Hello everybody, I am about to buy 2x 2,5 m speaker cable lenght ( tellurium q ultra blue).
I post this thread cause I see naim request 3,5 m speaker cable length.
Regards
Naim recommend a minimum of 3.5m per channel of NACA5 speaker cable. If not using NACA5 then you should choose a cable with low capacitance and moderately high inductance and similar length recommendations, although as has been personally tested, 5-10m gives an appreciably better performance.
The XS3 is a bit more tolerant here than the classic power amps but I would certainly be checking the specs to see whether this cable is suitable in the first place (i.e. low capacitance and moderately high inductance) and, if OK, would want to hear how it performed with longer lengths before committing to a purchase.
Also, make sure it’s using the Naim SA8 plugs at the amp end and be sure the soldering has been done well - it make a surprising difference!
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This for your reply
Tellurium q ultra blue got 0,7 inductance
Regarding the length should I go for 2x2,5 m?
These cable doesn’t have the naim plug end.
They have only bananas factory 4mm
Inductance: 0.70 ÎĽH/m @ 1kHz Capacitance: 80.0 pF/m @ 1kHz
Naim specs for NACA5 can be found here in the FAQ;
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Thks
Naim naca5
inductance 1
Capacitance 16
Tellurium:
Inductance 0,70
Capacitance 80
I used the Black II cable very successfully with my Naim amplifier. I used 3.5m lengths. Another cable I’d recommend is Kudos KS-1, which is a similar price to the Ultra Blue and is a much more discreet white or black. This would be my choice. I had cables made up with Naim plugs at the amplifier end and gold Z plugs at the speaker end. Mine were made by the Naim dealer Signals.
On that basis, if it were me, I wouldn’t go for it as it is substantially more capacitive.
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Personally I’d go for the Naim NACA5 cable with the minimum length of 3.5m recommended by Naim
I noticed an improvement in sound quality when I switched to NACA5
My NACA5, 3.5m, cost ÂŁ360 with Naim plugs on the amp end and Chord Ohmic ChorAlloy Banana Plugs on the speaker end
I purchased mine from Hifi Gear and their soldering skills are amazing
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Thks for all your replies, but I am in France and not easy to find NACA5 , and if I order in GB it’s Vat+ customs fees.
I Found 2x2m NACA5 on eBay but it’s not 3,5m
Thks for all your replies, but I am in France and not easy to find NACA5 , and if I order in GB it’s Vat+ customs fees.
I Found 2x2m NACA5 on eBay but it’s not 3,5m
I’m sure there are Naim dealers in France selling NACA5. Analogue seduction sell you excluding VAT if not. They don’t sell NACA5 but they do sell KS-1. They do sound very different to each other though so depends on system synergy and your preferences.
Go to Naims web page and “Our stores” upper right. Then choose your country. Forget the list since it doesn’t show the full retail list and point at the map and you’ll find Naim retailers that can sell you NACA5.
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Why are Naim advising on using their own termination as opposed to say Zplugs?
Thks but In France expensive.
2x2m should be fine?
@Hart07 ….. What Naim are actually recommending is a minimum of 3.5uH inductance load on the amp output stage.
And because Naim NACA5 has 1uH inductance per meter, they recommend a minimum 3.5m of NACA5 speaker cable.
Your TQ blue with 0.7uH per meter will need 3.5/0.7 = 5m per side to achieve the recommended 3.5uH load.
I would not be concerned with the TQ Blue capacitance, 80pF is very average and 400pF for the 5m length will be OK.
Where did you get those TQ numbers from,they don’t publish their cable specs.
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I got specifications for TQ on hi-fi store on-line.
I can’t buy NACA5 in 2x2 m ?
I found one pair on eBay at reasonable price.
You can use 2m but why not follow the recommendation? Just wait for a 3.5m pair to come up, or go crazy and buy new.
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I thought this need for 3.5m of naca5 was only for cb and chrome amps ( due to their design) and that the need for 3.5m on black classic was no longer required?
I understand but don’t find in 3,5m otherwise they are in bad conditions ( blemishes)
NACA5 in minimum 3,5m is definitely worth it, longer even better, also for these newer amps.
For that the Hifishark website is your friend. Plenty of NACA5 available used, even if many are too short.
Naim dealers and distributors (and eBay) should be able to set you up with a new set.
Even in France, Naim is owned by a French company…
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