I have an REL T5i subwoofer but, for a variety of reasons, it has been sitting in its box for a while. I thought I would dig it out and try it on the system (Nait 50, Graham LS5/9) out of curiosity.
But it doesn’t work - it comes on, the signal triggers the standby function but the volume is practically non-existent even on max and with crossover on max. I am using the Neutrik cable to the speakers (standard Naim wiring i.e. Red to 1 positive, yellow to the other positive and black to one of the negatives on the speakers themselves).
But it works perfectly on my second system (Nova, B&W DM4) with the same wiring. It also works on the .1LFE input from the TV.
Obviously the wiring has been double and triple checked and different connections tried but no joy.
I don’t think they are out of phase unless the cables are incorrectly wired. In any event I have tried running it off just one speaker with no success.
I am afraid I am not familiar with absolute phase - how would one check that?
Absolute phase is probably the wrong words. I was just thinking of the effect if both speakers were connected red to black. On reflection that would probably be fine.
Given Naim amplifier speaker sockets are arranged + - - + on the rear panel, which is fairly unconventional, it’s also fairly easy to get the connections wrong. Without wishing to teach my grandmother to suck eggs, I’d double check the speaker cabling…
Well they are definitely plugged in correctly using the Naim plugs so, unless AudioT fouled up the wiring (unlikely), I think they are in phase. Switching one speaker around also indicated they are in phase - although strangely not conclusive. I may try a different set of cables later.
Binding posts do have two methods of connection - one for bare wires and the other for banana plugs. I have tried using both and also a rather cruder test method just with the bannaa plugs (a method which worked on the B&W speakers).
Yup. This wiring was done by Better HiFi in Liverpool (no longer around) back in 1999. I never dreamt of looking any closer, but thanks to you Andy, I thought I’d double check. How embarrassing. Worked in IT, trained as an electrician, you would think I would know, but no, it’s been wrong for 25 Years. Results - WOW!, like given a free black box upgrade. Stereo separation biggest improvement. I may now even reconsider my original intention of looking for a Sub next year.
I’m really hoping someone else will have a similar story and own up, but somehow I suspect not. Thankfully no-one here knows who I am, although the few I have met at the Audio shows may now avoid me.
Anyway get to re-enjoy all my music again
Thanks Andy!
Oops. My favourite error was assuming the TRS jack output on a guitar amp was balanced… it wasn’t. It was stereo, which left me trying to feed the L-R reverb difference into the mixer. I blame Traynor…
Try wiring it directly to a terminal on one of the speakers to see if it works that way: red + yellow to positive. Leave black hanging free to start with, but attach to negative if you get hum.
Many thanks for all the suggestions. But still nada. I put a support request into REL a couple of days ago and will see what if anything they come back with.
I’m glad that Gadgetman has benefited. There’s nothing like a free upgrade and firmware upgrade on the same day.
I’ve had a very positive experience with REL telephone support previously, taught me how to repair a busted cone to gasket seal with some superglue which saved me a fortune. I do hope they’ll come to your rescue in a similar way.
Is it possible to unplug both sets of speakers from the amp and just connect the REL directly to the speaker terminals?
Just to eliminate the speakers and speaker cables.
It is possible but I believe that Naim advise against it so I am a bit reluctant to try. If I get some time over the weekend, I will try some different cables.
