The importance of earthed mains for Naim amps

[Blackbird]

A phase pen is mandatory!

[Alco]

@Igel

Having the the Naim system connected with the right phase from the outlet is also very important,
not discussed much because they don’t have that problem in the UK as they can’t turn the power connectors the wrong way ( smart with 3 Pin connectors)
The phase must be on this side,when connecting to Naim equipment.

OMG, really ?! Thanks very much, Igel! I knew it was important, but…OOPS, this means I’ve had it wrong for so many years! I always thought the phase was on the left input of a C13 mainsplug!

I’ll have it corrected right away. (have to go now, but will report back later. Curious to whether I’ll hear a difference. (never felt anything was wrong btw)

[whatu1tme2b]

Some time ago, I bought an IsoTek V5 Gemini block (for my 2 Naim boxes). That actually made a different that I liked. You could also look in that direction i.s.o. dedicated grounded mains?

[whatu1tme2b]

Oh wow…I was not aware of that at all. The things you have to think about. I don’t have such a ‘thingie’ to check

[Alco]

@whatu1tme2b

Some time ago, I bought an IsoTek V5 Gemini block (for my 2 Naim boxes). That actually made a different that I liked. You could also look in that direction i.s.o. dedicated grounded mains?

Thanks. Will look into that later.

@whatu1tme2b

I don’t have such a ‘thingie’ to check

You only nead a phasepen (spanningzoeker, for us Dutchies), like this:
(available at every DIY store or probably Action for only a few euro’s)

[Gerben]

Hello,

In the Netherlands, it has been a requirement since 1996 that the entire electrical installation in new-build homes must be earthed.

Reg.

Gerben

[Gerben]

@whatu1tme2b

I remember that someone once told that you should not combine grounded- and non-grounded sockets in one room. But I don’t remember the details.

That is also a requierment in Holland.[quote=“whatu1tme2b, post:10, topic:45137”]

I remember that someone once told that you should not combine grounded- and non-grounded sockets in one room. But I don’t remember the details.

[/quote]That is also a requierment in Holland.

[whatu1tme2b]

Really? My house is from 1999, but I only have earthed sockets in the kitchen, bathroom and a separate room where my washing machine is.

[Gerben]

Hoi,

That was still legally permitted under transitional legislation. Before that, earthing was indeed only compulsory for wet circuits and washing machines, etc.

Incidentally, I’ve always had a separate circuit for audio for the past 40 years. It’s definitely worth it.

If you do this, in The Netherlands, you must ALWAYS comply with the latest version of the NEN 1010 and have it installed by a qualified electrician.

[Blackbird]

You need a phase pen to make sure it is correct. They are cheap and comes handy not only in this case

[bruss]

It is the same throughout the EU. Electrical safety regs have been standardised. All non earthed circuits must have a minimum of rcd and at least one rcbo to protect each circuit ( in case of 3 phase). I wouldn’t be surprised if an elcb doesn’t become compulsory in the next edition. This is of course different to any effect an earth has on sound quality.

[Gerben]

Hi Alco,

If the wall socket is connected correctly, the live wire is on the right-hand side. Fitters do not always follow this rule. If you have an angled plug, the cable will point downwards when the wall socket is connected correctly.

[Igel]

I think it’s better to check at the end going into the
equipment,sometimes the power cords are not wired correctly.

[Alco]

I found an old, cheap mainsblock with a very long powercord. Plugged it into the earthed wallsockets in my kitchen, and it was just about long enough to have my N50 plugged in.

I must confess I only tested with 2 tracks, but I can’t say I detected anything for the better sonically. Then again, it didn’t sound any worse either, which surprised me a bit, as the old, cheap (DIY-store) mainsblock costes a lot less than the Naim/Musicline mainsblok I’ve been using for many years.

Btw, I just read that, (if I understood correctly) if I would let the un-earthed mains for my system be replaced by a new, earthed version, I’d have to do the same for another outlet in my livingroom, (that’s on the same group) as it’s not allowed to mix both earthed and un-earthed sockets in one room ?! That would mean the costs will be considerably higher.

[Alco]

Thanks for the explanation, Gerben. The plug on my mainsblock cable is not angled btw.

@Igel

I think it’s better to check at the end going into the
equipment,sometimes the power cords are not wired correctly.

I plugged in both the Nait 50 and my Rega IO, both now with the powercord in phase!
Tbh, I only tested the N50 on a 2 tracks, but found it difficult to notice a difference.
I then had my Rega IO playing, and although the differences were also small/subtle, it seemed to be a bit more effective/obvious. Voices seemed to be more focussed in the soundstage. (that’s about it at first hearing though, but… as a Dutchman, good things are always welcome when they come free!

[Igel]

@Alco

, it didn’t sound any worse either, which surprised me a bit, as the old, cheap (DIY-store) mainsblock costes a lot less than the Naim/Musicline mainsblok

One might draw the conclusion that it sounds better when earthed then

[Alco]

@Igel

One might draw the conclusion that it sounds better when earthed then

One might indeed, Igel.

[Blackbird]

That’s correct. To mix earthed and non earthed sockets in the same room is not allowed. That’s when things can get dangerous. An electrician would not install it to one socket only. It’s a pretty fast job if nothing outside of the normal scope. Few hours + material.

[ChrisSU]

@Alco

I found an old, cheap mainsblock with a very long powercord. Plugged it into the earthed wallsockets in my kitchen, and it was just about long enough to have my N50 plugged in.

I must confess I only tested with 2 tracks, but I can’t say I detected anything for the better sonically.

A fairer comparison might be to use the cheap extension lead also when you listen using the usual unearthed socket.

[ChrisSU]

@Igel

Having the the Naim system connected with the right phase from the outlet is also very important,
not discussed much because they don’t have that problem in the UK as they can’t turn the power connectors the wrong way ( smart with 3 Pin connectors)
The phase must be on this side,when connecting to Naim equipment.

Unusual in the UK perhaps, but not impossible. Mains wall sockets (or other connections in a circuit) can be connected the wrong way round by mistake and if you don’t test the socket you will probably never know.