Cables...Only Naim ? Or is that "old" ?

Posted by: JF Lux on 05 April 2016

Hi - I've tried to find a definitive answer in the forum and across internet searches but cannot reach a clear, definitive answer. Maybe the reason is that things have evolved and older info is no longer valid?

Is it required (as opposed to preferred) to use Naim speaker cable? And if yes, does it need to be a certain length?

I have seen articles saying use of non-Naim cable invalidates warranty; Naim cable is an integral part of the system; swinging to non-Naim cable is perfectly acceptable and can be used without any issues and so on...

I am not looking for advice on alternatives. Just need to know if should be getting at least 6 meters of Naim speaker cable right now or I have nothing to worry about for a while (eg. warranty is retained and something isn't going to go bang when I pick up the new system next week...! )

And if anyone wants to extend an answer to interconnects feel free.

thanks.

Posted on: 05 April 2016 by Finkfan

Interconnects are fine. Play with as many as you like. Speaker cables are slightly different. The interstates amps are fine with most cables of various lengths. Once you go down the separate pre/power route that changes things. The specified 3.5m of Nac A5 or 3m SL speaker cable is required to give the correct inductance and capacitance for the output of the amp as no zobel network is fitted. Effectively the speaker cable is the network, and so it's like it's not even there. Well that's the theory but in practice there are a few cables that will work just fine and have very similar values to the Naim cable 

Posted on: 05 April 2016 by hungryhalibut

Whether you need be concerned depends on what you are initially intending to use - perhaps you could spill the beans. In general, Naim, Chord and Tellurium cables are fine, from 3m or 4m upwards. Others may be fine too, but some are not.

Posted on: 05 April 2016 by JF Lux

Amp is 202/200DR. I'm starting out on a complete upgrade/change path so existing speaker cable is about 20 years old and is a bi-wire config. And although good quality (when it was bought) I can no longer the make...So it looks like 7m of Nac A5 also needs to be bought...(Just surprised the dealer didn't get that money from me last Saturday... )

Posted on: 05 April 2016 by hungryhalibut

If it's the Linn biwire cable it will be ok, just use half of it. Otherwise you are best off with something known to be ok. Dealers sometimes have used cables, or will do a good deal if you buy the cable at the same time as the amplifier, so the cost may not be so bad. 

Posted on: 05 April 2016 by JF Lux

Its definitely not Linn cable.

Thanks for the input. Just won't tell Mrs. JF Lux about spending more money before the amp has even arrived...

Posted on: 05 April 2016 by wenger2015
JF Lux posted:

Its definitely not Linn cable.

Thanks for the input. Just won't tell Mrs. JF Lux about spending more money before the amp has even arrived...

Usually a trip with Mrs JF Lux to Luis Vutton deals with that problem 

Posted on: 05 April 2016 by Finkfan

Plus you'll need something to carry the cable home in Wenger! 

Posted on: 05 April 2016 by wenger2015
Finkfan posted:

Plus you'll need something to carry the cable home in Wenger! 

Good point finkfan 

Posted on: 05 April 2016 by hungryhalibut
wenger2015 posted:
JF Lux posted:

Its definitely not Linn cable.

Thanks for the input. Just won't tell Mrs. JF Lux about spending more money before the amp has even arrived...

Usually a trip with Mrs JF Lux to Luis Vutton deals with that problem 

Is that the Asda diffusion line of Louis Vuitton? If so, I doubt anyone would be impressed. 

Posted on: 05 April 2016 by Dungassin
JF Lux posted:

Its definitely not Linn cable.

Thanks for the input. Just won't tell Mrs. JF Lux about spending more money before the amp has even arrived...

When I buy new 'toy' (as SWMBO calls them), such as hifi, video, guitar etc, SWMBO always seems to assume that It will cost about 10% more than I tell her before the purchase.  She always says that the only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.  Clever woman sometimes.  

Posted on: 06 April 2016 by mrCardoso
Dungassin posted:
JF Lux posted:

Its definitely not Linn cable.

Thanks for the input. Just won't tell Mrs. JF Lux about spending more money before the amp has even arrived...

When I buy new 'toy' (as SWMBO calls them), such as hifi, video, guitar etc, SWMBO always seems to assume that It will cost about 10% more than I tell her before the purchase.  She always says that the only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.  Clever woman sometimes.  

LOL. i usually ask permission before any move.

 

Posted on: 06 April 2016 by wenger2015
Hungryhalibut posted:
wenger2015 posted:
JF Lux posted:

Its definitely not Linn cable.

Thanks for the input. Just won't tell Mrs. JF Lux about spending more money before the amp has even arrived...

Usually a trip with Mrs JF Lux to Luis Vutton deals with that problem 

Is that the Asda diffusion line of Louis Vuitton? If so, I doubt anyone would be impressed. 

No, but it's Louis Vuitton's younger brother ( Luis ), unfortunately he never made the big time