Hi all, I’m building a 5-pin DIN to XLR-M cable to connect my XS3 (preamp out) to a non-naim power amp. Would you have a wiring diagram on this to share? Thanks!
Unless you have a power supply for the XS3 pre-amp section then you should use the SUB out RCAs - in which case an RCA phono to Cannon XLR cable.
Thanks, Richard. I’m already using the sub out for a sub. Based on both chatgpt and gemini’s advice, it looks like the xs3 preamp out is the way to go. I’ve seen the preamp out din wiring config in the the xs3 manual, as well as for the xlr end. I was just hoping someone has done this before so i could confirm this works.
Ah yes, the dangers of assuming AI is always correct (it isn’t)…
If you remove the link plug to access the Pre-out socket then the pre-amp has no power as it’s provided by the power amp section. Plugging a Naim power amp such as a NAP150 is fine as this can provide the single rail of power that the pre-amp needs, however, if you use a different make then it cannot provide the power for the pre-amp. So, if the Sub out sockets are taken then you will need a dedicated power supply for the XS3 - a Flatcap or HICAP. This will also provide stereo signal outs (three of them on DIN4s) that can be used to connect to another power amp.
Thanks for that critical detail, Richard. I get it now. A question. Din pin config- As I’ll still be needing a din to xlr cable to connect to the flatcap, is the preamp out din pin layout on the flatcap xs the same as the xs3?
the question is why use an XS3 as a preamp ? just sell it and by a real on Naim preamp, no ?
I am guessing because not everyone is slushing around with unlimited amounts of money, and clearly the XS3 can be a ‘real pre amp’ as it has the faclity.
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In my experience, an integrated amplifier should be used as an integrated amplifier.
What’s more, NAIM doesn’t like to change families too much.
In short, all this to say that it would be a shame to lose the NAIM sound and think that NAIM doesn’t work properly.
That’s it, everyone can do what they want.
You just have to ask yourself the right question: what do you need?
The answer is quite simple. Because I can.
ok, it’s not a real need, just to test.
So, what I’m attempting, is to plug a purifi eigentakt based power amp to my xs3. Fyi, purifi eigentakt modules are what drive the class d stage in the uniti nova pe.
The internet tells us that purifi eigentakt are known for their extremely low noise and distortion, resulting in a very clean, neutral, and transparent sound- Hence preserving much of the naim sound signature when connected, at least that’s the idea. If it works for the unit nova, maybe it could work for the xs3 to a degree. I’m going to find that out.
Ah, well, that’s an interesting test.
Now that we know the reason, it’s more fun.
I look forward to hearing from you and good luck with your connections.
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