What is wrong with my Nait5??

Posted by: Justin on 31 October 2003

I’m having trouble with my Nait5. When it is on, I get a very rapid “clicking” sound through both tweeters. It does not matter which source is selected, where the volume dial is located or whether the mute button is engaged – I get the same rapid “clicking sound”. In fact, even during the initial “muting” phase after turn-on, I STILL get this clicking sound. It’s quite loud (though sometimes louder than others) and often can be heard from across the room when no music is being played. Surely this is not right?

Is this malfunctioning, or is this a mains issue? If it is a mains issue, what can I do?

Judd
Posted on: 31 October 2003 by Manu
A rapid clic is normal at turn on, whatever the input selected even in mute and at any volume position.
This clic comes from the power supply rising to the nominal value at the output stage. Both rails (+ and -) can't be perfectly in sync; one rises faster than the other, this produces DC at the output for a very short periode of time. Naim does not use relays at the output to keep signal purity.
It can be annoying, yes, but as you should leave your Nait on all the time, this does not happen often.

This clic is not generally loud with regular speakers, but if you have efficient speakers...
In case you have doubts, bring the unit to your friendly dealer.

Reading again your post, did i understand it correctly? does this happen once at turn on, in that case see above, or is it happenning continuously when the unit is on even after minutes? in that case, it has a problem.

Emmanuel

All opinions are my own, and reflect those of the organisation i work for, even if not stipulated.
Posted on: 31 October 2003 by Justin
manu,

No no, i should like to be very clear on this point. I leave my amplifier on all the time. I mention that the clicking is present during start-up (muting) phase just for purposes of diagnosis--in case that would be helpful information to somebody. The rapid clicking sound occurs even though the unit has been on for days.

I should like to add that the problem is intermittent. From 5pm to 10pm, the clicking was very loud and distracting. I could hear it during soft passages, and when no music was playing, it drove me from the room. However, as I write this, I hear no clicking. 10 minutes from now (if history is a guide) it will be back.

I should like to also say that each click is very regularly spaced, like the escapement on a mechanical wristwatch. It sounds very ordered and structured, as if it is being induced or controlled by something with regular oscilations, if you know what I mean. Like relays malfunctioning or something. I intend to capture the sound tomorrow and see if I can post it somehow so all can hear it. It's not right.

Judd
Posted on: 31 October 2003 by bec143
Must be that dreaded resistor ladder....did somebody say 5i? Smile
Posted on: 01 November 2003 by Steve B
Sounds to me like mains born interference from another (possibly faulty) appliance in your house. Have you tried switching everything else off?

Steve B