Referencing to “mains cable” you will understand what you mean but to the casual reader it appears misleading, particularly without a reference point. Perhaps consider rephrasing - you did mention “no cable discussion”, it seems. Likely the only similarity is colours, depending on the country concerned.
Audiomica red series. Recommend by dealer for the new ‘ no Naim’ setup.
Should just about fit your budget.
Xlr run between cd player and headphone amplifier.
The U.K. Audio press seem to like them.
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Hi Brendan,
Vertere Redline XLR looks like an intriguing choice. Can you tell me anything about the difference they made to high frequencies in your system? And do they retain the transient ‘snap’ and pace of the naim xlrs?
Thanks.
They made a profound difference to me.
Deeper Bass but tight.
More separated soundstage especially on vocals.
Percussion crisper - cymbals go ‘Tikh’ rather than ‘Tish’
Overall very dynamic and lively but controlled - it was an instant ‘these are staying’ from me, no prolonged listening tests.
I have had them in pre FW and also use my Vertere DG1 TT a lot so the FW charge for me has brought about a bit more bass extension and a slightly more organic feel to the high end. All very positive and quite the opposite to those who have been struggling. Not sure if I’ve just been lucky in not having issues or if its my non-standard Vertere cabling (TT (RCA-RCA), phono+powerlead, (RCA-DIN) XLR, speaker cables)… but I would recommend trying Vertere cables regardless of the FW issue.
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Xlr cables of other types do not attenuate high frequencies. You are more likely to achieve this with other power cables and other power distributors. Try supra or, even better, cables from Vovox, switzerland. I can recommend: Vovox sonorus, solid core. This is available at a special price at thomann.de
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Thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks Brendan, I appreciate the insight on those cables.
As I said, you can’t get rid of too much treble with XLR cables (and if you do, then only minimally); this applies to all LF cables. It is more effective to use other power cables (and/or other power distributors). In my case, either swissmade cables from Vovox (model: Sonorus, online at a special price at thomann.de) or Supra silver 40th anniversary by the metre (29 euros per metre at dienadel.de) helped. I fitted these with Oyaide 079 power plugs (200 euros each). Furutech plugs (somewhat cheaper) also work: FI 39R (rhodium) or, if necessary, FI 11R, which is cheaper. Important: Please use silver-plated ferrules when fitting the plugs. Together, this results in a very transparent, detailed reproduction that still has musical warmth.
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I think it is highly unlikely that a cable designed specifically for use as an audio interconnect would use brown, blue and yellow/green, the standard UK/EU mains cable colours, so if those are the conductor insulation colours the implication very strongly is that the cable itself (as opposed to the complete assembly) was originally designed and manufactured for mains use, But that does not mean that a cable designed as a mains cable cannot work as a balanced interconnect, though mains cable conductors are not normally twisted and I would expect that one with the signal pair twisted together to potentially be better, but otherwise key factors likely to affect performance are capacitance (in some setups this more than anything else), inductance and resistance. For many applications a screen is beneficial - but of course screened mains cable is available.
Hi, I just wanted to give an update…
So far, I have only tested one set of XLR cables (Mark Grant) against the standard Naim XLR’s.
I think the Mark Grant cable is very good, especially for the money! It brings out a different sound character than the Naim cable, more smooth and flowing. Whereas the Naim cable has more punch and a more rhythmic character - and slightly more tighter control in the bass.
On balance, after prolonged testing, the Naim cable wins for me but I intend to try the Mark Grants again after the FW patch update just to be sure.
After that I’m going to try a few others to find the right one to settle on. It might be the last upgrade I do if the patch works out.
Cheers, S
I must also support Cardas !
Though more modestly equipped, I have a mix of Iridium for analog connections and Parsec for digital.
And even at this low price level they have a sweet treble, refined and not fatiguing.
The Clear Sky should be right in your budget, so have a look locally…
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Quick Update - I’m now trialling two more XLR cables:
- Chord ShawlineX Array
- Tellurium Q ultra black ii
The TQ is the one that I’m focusing on at the moment. I purchased it used with 75 hours of use. It’s now over 100. So far, I’m really impressed! The bass is lovely and solid and defined (not bloated at all). Treble is extended and airy but not as sharp as the previous cables (naim and mark grant). Soundstage is excellent, very solid and the overall imaging is very immersive. The PRaT is definitely retained, all nicely rhythmic, quick and snappy - yet still refined and relaxing.
I don’t want to judge it until it is properly run in, and also I need to assess it with the benefit of the forthcoming new firmware. BUT, I have to say the first impressions are very favourable!
With regard to the ShawlineX, I also purchased this used (fully run in). I’ve only listened to it for the best part of an hour, so I can’t be too confident about my findings, although I’ll say that the bass was quite powerful, and the overall sound is quite full and exciting.
Once I’ve listened to the TQ cable over a few weeks, I’ll pop the ShawlineX in and see how it compares. Will report back when I can.
I would recommend to anyone using the standard naim xlr cables to demo some alternatives, you might realise you are missing out on the full potential of your kit, or you might find that a different cable addresses some aspect(s) of the SQ that was not to your full liking. Just a thought… 
Naim cables are usually at the sweeter end of the spectrum. What caused the sudden change in tone? I think your pre may need more burn in time. Is your NAP 250 new classic? What hifi rack is your equipment sitting on and how about the speakers? Before spending £600 on cables I would first consider these things.
I too had a brightness issue that has now completely disappeared. It was a very very very long burn in on my gear along with tweaks such as placing ebony wood feet under my devices as the glass quadraspire rack was too lively sounding. I am still very surprised at the change in tone from these little changes.
My original post at the top of the thread explains right off the bat what caused the sharpness in the treble. It was the recent firmware update.
I also explained that trying new cables was an act of desperation. That’s because I wanted to try to take control of the situation rather than wait for Naim to fix the firmware, for which there are no guarantees.
Anyway that’s the back story, but the experimentation has been a welcome distraction from the exasperation I’ve been feeling re the firmware. The cables are used so I can easily get my money back by selling them on if not required after the firmware is updated.
My guess is the TQ is the better cable. Good luck
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