I believe your understanding and explanation to be spot on…!!
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Hi Smithfire67, just out of interest, which Witch Hat speaker cable were you using? Thanks. Best wishes Amer
By later Naim amps you mean the New Classic series? I’m currently using an XS3 with 2 x 2m NAC A5 so I’m wondering if I need to get a longer cable. Sometimes the sound is a bit harsh or sharp so maybe a longer cable will help? Thanks!
The longer cables will certainly help with relaxing the flow of sound. Anything from 5 to 10 metres are regarded as optimum lengths. More importantly will be how they are terminated. I would use the right angled SA8 Naim plugs that came with the XS3 at the amp end and whatever plugs that will match your speakers on the other ends. Make sure the soldering is top notch at both ends.
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First off, I’m not saying what I “believe” to be the case is 100% correct. I’m only looking at data and technical reports.
But no, I was not thinking as “later” as the New Classic models.
I had in mind the 5 series Nait’s and onward.
My own Supernait will take any cable without showing any ill effects, including 5m lengths of Kimber PR8 that my Nait-2 seriously objected to with running hot.
I suspect your XS3 might be the same as my Supernait, but I’m only suspecting.
Maybe it will sound sweeter with a longer cable, only you can tell with your speakers.
Not forgetting the speaker cable inductance loading is intended to prevent output stage instability, a secondary effect is the SQ.
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Does this mean it’s different depending on both pe- and poweramp?
The speaker cable inductance loading applies to the power amp, either the power amp as a unit or the power amp section in an integrated.
I’m aware that some of the pre amps and most of the source outputs are rolled off over 20kHz.
Amer, Sorry I dont recall the actual name of the Witch hat cable I used previously. They weren’t massively expensive though…black nylon brading and quite thin neg and pos wires. Nac a5 a definite improvement.
Clive
I like to think of speaker cables as been an integral part of the crossover network, if you look at it as a schematic that’s exactly what it is, having both L & C components, so given this it would seem logical that a speaker cable (with particular L&C) will behave differently depending what speaker (crossover) and amp (output stage) it’s connected to. So A5 in this case will sound different in every situation where different amps and speakers are used. Just my theory anyway! It also probably explains why some cables sound bright in different setups, cables are not active so cannot amplify a particular frequency, they’re just modifying the crossover points.
Also, has anybody worked out how long would be optimal for a5 inbrtween a pair of 135s and SBLs?
Clive
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Thanks Clive, I was interested as I have their later speaker cable and find it much more enjoyable than the Nordost Red DawnI had before which cost almost 3 times as much. And I got the Red Dawn after not getting on with A5’s in my system (282/250DR). I got into Witch Hat after changing my Naim interconnects with their Morgana interconnect. Trying them was easy as they gave a 30 day sale or return period. Great that you’re enjoying the A5, also great that we have different tastes in sound! Best wishes Amer
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Ive actually just purchased 7m of nac A5 as well as the 1st lot…having heard that 7m was the actual optimal length.
This is more fun than it should be…
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Great. I like anywhere from 5-10m per channel, so 7m sounds about right.
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What’s the sound difference between 4m lengths that I use and 7m lengths? Should I upgrade to 7m lengths?
Just use what you need and it’s recommended above 3 metres.
Don’t coil excess fold it firecracker or figure 8. 
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TRelx Ill post up when I get a chance to re terminate it and then install it.
Should be interesting
Clive
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You will get a more balanced sound with the longer cable, more relaxed and more bass.
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I tried the longer lengths of Nac5 last night and to be honest I thought it sounded slightly duller.
Ill give it another go before I switch back though…maybe it needs some running in time?
Clive
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I think you will appreciate the longer cables after a while,I’ve not heard anyone that prefers s4 meters over 7 meters of NacA5.
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Thank you for testing. I’ve recently bought some Harbeth Compact 7 XD speakers and I am finding them a bit bright and harsh. I was wondering if longer nac a5 cables could tame them. I currently have 4m lengths and I’m thinking about changing to 8 metre runs.
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