I’ve just changed out my Linn Keilidh’s for some SCM11’s and want to connect in my my AE108 subwoofer that only has a pair of RCA inputs (left and right). There are also a pair of RCA outputs (left and right) which I have no idea what they are for. Obviously the Naim 200 only has left and right pair high level 4mm speaker outputs so how do I connect the sub? There are no low level line-in inputs on the sub, just the RCA inputs.
The only thing I can think of is that I’d have to get a couple of speaker cables made with an RCA plug on one end to connect to one of the input channels on the sub and a couple of 4mm banana plugs on the other end to connect to the +/- speaker input terminals and use them as outputs to the sub. However, will that present a different load to the amp by not running 4 runs of speaker cable from the amp itself (I’d have to wire 2 wires into a single speaker plug output to do this, which is a bit messy). If I can wire directly off the speaker terminals would I have to use the same type of speaker cable to avoid reflections due to differing impedance. Hope that makes sense.
The RCA Phono outputs are probably to enable a user to daisy-chain multiple subwoofers together.
If the subwoofer only has stereo RCA Phono inputs then it was designed to be fed from a low level pre-amp signal - you will need to connect via the pre-out of the NAC282, which goes via the HICAP you currently have powering it. The HICAP has three stereo pre-outs on DIN4s. Naim used to make a DIN4-2 x RCA Phono Subwoofer cable in 5m and 10m lengths. This had a 100R resistor in the DIN plug to enable the HICAP to drive the cable without instability. Therefore, if you decide to have a suitable cable made up then you’ll need to similarly load it to avoid instability.
However, you may find that you prefer running the SCM11s without a sub anyway, so it could be a hiding to nothing…
Thanks for the reply @Richard.Dane Richard. I didn’t realise I could run the sub from the HiCAP.
Yes you may be correct that I may be better just running the SCM11s without the sub but I just wanted to compare with/without before I make that decision. I certainly didn’t need it with the Keilidhs.
Regarding the DIN to RCA subwoofer cable, why don’t Naim make them anymore? Who would be able to supply one nowadays?
They were made for use with Naim’s own n-Sub. You may still find one available - try asking your Naim dealer. Otherwise, keep an eye on secondhand sales sites, or just have a lead made up for you. Just remember it needs to be slugged and best use low capacitance cable.
Thanks Richard. What would be the consequence of getting the capacitance wrong and would the impendence be the main thing to look out for? Is there anywhere I can find the spec for the Naim original cable? If I can get close to that spec then all the better.
If it’s not slugged then it can make the pre-out unstable - so degraded sound, noise, that kind of thing. IIRC the cable Naim used for this was the same as the Naim grey interconnect (just longer and slugged with a 100R resistor).
I think I may have found a supplier on the bay of plenty that has a slugged cable. They only show a 2m length so I’ve messaged them to see if they can make me up a 4m cable. If not then I’ll keep looking out for one coming up.
Designacable would be able to supply a suitable cable to order. It’s possible that they are the supplier you have seen on eBay but they also sell through their own website. They understand the requirements of Naim amps so if you explain what you need they should be able to make it.
(The slugged cables are used to suit the needs of Naim preamps when longer lengths are required. I doubt you would need it at 2 metres, but at 4 metres I think you will. If in doubt contact Naim support.)
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Yes it is Designacable Chris. I’ve just found a number for them and so I’ll give them a ring next week.
@Richard.Dane Richard. Just need further clarification. Which output from the HiCap do I need to run to the subwoofer. Presumably it’s socket 1 aux out. Socket 2 is passive amp out. I’m using sockets 3 and 4 for the NAP250/NAC82 as per the connectivity guide. It doesn’t really show what sockets 1 and 2 are specifically.
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All three outputs are the same. I’d use output 2, thereby keeping the signal path as short as possible.
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You have three stereo signal outs on the HICAP (all on DIN4) so, as you will be using one of them for the NAP250 connection, use whichever is free next to it.
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@Richard.Dane are you able to clarify whether the SLIC cable used the same cable as the grey/lavender signal interconnects?
I was just thinking, if so, and given their longer length, a modified/re-terminated SLIC cable might be a viable option for the OP, if he wishes to stay with original Naim cable?
I am aware of the pin count difference, but it’s reasonably common for a manufacturer to use a single cable for interconnects with varying pin counts, with superfluous, unused, wires simply not connected.
For example, I would imagine that the 5 pin DIN to 4 pin DIN cable uses the standard 5 core interconnect cable, although only using 4 of the cores of course - is this correct, or did Naim source a 4 core cable for this?
Thanks for any info!
These are just some vague “wonderings” whilst eating my lunch!
The SLIC cable is DC power-only so not suitable.
The Naim stereo subwoofer interconnect used the same lavender/grey cable as the standard I/c, but slugged with a 100R resistor fitted in the DIN.
Yes, I understand that was the intended purpose of the SLIC cable.
I was just wondering if Naim had utilised the same cable as used with the interconnects…..
I haven’t looked at one for a long time.
I could have gone and looked, but it seemed easier to ask!
Thanks for your prompt reply!