What cable is this?

[Mark84]

Yep, that would do it.

[GMG]

I just had some correspondence with a cable manufacturer that claims that 75ohm impedance matching is only important for digital interconnects.
Is that also the best practice by Naim?
I guess Naim claims differently as my supernait is all analog and has DIN connectors?

[Richard.Dane]

Yes, a 75ohm impedance match is important for coaxial s/pdif.

otherwise a close impedance match between socket and plug is really important, and that what Naim try to achieve through the use of DINs.

[GMG]

Sorry I was not clear. The cable guys claim that 75ohm and impedance matching it not important for analog connections.
Can you clarify Naim’s approach to analog?

[Richard.Dane]

Yes, Naim reckon impedance matching with connectors is important. It’s one of the advantages of DIN (and also BNC which they like for analogue phono use).

You can read more in the FAQ. Start here;

Why Naim use DIN Connectors

A few reasons why we use DIN connections: Naim use three types of DIN connector: DIN4 (4 pins in a 216 degree arc) - Typically used for pre-amp signal OUT and smaller power amp signal IN. It can carry signal as well as 24V DC when used between a suitable Naim Power amp and pre-amp where the power amp’s power supply also provides power to the pre-amp. DIN5 (5 pins in a 240 degree arc) - Typically used between a power supply and a pre-amp or phono stage where it carries signal as well as 2 x 24…

[GMG]

@GMG

Would an RCA to DIN have the potential of solving a ground loop issues?

I have 2 DACs (Qutest, bluesound node2i) connected to my SN2, both are currently connected with RCA to RCA.
Both are not grounded devices (2 prong power supplies).
For some reason the Node2i creates a ground loop. No issue with the Qutest.
I solve this by adding a ground to the Node2i - I use a spare rca socket and connect the outer shell directly to the ground of the power strip I use.

Wondering if I use an RCA to DIN could be a more elegant solution with a potential for an added benefit in sound quality (though the node is not for critical listening)

To follow up on my own question, I just got a RCA to DIN cable, which I had custom built by bluejeans cables (great support and service), and I am happy to report that it indeed solved the ground loop I had with the bluesound node2i. I removed the extra ground cable I had connected to the Node2i. One less cable in the clutter makes me happy

I actually got 2 cables from bluejeans and will also use it with my Chord Qutest in anticipation for some SQ improvement. I’m replacing a tellurium ultra black RCA-RCA cable so it will certainly be interesting to compare it with the bluejeans RCA-DIN.

Note: The bluejeans cable is not impedance matched. I had a lot of discussion with bluejeans who claim that for analog it is not that critical and that it would be problematic to use 75ohm cables and squeeze them into the DIN connector. The cable used is called MSA-1 and is about 38Ohm, the DIN connector is Switchcraft 12CL5MX.

I wonder if cables from Chord have better impedance matching

[thebadyogi]

Hi - I’ve been having a look at my cable and was wondering how you get from pic 2 to pic 3. I have a feeling the cables were soldered and I have just pulled them apart (oops!). Thanks.

[Mark84]

Hi, the small gap in the pin will allow you to place the tip off a soldering iron in to melt the existing solder, then slide your new stripped wire in there whilst the heat is on. Tin the wire first though for a good joint. Don’t worry about pulling the old wire out of the pin. Near impossible.

[AFP]

@quad57

Which of the two was considered the better cable in the hierarchy?

@quad57 I have both Chrysalis and Cobra cables in my rig. The Cobra was the next level up from Chrysalis and has a green outer sheath rather than the grey of the Chrysalis.

cheers
alf

[quad57]

Thanks!