cable’s banana plugs. It’s acceptable, but not stellar. You guys have convinced to me reterminate it, and audition it once more.

I will order some Multicore Crystal 505 solder, which is apparently now sold as Loctite D620505, correct?

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