I have one
Naim repair these “free for life” according to my dealer. Albeit you have to go via dealer and pay postage. Cheaper I expect than redesign. Plus, they get to see the real size of the problem. It’s a straight forward material issue. Either poor selection or inconsistent manufacturing. My only run in with Hiline was a 5-4 cable that was broken.
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I guess i would feel a little hard done by if i had to pay over £300 repair bill for one broken ring to be changed, which had broken all by itself. I don’t have pets or young children living here, so I know it wasn’t done by accident.
…And my misses wouldn’t have touched it. She hates the thing. She’d be happy if i sold the lot
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I do wonder if when tgey do a repair whether they change all the rings. And if they have a new supplier or a change of materials. I.e. do they only need to fix this once.
In my system the Super Lumina was a significant upgrade over the Hiline.
A second hand SL interconnect would be worthwhile purchase IMO.
Also, the rings on the air plug are metal and very sturdy
I was quite shocked at how good it was over the Hiline.
David
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That’s very interesting Dave. Thanks for your feedback. I’ve often wondered how the Super Lumina would fair up against a HiLine. It’s mighty expensive though…even used.
And in the U.S. even more expensive. Unobtainium prices for me.
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In my systems the SL proved to be better HiFi … attack, treble detail, tight bass … but tiring to listen to. Unexpectedly went back to HiLines - which was a great relief to my ears … SL quickly sold, and HL still being enjoyed.
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Looks very similar to mine, although, on mine, the crack is almost invisible until you bend the cable down, causing the crack to open slightly.
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Well; I’ve caved in and have now sent my HiLine off for its 5th repair via my dealer. I do feel a little embarrassed if I’m honest, even though I shouldn’t. I have to say though that the grey/lavender is doing a very admirable job and is surprising me how good it really is 
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Mine was repaired twice, first time for free, the second time I had to pay before they would even send it. First time the rings came apart in my hand, the second time I saw a crack in the rings after it had been plugged in and untouched for some time and It came apart when I unplugged it (gently, by the metal collar).
The repaired one was replaced by witch hat. The one I received with my ND555 has never been out of the box…so it might be broken too!
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Yes, mine appears to have cracked from underneath, due to natural compression maybe? AFAIK it still sounds ok, ie it hadn’t lost any of its magic, but i can’t just leave it like that, it may become even worse over time.
I have a few options. Write it off as one big mistake and cut my losses. Send it off for its 5th repair. Try something completely new like a Chord Company variant. Stick with the stock grey/lavender. I’ve chosen for it to be repaired, again.
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You’re more patient than I am! After my HiLine broke for a second time, I was ready for something different, although it wasn’t a priority. When I got the email from AV Options offering their new range of cables with nice pre-launch discount, I didn’t hesitate.
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I have 2 Hilines. The Hiline on System 2 (from nDAC to Nait 50) is fine with no issues.
However, my DIN to RCA Hiline on System 1 (from ND555 to Sugden DAP 800 pre) developed a cracked ring over time, due to the weight of the cable straining on the DIN connection end.
It’s been sent back to Naim for repair.
In the meantime, I have a new DIN to RCA Chord Signature X tuned aray on loan from Acoustica.
I’m impressed so far. I may well ending up keeping it!
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Well i’ve had the phone call from my dealer to say my repaired HiLine has returned and is ready for collection.
Now my ears have adjusted to the lavender/grey over a five week period, i’m now itching to hear how the old girl will show this rather sprightly stock cable a clean pair or heels, or not…
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Ah, but will any sound change be down to the cable or the repaired rings?
And also, 5 weeks to repair the broken rings?
Glad it’s back and working.
DG…
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Thanks.
After a good few hours of going through my music collection today i can honestly say the HiLine is a good upgrade over the stock cable. So glad i have stuck with it after all these years.
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