Unlock those locking DIN plugs - it's official !
Posted by: Henry Cosker on 26 September 2001
I see in this Autumn's Naim News that Technical Director Roy George finds a "small but noticeable improvement" if the locking rings on Naim DIN plugs are left undone.
Could this also apply to the much larger and heavier collars that lock the Burndy cables in place? It seems to me that you need to lock the Burndy when you first connect it, because the action draws the plug into the socket. But once connected the collar can be loosened without the plug being drawn out of the socket.
I'm considering trying it, but does anyone think this is inadvisable?
Posted on: 26 September 2001 by SaturnSF
Where is the Naim News? When I go to Naim's main site, the PDF document that looks like a newsletter is dated Winter 2000.
Posted on: 27 September 2001 by Bosh
Heard that unlocking the Dins makes a difference before (it has also been suggested that the be withdrawn a mm from the socket as well to improve performance.
I tried this and found a definite deterioration on both counts. This tweaks not for me
Posted on: 27 September 2001 by Alex S.
Now I know why my 32.5 sounds better than my 82 did.
Alex
Posted on: 27 September 2001 by Tony L
quote:
Trouble is you may fing unlocked Din plug rings will audibly 'RING' unless you tape them up or use a spot of bluetack to damp them
If you undo the screw on the top of the plug the ring can be pulled right back out of the way, the screw can then be replaced. Many of us used this technique to use new style leads with old style kit without faffing about with the ring.
Tony.
Posted on: 27 September 2001 by Alex S.
I just saw the rings off with a junior hacksaw. It takes about 30 seconds each.
Alex
Posted on: 27 September 2001 by dave simpson
Curious as to whether Roy recommends leaving the ring completely loose and dangling so to speak, or still engaged enough to prevent the plug from falling out of the socket.
Any readers that can enlighten?
thanks in advance,
dave
Posted on: 27 September 2001 by Rico
quote:
I just saw the rings off with a junior hacksaw. It takes about 30 seconds each.
Other readers tempted to use such drastic measures might care to use a cut-off wheel on their dremel.
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
Posted on: 27 September 2001 by Henry Cosker
Thanks for the comments, but what about the Burndy's??
Regards
Henry
Posted on: 27 September 2001 by dave simpson
Hi Henry,
If we don't get a response by tomorrow I'll get a factory reply for you (hint Dave or Chris).
Personally, my money's on "NO". To dangerous. maybe I'm wrong though.
BTW, the article you cited , did Roy imply leaving the ring *completely* unlocked or simply ring 's "notch" engaged but still "slack" ?
regards,
dave
[This message was edited by dave simpson on FRIDAY 28 September 2001 at 03:00.]
Posted on: 27 September 2001 by Paul Stephenson
Forget it, cable weight is too heavy and serious damage will be done!!
Care should also be taken with snaic's if you have kids fiddling around.
For those not wishing to unlock rings the important factor is not to twist the plug and lock ring when tightening. We have found that when folks lock the ring without firmly holding the plug body firm, the connection can be locked with a slight twist and pin contact is not as good as it should be.
With the ring unlocked this is avoided.
Posted on: 28 September 2001 by dave simpson
Thanks Paul.
Posted on: 28 September 2001 by Alex S.
I'm glad you're finding potential uses for your Dremmel. Most of my finest restoration work is carried out with mine.
If using either method, remember to stop when you've gone through the locking ring.
Alex.
ps. If anyone quibbles when you try to flog your old leads just tell them they are certified as better sounding and charge extra for having done the work.
Posted on: 28 September 2001 by Greg Beatty
quote:
Care should also be taken with snaic's if you have kids fiddling around.
Or cats!!!
- GregB
Insert Witty Signature Line Here
Posted on: 28 September 2001 by Henry Cosker
Hi Dave,
You were right - Burndys are just too heavy, which is what I expected, I suppose.
I have found unlocking does make things a little more involving and open, perhaps, but not night and day, or even afternoon and evening.
Thanks for encouraging a response from Paul at Naim, and thanks, Paul, for your clear guidance.
Regards
Henry
Posted on: 28 September 2001 by Martin Payne
quote:
Originally posted by Paul Stephenson:
With the ring unlocked this is avoided.
Some of my interconnects seem to have enough of a twist in them that they wouldn't stay centered unless the collar was done up.
Still, I'll have to try it some time.
Thanks for filling us in.
cheers, Martin
Posted on: 28 September 2001 by dave simpson
I did a quick comparison tonight with din rings totally undone vs. ring's notch slightly engaged (ring loose but cable connector unable to "fall out" due to engaged notch) and fully agree with Chris here regarding sound quality between the two techniques.
I also would not want to be the "guinea pig" with *my* cds Burndy... leave it locked.
FYI , I believe it was Mr. Koster that discovered the "DIN centering" phenomenon some five years ago.
regards,
dave
Posted on: 28 September 2001 by Steve Toy
What about the DIN adaptors I'm currently using with RCA to RCA Chord Anthem interconnects that I'm currently borrowing fom my dealer? They are not lockable, although I'll buy the lockable versions if they prove to be beneficial.
BTW, I am experimenting with these interconnects between my CD5 and my Densen pre - which hates the bog-standard Naim interconnect!
I am most pleased with this upgrade over my Nordost Solar Wind, which gives you the tune, but lacks a bit in the dynamics domain, and in bass punch in comparison.
The Anthems are bleedin' brilliant. Unfortunately they cost 550 GBP for the two pairs that I need!
BTW, sorry for the digression.
It's always a nice day for it, have a good one 
Steve
Posted on: 29 September 2001 by Paul Stephenson
"which hates the bog-standard Naim interconnect!"
ha no class!
Posted on: 29 September 2001 by Steve Toy
...yeah, whatever!
It's always a nice day for it, have a good one
Steve
Posted on: 29 September 2001 by Allan Probin
Steven,
Just a suggestion, given what its going to cost you to upgrade to those Chord interconnects, wouldn't it be worthwhile also investigating the possibility of changing the Densons for something like a Naim 102/180 (part ex against new) or selling the Densons and going for 82/180 second hand. Or even... changing the CD5/Flatcap/Denson for CDX/102/180 etc. etc.
Not wanting to start a Denson vs Naim war here. Its just that the kind of money you are thinking of spending on interconnects would go a substantial way to getting some great Naim boxes that would just love standard Naim interconnects.
Allan
Posted on: 29 September 2001 by Steve Toy
Allan
Nice idea, except that I prefer my Densens to the 102/180 combination. The 102 can be a bit harsh at the top end for my tastes. An 82 would be nice though.
It's always a nice day for it, have a good one
Steve
Posted on: 29 September 2001 by Alex S.
1. Have you tried Linn's Silver interconnect? For imaging, clarity and bass control its an absolute blinder.
2. Have you ever tried not posting a smilie somewhere?
Posted on: 29 September 2001 by Steve Toy
Posted on: 29 September 2001 by Steve Toy
Yes, I have tried the Linn Silver interconnect, when I borrowed the Ikemi CD player.
--> No smily <--
It's always a nice day for it, have a good one
Steve
Posted on: 29 September 2001 by Alex S.
quote:
Be careful: if the din plug partially falls out and loses ground, it will make horrendous noises that can fry your speakers in a matter of seconds.
In my experience of ripping out all sorts of cables at inappropriate times it is only when the Burndy is pulled out that the speaker frying screetch is emitted. I have left my Burndy well alone. Its like wrestling with a python trying to get that thing to behave.
Alex
