Hi All a few technical questions to ponder on . I got my NACA5 cable that came with the Naim black plug and cable soldered at a right angle which works fine as speakers are close to wall . I had to remove the black plug as the gap between the pins was different on my ovators . Which way should the arrow be pointing on the cable ? , I would have thought towards the speaker but hope I am wrong . On the Atom end I used the screw type gold banana plugs that came with the unit and speakers , Should I be looking at changing these to the same metal as the speaker pins and do I need to get soldered ones , Thanks
Arrow towards speaker
Thanks Blackbird I believe arrow is facing other way . I might have to dig a soldering iron out
Your Ovators would originally have been supplied with their own plugs, which are slightly different from regular Naim plugs. If you didn’t get them I would suggest that you try to find some and have them soldered onto your NACA5.
The Atom is also supplied with matching plugs. Either use these, or maybe some regular nickel plated Deltron plugs or similar which would be compatible with the nickel plated sockets on the Atom.
There is huge debate (I don’t know if nac is different) whether this matters.
I don’t think Naim is known for pushing snake oil. The founder Vereker was clear about that there is a difference. He even detected a production batch which was printed with the wrong direction.
Thanks ChrisSU So I was supplied with decent screw type banana plugs for the Atom and the ovators . The new cable came with black Naim plugs soldered on at right angle which helps in positioning speakers . Issue is the pins are not the correct distance apart so I removed the black cover and insulated any exposed metal . So speaker end all good . Except arrow facing other way lol . I have used the screw down banana plugs on the other end which are gold and a different metal I have come this far so want to get everything so on Sorry for the long post
O that really helps Blackbird lol just to add
to the confusion . I don’t suppose there is any test that can be done with a
a good multimeter . My sons going to crack up when he hears this
Nothing shows on a meter it’s in the ears “ head “.
One way is right the other not but many don’t hear any difference and had them mixed up for years.
Sounds like you may have connected the cable the wrong way round. When they are supplied with plugs it is normal to have the right angled Naim plugs at the amp end, but the Atom plugs are different, so perhaps tou were given the wrong cable.
If you want to match metals that’s another reason to use the proper Ovator plugs as they are silver plated to match the sockets.
Thanks Skeptikal , did they put the arrow there for fun
Or is it to do with the way the cable is manufactured
And the twist direction etc . I think the jury might be out for
a while on this one lol
Just had a Quick Look. There’s loads on this historically on this forum (and elsewhere). One post referenced by our leader from 2018.
Doesn’t seem entirely clear cut, but what do I know.
I’d go with @Skeptikal view on this one. He’s pretty knowledgeable on cables and such.
Why are some people sceptical?
Answer
People can be skeptical due to several psychological and cognitive factors:
Cognitive Biases
Humans tend to process information through personal filters rather than objectively. As Matthew Hornsey, a social psychologist, explains, people often act “like lawyers trying to prosecute what they already want to be true” instead of weighing evidence impartially.
Motivated Reasoning
Individuals frequently choose facts that support their existing worldview and group affiliations. Dan M. Kahan of Yale University notes that people engage in “motivated reasoning”, selecting information that aligns with their sense of identity.
Psychological Protection
Skepticism can also be a defense mechanism. When faced with challenging or frightening information (like climate change), people may become skeptical as a way to cope with potential stress and uncertainty.
Trust and Social Dynamics
Declining trust in institutions, scientific elites, and traditional sources of information can drive skepticism. People may reject scientific consensus when they perceive a breakdown in shared understanding about societal interests.
Key Distinction
It’s important to note that healthy skepticism differs from denial. Skepticism involves suspending judgment and requiring sufficient evidence, while denial means rejecting evidence despite overwhelming proof.
Hi ChrisSu That makes sense unfortunately
Those plugs wouldn’t fit the Atom with right angled
Soldered cables . It would explain the arrow facing the wrong way . . So is it silver on all connections. I don’t mind soldering everything properly and doing the job correctly
It doesn’t make sense at all. Naim engineers put it there for a reason. All respectable cable manufacturers do. If you want to believe a random guy in a forum with the nick name “skeptical” shall have the answers then… well.
Thanks Straydog1 for that you do have to laugh . Now do
Es one have the arrows both facing the same
way lol
Chord say it too. I guess if in doubt, change it. I’ve just checked and mine are back to front. 11 years sound great.
Maybe I’ve a free upgrade to utilise!
Hi Blackbird I hear you and agree about the logic
of having an arrow and would be inclined to agree it’s there for a reason
A mate of mine invented snake oil
There you go lol Everyday a school day
Yes
Arrows, rules, must follow and comply!
Got it!