Second Speaker Pair on Nait XS

Posted by: cylan on 02 February 2016

I own a Nait XS (very nice device, btw). I like to connect a non Naim integrated to drive a second pair of speakers in a different room. My understanding was that I could plug the integrated to the subout of the Nait using an RCA connector. However, using this setup, plugging in the power chord of the integrated (but not powering it up) caused some weird noises in the primary speakers and ultimately made the Nait stop to play (the mute led got lit). Unplugging the integrated turned everything back to normal. What am I doing wrong? Any ideas? Any other options to connect a second speaker pair?

Posted on: 02 February 2016 by p.

Maybe use the tape out of the XS to go RCA into the other amp?

Posted on: 05 February 2016 by cylan

Thank you for your response. I tried using the tape-out, but that did not work either. Although this setup did not mute the naim, it caused intermittent dull noises on the primary speakers, like a turntable playing a dusty record.

I am still confused why the subout did not work. I wonder whether these issues might be related to the second integrated I want to connect, it's a Trends Audio TA 10.1 class T amp.

Posted on: 05 February 2016 by NickSeattle

Tape, HDD, or AV Out are better becase they are fixed-level.  Sub level changes with the Nait Volume control.  Nick

Posted on: 05 February 2016 by NickSeattle

Earth loop?  Use an in-line isolater between the amps.

Posted on: 06 February 2016 by Huge

1   Class T amps are HF switching amps:  It's entirely possible that it's injecting a large amount of RFI back down the cables you are using to connect it to the XS.  Note that I'm not saying that this is happening, just that it might be happening.

2   If the power supply for the Trends Audio amp connects the outer contact to mains earth, then you may get a mains loop as well.

3   How long are the interconnect cables you are using?  If too long, the capacitance can interfere with the operation of the XS pre-amp.

Posted on: 06 February 2016 by cylan

Thank you all for your thoughts. The cables are not overly long (approx. 15 cm). I will try using an isolater and will also see whether I can get a different amp instead of the Trends Audio (I need another amp for this setup anyway and the Trends Audio is generally a bit picky -- for example, it simply refused working with my DAC, no idea why) .

Posted on: 06 February 2016 by Huge

Hi Cylan,

In respect of a Class T amp not liking a specific DAC, that could easily be related to ultrasonic spuriae (e.g. causing modulation side-band on it's switching frequency).  This is more likely to be a problem with older DACs (the ultrasonic filtration of some older CD players was so poor that they output ultrasonics at over -30dB)