Using a naim poweramp in a non naim surround system?

Naim power amps are really designed to work with Naim pre amps. In particular if I recall right the frequency bandwidth and the output impedance of Naim pre amps is specifically tailored to make for a happy connection. This was particularly specific in the older designs.

Then there is the method of connection using a SNAIC. You would have to have a special lead made up which only carries audio signals.

Even if you do this it would I think be a less than satisfactory marriage using a 140 with a non -naim pre amp signal. I would be careful if you plan to try it out that you don't upset the 140. The best approach would be to introduce a Naim pre-amp and feed the Onkyo's signal into that and then onto the 140.

regards

Geoff

I have a NAC72 which I can use for that purpose. So basically an outsignal from the Onkyo into the aux in the NAC72 should make it possible?

Also there is a Naim NAP175 Three Channel Power amp that I am contemplating purchasing, I gather this is not snaic powered and can more easily be used with a non naim preamp?

Certainly both your suggestions would work. Obviously the 175 would be ideal. I assume it is 2nd hand since I see Naim only offers the 145 single channel amp now.

I use my Naim kit with a Denon A/V receiver driving everything but the front channels and plumb those into my 552 but don't use Unity Gain and set the front channel volume at the 552.

I've run Naim power amps from a home cinema amp with no issues in a past system. I used two 90.3 amps to power the front centre and rears. I got a couple of phono to din cables made up and everything worked fine. Flashback cables can sort you out whatever you need to make the connections.

James

Not surpirised. Naim is very conservative in their statements about matching their amps to other makes and of course the NACA5 thing which I am not sure is really as ridged as they make it out to be if low capacitance cable is used.

Hi Geoff - only dodgy speaker cables and oscillating snaxos seem to give them problems.

I would suggest using your Naim pre/power for the front R/L channels.  Much better than the Onkyo IMO.

Just to save you reinventing the wheel, I refer you to my FAQ on integrating stereo/AV :

https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/2833539985312821

Yep i worked out the same approach sometime ago as you went to the trouble to type up.

One addendum if you are lucky nowadays a non-naim A/V receiver will have an automatic level, speaker distance and room compensation setup using a microphone that comes with it. Much nicer than having to use a sound meter. When using a sound meter, set the measurement to 'C' and 'Slow'  for best accuracy and point the recieving microphone on the meter at the ceiling while sitting in the listening chair.

Geoff

Thankyou for the help, much appreciated. I´ve decided to let the nac72/nap140 power the rears and let three monoblocks power the fronts and center.

Hi, I foolishly started a new thread on this before seeing this one...sorry!  I'll see if I can delete it.....

I have a problem with a constant humming noise when the preouts from my AV receiver are plugged into my Nait 5i. Is there an easy fix for this?

Earth loop?  I'll let someone with a litlle more knowledge on electrical safety advise you on this.  Perhaps you could email Naim support and ask them?