252 pre-outs

Posted by: Top Cat on 05 May 2003

Hi folks.

I'm currently looking around at possibilities for a new preamp. I currently use a DNM preamp which was their entry preamp at the time and has been superceded by one generation of preamps and is about to be superceded by another.

Obviously the new generation preamps are a possibility, but I've never taken to the dual volume pots and the lack of remote, and so I thought I'd look to the current generation Naim amps as possible candidates to replace my 3B Primus.

What I need to know, however, is the nature of the preamp outputs, as I am planning to keep my power amp. It uses dual DIN plugs as input, one for the left channel and one for the right. I'm not sure, but I think the wiring of the DIN pin-outs on my existing preamp are: ++--x from left to right as one looks at the pins.

Why I ask is so to find out if I can hook up a 52 (say) to see how well it gels with the current system, without having to go to the hassle of involving my dealer. There is someone living fairly close-by who might be prepared to bring his 52 down to try sometime, and it would enable me to determine whether or not Naim would fit the bill.

FWIW, I can't afford spring for a 552 no matter how good, so I'm reluctant to borrow one just in case it is as good as everyone says... Wink

John

TC '..'
"Girl, you thought he was a man, but he was a Muffin..."
Posted on: 05 May 2003 by Geoff P
quote:
What I need to know, however, is the nature of the preamp outputs, as I am planning to keep my power amp. It uses dual DIN plugs as input, one for the left channel and one for the right. I'm not sure, but I think the wiring of the DIN pin-outs on my existing preamp are: ++--x from left to right as one looks at the pins.



I recommend you go to the official web site and visit the "Manuals" page. There you will find a downloadable .pdf for the Naim Preamp range which includes diagrams of all the backpanel sockets with the DIN pin-outs identified for each model in the range.

regards GEOFFP
Posted on: 05 May 2003 by Top Cat
Thanks, guys, I'm asking so that I don't do any damage to either the 52 or my power amp. Gotta be careful.

Assuming that the pinouts are compatible, it'd be easy to do a comparison because my current preamp also uses DINs.

How does the 252 stack up against the Tom Evans Vibe preamp, by the way? Has anyone done the comparison? That's another preamp I'd be keen to hear.

John

TC '..'
"Girl, you thought he was a man, but he was a Muffin..."
Posted on: 05 May 2003 by Martin Payne
TC,

Naim preamps are OK with other power amps.

Your interconnect will need a 4-pin DIN at source (the SuperCap), and I suspect you will need to common the earths at that point.

cheers, Martin

E-mail:- MartinPayne at Dial.Pipex.com