nSUB from the nVi now the nDAC is connected

Posted by: Consciousmess on 02 October 2010

Hi all,

I'm really perplexed about the missing nSUB sound in my setup. My system is now:

nVi
nDAC
282+non-Naim PSU
250.2
nSYSTEM speakers

I'm quite confused, because I don't really understand the nSUB manual nor the nVi manual. I am connecting the nSUB to the nVi via the coaxial "SUB OUT" at the back of the nVi and I am totally aware that the nSUB isn't activated unless the nVi works as the central unit for everything, but I don't know how else to connect the nSUB!!!

How do I set things up so that the nSUB is activated when I play stereo music? I feel the nSATs are lacking somewhat in bass and the nSUB makes a TREMENDOUS difference, but I'm only getting this in 5.1 movies.

Please help!!

Jon

PS And many thanks!!
Posted on: 03 October 2010 by tonym
Have you looked at connecting up via the high-level (i.e. direct from L & R stereo speakers) for stereo Jon?

I confess I know nowt about the nVi but it does seem odd that the low-level (phono) output only works in 5.1.
Posted on: 03 October 2010 by james n
Jon - i take it that you are using the n-Vi as a transport for the nDAC ?

As for the setting on the n-Vi, its very easy to get the sub not to work on normal 2 channel mode. Normally with 5.1 the .1 signals are sent to the sub. If you have bass mix on (or speakers set to small) then the n-Vi diverts low frequencies to the sub (.1) channel.

In your setup, i'd go with what Tony recommends (and what i do myself) is to use the hi level inputs (the speaker connectors under the sub). Just get some cheap 5A mains cable (you dont need to run NAC-A5 for this) to run between the sub and the connectors on the back of the (front pair) of n-Sats (see pics). You can then set a preset on the sub for DVD's (using the normal cable that runs to the n-Vi) and another for music, using the hi level inputs. The n-Sub manual explains more.

James



NAC-A5 with normal 5A mains cable nestling in between for the hi level feed to the n-Sub.

Posted on: 03 October 2010 by Consciousmess
Hi Tony,

I've actually figured what the problem is. As Richard quite correctly moderated, I am not using the Hicap to power the 282 so I don't have the spare output for the nSUB.

I will purchase a Hicap and then I can connect to the nSUB from the spare output.

HOwever, I do have a question on that note. Can the nSUB be connected twice - once with the standard coaxial lead from the nVi and another with the spare output from the Hicap.

This would give me access to 5.1 sound with movies and nSUB sound when listening to stereo - it waould save me having to switch cables each time.

Regards,

Jon
Posted on: 03 October 2010 by garyi
How exactly is everything connected there jon?
Posted on: 04 October 2010 by Richard Dane
Jon, yes you should connect exactly this way so you get the sub for both HT LFE and normal stereo operation. You can set both inputs up separately with their optimum settings and just switch between them when you switch sources. If you have a learning remote you could set up a Macro so the switching is done automatically when you change source via remote control.