Connect NAC 202 to active speakers?

Posted by: board on 27 September 2016

Hi.

I asked on another forum as well, but I figured I also better ask here to make sure:

Can I connect active monitors, such as Yamaha or Mackie studio monitors, to the NAC 202?

I was told that I could do that if I buy a cable that has two XLR or jack connections in one end and one 4 pin DIN connection in the other end.

And then I should plug the DIN end into the "standard" connection on the back of the NAC 202 (where now the NAP 200 is connected).

Do you guys agree this should work?

Moderated Post: Links removed. Please don't post commercial links in the Hifi Corner, thanks.

Posted on: 27 September 2016 by Richard Dane

First off, you will need a power supply such as a Hicap to power the NAC202.  The Hicap then offers up the pre outs that you can use - you have a choice of three stereo pre outs all on DIN4.

As for the cabling, you need to be a bit careful; firstly, the Naim output is single ended whereas the active monitors doubtless have balanced inputs on XLRs.  Secondly, the Naim pre outs are not really designed to drive long interconnects.  You may need to slug the leads with appropriate resistors.  

Still, there are Naim pre-amp owners who have successfully driven speakers such as active ATCs and the like, some of whom post here, so perhaps they can offer some more useful advice than I.

In the meantime have you done a search of the forum's past posts on the subject?

Posted on: 28 September 2016 by board

Yes, I searched the forum and found a couple of other posts on the subject, but I was still a bit unsure.

So, although the monitors are active, I would still need a separate power supply for the NAC 202, as the monitors wouldn't be able to power the NAC 202?

The links I posted to cables were removed, but the Yamaha speakers have both jack and XLR inputs. I don't know if jacks would make a difference...? The Yamaha speakers are called HS8 if you would like to look up the connections on the back.

Let's hope someone with experience in this field can chime in :-).

Thanks for your help though :-).

Posted on: 28 September 2016 by board
Yes, I searched the forum and found a couple of other posts on the subject, but I was still a bit unsure. So, although the monitors are active, I would still need a separate power supply for the NAC 202, as the monitors wouldn't be able to power the NAC 202? The links I posted to cables were removed, but the Yamaha speakers have both jack and XLR inputs. I don't know if jacks would make a difference...? The Yamaha speakers are called HS8 if you would like to look up the connections on the back. Let's hope someone with experience in this field can chime in :-). Thanks for your help though :-).
Posted on: 28 September 2016 by Richard Dane

The NAC202 can only be powered by a suitable Naim power amp (NAP90/110/120/140/150/160/180/200) or by a dedicated separate power supply such as a Flatcap or Hicap. 

Regarding the cables, I would advise you to go and have a chat with your Naim dealer.  They may be able to supply or even make up from scratch something suitable for you.

Posted on: 28 September 2016 by board

Okay, thanks for your help :-).

I hope someone else will chime in as well with some practical experience :-).

Posted on: 07 October 2016 by board

Has anybody else any advice/suggestions/experience to share?