is Naim susceptible to RF SMPS distortion?
Posted by: Hans 67 on 24 October 2003
Hello all,
I am thinking of combining Linn components (with Switched Mode Power Supplies in it) with Naim components. SMPS's give Radio Frequency distortion. I can remember something about the susceptibility of Naim to this (in the bad way).
Is this true?
Greetings, Hans
I am thinking of combining Linn components (with Switched Mode Power Supplies in it) with Naim components. SMPS's give Radio Frequency distortion. I can remember something about the susceptibility of Naim to this (in the bad way).
Is this true?
Greetings, Hans
Posted on: 25 October 2003 by Jedi
Hello Hans,
I have played around with using Linn SMPS kit with Naim kit.
Whilst there is no audible interference (ie a hum or buzz or any other such noise) I did note that if you have a naim system setup and working and you then connect and turn on a piece of Linn kit the naim kit sounds worse! I beleive it has something to do with the SMPS introducing noise into the mains.
So the kit will work together but I think the SMPS thing is to the detriment of the naim stuff.
_______________
Hmmm, upgrades.
I have played around with using Linn SMPS kit with Naim kit.
Whilst there is no audible interference (ie a hum or buzz or any other such noise) I did note that if you have a naim system setup and working and you then connect and turn on a piece of Linn kit the naim kit sounds worse! I beleive it has something to do with the SMPS introducing noise into the mains.
So the kit will work together but I think the SMPS thing is to the detriment of the naim stuff.
_______________
Hmmm, upgrades.
Posted on: 25 October 2003 by Paul B
quote:
Is this true?
No.
I have used both the old and new Lingo and a Linto in a Naim active system with no significant ill-effect produced by the Linn gear.
IMO the Lingo and Linto do not have a significant effect upon Naim amps any more than plugging in other gear. For example my LP12 sounds slightly better if I unplug all other sources including Naim sources from the preamp. I have also experimented with disconnecting (and unplugging from AC) my Linn gear and the difference is inconsequential.
Paul
Posted on: 25 October 2003 by Andrew L. Weekes
Hans,
The Lingo problems that I and others have experienced are not due to SMPS (the Lingo is a conventional PSU) but due to the mains filters used.
Plugging a Lingo into the same spur as a Naim system, if it's working well, is a clearly audible degradation rythmically, even if it's turned off. The new ones may be better?
The same may apply to other Linn kit with SMPS as these by necessity must have the filters, but due to a big flaw in the EMC regulations that Linn have to comply with there are no limits to the amount of noise thay can place upon the mains supply over the audio band, as the permitted levels are not defined.
Suck it and see is your best option, my experiences here aren't good. BTW, it's not unique to Naim kit either.
Andy.
The Lingo problems that I and others have experienced are not due to SMPS (the Lingo is a conventional PSU) but due to the mains filters used.
Plugging a Lingo into the same spur as a Naim system, if it's working well, is a clearly audible degradation rythmically, even if it's turned off. The new ones may be better?
The same may apply to other Linn kit with SMPS as these by necessity must have the filters, but due to a big flaw in the EMC regulations that Linn have to comply with there are no limits to the amount of noise thay can place upon the mains supply over the audio band, as the permitted levels are not defined.
Suck it and see is your best option, my experiences here aren't good. BTW, it's not unique to Naim kit either.
Andy.
Posted on: 25 October 2003 by Laurie Saunders
I have noticed similar degradation of sound when plugging in my Orbe /QC power supply.....if i`m listening to records, then I have no choice! i guess that the (high frequency?) oscillator is generating noise on the mains...funny, because CDPs use high frequency oscillators too
Laurie S
Laurie S
Posted on: 25 October 2003 by Andrew L. Weekes
Laurie,
Does the QC have a mains input filter?
That's a more likely cause of the problem and may be easy to fix.
Andy.
Does the QC have a mains input filter?
That's a more likely cause of the problem and may be easy to fix.
Andy.
Posted on: 25 October 2003 by Laurie Saunders
As far as I can tell, the (captive) mains lead comes in,via a switch,straight to the transformer. No sign of any (input) mains filter. Interestingly, though, when I connect a RA Yello cable in series with the QC, the degradation reduced. RFI filter perhaps? I have heard similar benefits by "isolating" my video and TV which I believe, DO have SMPS.
Laurie S
Laurie S
Posted on: 25 October 2003 by Andrew L. Weekes
Laurie,
Have a peek to see if there's just a cap across Live and Neutral in there anywhere, sometimes the manufacturer adds this without a mains filter.
This seems to be the worst offender in terms of it's effect on Naim kit.
Andy.
Have a peek to see if there's just a cap across Live and Neutral in there anywhere, sometimes the manufacturer adds this without a mains filter.
This seems to be the worst offender in terms of it's effect on Naim kit.
Andy.