Unlocking the 300 Series: My NAC332 Pre-Power XLR Shootout

Hi-Fi Corner
1

I’m starting a new thread to focus on what I believe is one of the most critical (and perhaps overlooked) interface in the New Classic ecosystem: the balanced XLR connection between the Preamp (in my case the NAC332) and the Power Amp(s).

Whether you are running a NAP250 or the NAP350s, this interface is a departure from the OC ways, and while XLR is an “industry standard,” my experience suggests that the New Classic gain structure is incredibly sensitive to what you put in this signal path. Standard studio grade or generic audiophile XLRs often seem to rob the system of its PRaT, organic texture, or other desirable characteristics.

I decided to stop wondering and start testing. I have gathered a lineup of (mostly) high-end contenders to go up against the stock cable.

The System:

  • Source: ND555 + 2x555PSDRs (Firmware 3.8)

  • Preamp: NAC332 + NPX300

  • Power: NAP350 Monoblocks

Here are the contenders entering the arena:

(1) The Specialist: AV Options Signal XLR Deep Cryo ($1,699)

Screenshot 2026-01-17 at 11.25.14 AM
Screenshot 2026-01-17 at 11.25.14 AM1878×1230 611 KB

Known for understanding Naim DNA better than anyone else in the US where I’m based. This is the pragmatic choice, no jewelry, just engineering aimed specifically at NC.

(2) The default throne holder: Naim Super Lumina Balanced XLR ($5,690)

IMG_0876
IMG_08761920×1440 634 KB

The logical upgrade and the assumed King. No further intros needed here I think.

(3) The Vocalist: Audience FrontRow XLR ($3,800)

IMG_0872
IMG_08721920×1440 668 KB

This cable has a reputation for bringing vocals front and center and making speakers disappear more than they have a right to.

(4) The Truth Teller: Grimm SQM XLR ($715)

IMG_0875
IMG_08751920×1440 533 KB

Grimm is legendary for neutrality and transparency. Not in the same league price wise, but I heard from sources I trust that it punches way above its weight and hence it’s included here.

(5) The Heavyweight: Shunyata Sigma-X XLR ($4,950)

IMG_0874
IMG_08741920×1440 718 KB

Shunyata brings serious noise reduction tech to the table and the Sigma-X ethernet has been transformational for me.

The Protocol: All cables have been burned in for a minimum of 200 hours to avoid the usual settling debates. I’m currently cycling through them (as I have been for the last few months) using a specific playlist of tracks that test transient speed, bass texture, and vocal decay among other things.

A quick note on the pricing above: these are current US retail prices for standard lengths. I know international markets vary wildly, so the “value” ranking might look very different depending on where you are reading this from.

I don’t have a final verdict yet and my main goal here is really to describe the specific flavor each cable brings to the 332/350 interface and hopefully find the one (or two?) I cannot live without. I’m going to need a little more time to finalize my notes, so please bear with me. And of course, feel free to place your bets now!

25 Likes
2

My bet is the AV options,no reason other than gut feeling.

5 Likes
3

Interesting thread … look forward to your findings.

I’ll bet on the avoptions…

1 Like
4

I’m guessing a lot of people want the Naim cable to win this shootout

3 Likes
5

One person’s ears…..

2 Likes
6

Interested to see your findings!!

3 Likes
7

Thanks for taking the time to share this with us!!

5 Likes
8

Enjoy the shoot out. I think the outcome will depend on personal preferences, I’m not sure there is a best cable for all. That said you’ve got a great selection to work out which one works best for you. The supplied OEM cable doesn’t make the list :cry:.

2 Likes
9

It would be interesting to include a relatively cheap Mogami or Mark Grant in the test. Just to see what these extra thousands are buying you.

G

7 Likes
10

I’m using Chord SarumT and like it a lot. 332 and NC 250.

2 Likes
11

I have the SL but I think another one might win here. Interesting - thanks for sharing.

