Making some improvements whilst I await the 300DR
Very neat.
However try and keep the speaker and the mains cable away from each other. You could keep the surplus by the skirting board below your new mains board.
DG…
Thanks DG, that’s probably the main reason I’ve gone DIY so I can get things nice and separate and avoid having loads of excess cable making a mess
On a different note, I got wall mounts for my KEF LSX II. I got the first one up and the sound improvement is staggering. Unfortunately, the tiny screw that holds the face plate in on the second mount had been put in so tight, the pathetic allen key it came with threaded the screw instantly. Any ideas on how I can get it out without having to return given I’ve already got one up???
Id say you did not have the allen key properly bottomed in the hex head ?
Hex screws are usually grade 10.9 rather than 8.8, so tend to be harder ( although the grading is actually tensile strength based)
Anyway, the usual way here is to tap in the next sixe up allen key and get a good fit. Then unscrew and replace the hex head screw.
Thank you, I’ll give that a try. As you say, I’m definitely culpable; but the screw and Allen key is pretty unimpressive quality from KEF. The rest is top notch.
The screw is threaded. Like you say try to tap in the next size up allen key. You’ll need to do it carefully with a pin hammer or a heavier hammer, if that doesn’t work It’s a bit of surgery!
You can also try heating the screw up with a solding iron
And/or apply penetrating oil.
Then some screw extractors…it is removable but try to use the least crude methods first. Then escalate as required !
Also consider using a good quality Allen key, rather than the cheap one that comes with the bracket.
DG…
I used cotton buds…and isopropyl alchohol…it seemed to work well…I recon my scockets had not been cleaned for around 20 years…it made a big difference…
As a machinist, this is what we would do at work. You might need to drill a small hole into the screw first because the ezeeout needs something to grab on to.
Taking the whole thing to a local machine shop might be an alternative. Most machinists would be happy to help at no charge.
Another method is to tack weld another screw to this one (Laser weld).
Thanks for the help all. I went for the next size up hex screw bit and hammer technique and it was successful. The screw is still intact and usable which is a nice outcome. An even better outcome is the speakers have really come alive now they’re mounted. I was always a bit disappointed with their sound compared to the reviews, but now I’ve heard them like this I’m impressed. They fill the kitchen easily and have a really clear and punchy sound with plenty of bass if you want it loud
Ps. Sorry for going off topic.
Good to find the least destructive method worked first. But don’t reuse the screw. Get a new one.
Getting back on topic…I pick up my 300DR this Saturday and with it being pay day on Friday I have been hunting for a 555PS DR for my NDX2. I have found two options as follows:
- 2015 model in 500 series finish - £3500 + postage
- 2021 model in classic series finish - £3800
What do people think? I am tempted to go for the 2021 model given it is so new and in immaculate condition. Not that the 2015 model is not, but it is nearly ten years old and has a very small surface nick on the front above the Naim badge.
Personally, I would get the newer one. Seems a good price too.
That’s what I thought Stu, thanks. They are selling on behalf of a customer who is also the owner of the ND555. He seems to want a quick sale. Just saying…
Newer one. But i’d want to be paying £3500? For reference i paid well less than £3000 for my 2015 cd555psu, immaculate too.
Made a big difference to my ndx2 over the xpsdr that i had before.