Greetings to all, I am writing this post to share a magical event for me. Finally, after more than 15 years since the purchase of the first naim box (ndac), today I have finally completed my dream for a full naim system.
I ask all the friends of the forum for some suggestions to optimize the whole system in the best possible way:
ndac + powerline + XPSdr + powerline
Unitiserve + powerline + DC1 bnc-bnc to ndac
ND5-XS2 + powerline + DC1 bns-bnc to ndac
Ovator S600
nac 252 + SCdr
nap 300dr
5+5 m naca5
I also own 3 additional pairs of Ovator S400 for the multichannel system to which I will give (when the wallet and availability will allow it) three nap 250
Thank you in advance for the Tips and tricks
You have a mighty awesome system , with lots of ovators!
One point that I maintain for my Core & ND5xs2 which feed into my nDAC is that the addition of a PS555DR to the nDAC is such a musically enjoyable foot-tapping outcome, tantamount to upgrading and tuning every item in the music delivery chain.
I tried and prefer to read files from unitiserve locally, the differences are minimal. I use ND5-XS2 for the streamer from the internet and for the dsd files that I have stored on the nas.
I also did some tests with the unitiserve cable but I prefer to use the powerline between the two options.
The naim system is rack-mounted for hi-fi use but is not a frame system. With various experiments, I have found a very good benefit by using isoacoustic decouplers under the electronics.
The mains power supply is dedicated to the hifi system, for the sources I use a PS Audio P10 regenerator, the power amplifiers I connected directly to the wall sockets.
I admit I"ve thought about it, but for now I"ve prioritized the 252 and nap300dr.. One day I"ll probably look for one, even if it will be impossible to listen to it before
I see that you also, have paid particular attention in providing clean, low noise power to your sources. In my case I also extended this to my amps and network devices.
You haven’t mentioned your network topology. I was pleasantly surprised upon inserting a Cisco C2960G-8TC switch purely dedicated to my ND5xs2. It’s a low cost tweak which yields a tangible audible benefit.
You seem to have things pretty well sorted. But yes, Powerlines throughout for sure. Despite your attentions to power supply I would also investigate hich quality mains blocks. We use a Chord M6 on the main system (note other brands are available!) which is really excellent. Other than that Fraim would definitely be a good idea as would Chord Silent Mounts spike shoes (which we also use - excellent) under the racks and speakers. Also look at network switches and noise isolators. We also use Chord Ground Arays and Power Arays and these all made very substantial improvements.
When you get to this sort of level there are several directions you can go in and I’m sure some will benefit some systems more than others. Also some people may appreciate the types of improvements offered more than others. We have found that paying close attention to system infrastructure (cables, noise reduction etc.) has paid enormous dividends in our system which we are thrilled with. But it has to be said that some people have tried these sorts of things and have been somewhat underwhelmed. So you need to have a think, read around online reviews and chat to your dealer and see if you can borrow some things to try out at home. Don’t just throw money at your system and hope for the best.
I wouldn’t use isoacoustic decouplers under Naim electronics. Or under anything else for that matter. If you find they improve things then IMO there is something badly wrong with your rack.
I think that the most critical thing with the Powerlines in the system is to ensure they are all correctly inserted into the equipment, as otherwise performance suffers and you can get odd issues or even blown IEC inlet fuses from arcing.
That’s a real black art Dan - keeping the Powerlines away from signal cables. Especially given the congested back of rack arrangement like mine. The other essential of course is to make sure that the Powerline leads are hanging freely, with no extreme bends. If it looks right it will probably sound right !
Dear friends, thank you all for your contributions. Unfortunately the family appreciates the dedicated sound room but no one would be able to imagine the time and economic resources I used (beloved wife at the top of the list).
The LAN network has been refined over time and the audio result satisfies me. I installed a Cisco switch (I don"t remember the acronym, I should check) recommended by a friend, I tried it and from that moment it remained in its place on the shelf, excellent results even with the addition of a linear power supply for the switch and after various tests I chose the Wireworld starlight 10 1m network cables for Unitiserve and ND5-XS2.
The idea of looking for an NDS + 555PSdr is certainly interesting, but in Italy you can"t find them at all, I would have to buy abroad unfortunately without guarantees of reliability and delivery.
I notice you have put some effort into getting the network right….in my experience the ethernet chain is extremly sensative…so anything you can do will reap rewards at your level. You could try EE1 ….or an even better switch or even both….along with installing a 555psdr…that should make quite a remarkable difference.
Hi everyone, I have a small problem with the connections to the “new” 252-SCdr.
I need to connect the Home Theatre preamplifier to the AV/bypass input of the 252.
What cable should I use?
The previous owner “gifted” me a Witch Hat Morgana rca-din 5-pole cable but it generates a series of bumps in the loudspeakers. Where am I wrong? Sorry for the lack of experience in naim connections; Is there a specific cable for this use?
thanks in advance for the answers.
A regular RCA phono to DIN5 should be fine. Check the cable you were given just in case it was wired for a headphone amp - if so, it won’t work here as the wrong pins will be connected and you’ll be driving the record circuits ( sometimes with odd noises as a consequence), you just need a standard source to pre-amp I/c.
I solved the problem, I bought a naim cable for rca source connection to din 5 pin and the system works normally; the 252 switches to av bypass and the volume is handled by the HT processor.
555ps would be positively transformative if you can get one.
If you stay with Naim DAC you could use a non-DR 555PS.
I (and some others) found the Naim DAC was more enjoyable/engaging than NDS - but the NDS has a finer build quality and gives better separation and clarity.