2 Likes
12

I’m very interested in your findings too, thanks for sharing. I’ve had my 332/250 (and 333 for that matter) for only 5 months and after a shaky start, I am loving them. I’m also convinced they are still improving. I’m running the stock XLR cables at the moment, though I do have a pair of used Vertere Redline XLRs which I saw at a nice price. I’m not great at making quick a/b comparisons, so I’ve put off trying them until I’m very well acquainted with my new system. I’ll likely give them a go in the next month or so. I place my bet on SL, which would be the next ones for me to try after the redlines…

2 Likes
13

This lineup wasn’t thrown together at random. I’ve already churned through a lot of wire to get to this point. I’ve tested some of the forum favorites like various Mogami Wxxxx’s, and I’ve auditioned other big ticket items like Transparent Reference. They didn’t make the cut and have since been sold on. The cables listed above are the survivors, the finalists that brought something special enough to the table that I kept them around for this (final?), side-by-side shootout. Thus all the contenders are hands down better (to my ears) than everything inexpensive I have tried, the stock Naim XLRs, and some pricey ones as well.

13 Likes
14

The Sarum T did not make the cut for me and was sold on. I would have loved the opportunity to audition the ChordMusic XLR but it has been very challenging to procure at a “reasonable” price in the US.

2 Likes
15

My Audioquest Pegasus XLR are wonderful. They put the Chord signature tuned Array into shadow, and by a big margin.
However I have tubes electronics.

2 Likes
16

I’m kicking things off with the cable that has probably disrupted my expectations more than any other in this group. At its price point, the Grimm SQM is technically the underdog when you look at price tags of the other finalists, but I have learned the hard way that in the Naim world price and synergy are often two very different things. Grimm comes from the pro-audio and studio world, and that heritage is immediately obvious the moment you click those XLRs into the back of the 332.

The most shocking aspect of this cable is the low end authority. The bass is thunderous, and I mean that literally. It offers the highest quantity of low end of any cable on this list. In fact, it was so substantial that I had to move my floorstanders to make this work in my room. It actually sent me into a bit of a tailspin where I ended up connecting my bookshelf speakers just to see what would happen. Lo and behold, the Grimm managed to pull a level of scale and weight out of those smaller cabinets that I didn’t think was possible. It made me realize that if I’d had this cable earlier, I might have never even felt the need to swap those bookshelves for larger speakers.

When it comes to the stage, the SQM is a master of the holographic image. The width is just incredible. There were moments during my test tracks where sounds seemed to originate from directly behind my ears, creating a fully immersive bubble that had me looking around the room. It has a transparency that feels like it’s just getting out of the way, which might be due to its use of silver-plated copper, a recipe similar to Naim’s in SL.

The Grimm comes with a specific presentation that might not be for everyone. The midrange feels a bit more recessed compared to the more forward cables in this shootout. While the detail is all there, I did find myself missing that “in your face” vocal energy on certain tracks where I really wanted the singer to be front and center. It’s a slightly more distant, observant perspective rather than an intimate one.

I’ll admit, after a week with the SQM, I seriously considered selling off the more expensive stuff and just calling it a day. It is a terrifyingly good value and was a massive surprise for me. If I was primarily an electronic music listener, this would have been the end of the road. But as much as I love that holographic stage, I’m a sucker for sweet, prominent vocals, which kept me moving down the list.

The journey continues.

10 Likes
17

I have two sets of Siltech balanced cables I’m playing with this weekend. Classic Legend 380i and Classic Legend 680i. I am using them from 1) Boulder 1108 phono-stage and 2) Weiss DAC501-MK2. However, I am using single-ended RCA adapters into my 252. I already have a AVO XLR-DIN5 Y-cable to compare.

I just bougt the Weiss DAC, so I need another cable, but I think I’ll get a balanced pair and use single-ended adapters for now to future proof myself.

I already use Siltech phono cables (DIN→XLR) and a Siltech power cable on the Boulder (both Classic Legend 380), so I’m already a fan of Siltech.

6 Likes
18

Interesting stuff, I have to admit, Siltech is one brand that has never made it into my system for a proper audition, so I can’t comment on how they would play with the New Classic gear. That said, the silver-gold alloy metallurgy they use is definitely intriguing. It’s certainly something I might look into for a future round of testing once the dust settles on this current group.

2 Likes
19

At the moment I am playing a Siltech Classic Legend 380i balanced IC with my DAC and it sounds pretty awesome. Tomorrow a friend is coming over, and we’ll shootout Siltech 380i & 680i, and my AVO cables.

That is, after we share a nice Goose Island Bourbon County Stout to pre-lubricate our ears. :slight_smile:

4 Likes
20

Interested to see how you perceive AVO against the heavyweights.

2 Likes