Interconnect question

-does the quality of the interconnect matter ? Yes

-Is the Hiline better than the standard IC? Yes

- are there IC's from other brands that perform better than the standard Naim IC? Yes

- are there IC's from other brands that perform better than the Hi line? Yes

I use a TQ interconnect and for me it's far better than the naim lavender interconnect. I've not tried the hiline or super lumina interconnects. 

I am using a Vertere D–Fi din to din interconnect, and like it more than the lavender and think it's a perfectly acceptable alternative to the HiLine. Acceptable price too.

M 

As standard hifi gibberish (depth, darker blacks etc) is not what you seek, would you kindly define "better" in the context of your questions?

I suggest borrowing a selection from a couple of dealers to make an informed judgement. 

Regards,

Lindsay

Better as in better quality build, better components. Sorry, maybe my choice of words was not right. I understand it's about subtleties. However reading back all these posts was very paradoxical because you read people with top notch Naim systems saying that there's no difference between interconnects and that the standard Naim IC is just it. It just doesn't fly with me somehow...?

The standard Naim IC - (Lavender as it's known) is good and works well in Naim systems (and is free !). The Hi-Line adds more, the SL more again. Other cables will sound different. What works for one person may not work for another as taste and system synergy vary. There's plenty of choice out there but you tend to find most Naim owners don't move too far away from Naim cables as they are designed with the kit in mind (and the DIN connectors tend to limit choice). Chord is a popular alternative though but at a (very significant in some cases) price.

As suggested in one of the post above, it's worth borrowing a few cables to try to see what works for you and your system 

Nait XS, CD5x, Flatcap 2X, Stageline, Clearaudio Concept (Ortofon 2M Bronze), Neat Motive 2, standard Naim cables

T,

going by your system profile you'd be better off sticking with the standard naim cables, i wouldn't even bother with a Hi-Line, and i also own a CD5x/flatcap in a 2nd system - very nice player btw.

A fancy interconnect cable will cost you around £2k, if you have that sort of money to spend consider a component upgrade : )

Debs

Up until Naim released the Hi line and the Power Line cables ALL talk of cables within the fold was met with bewilderment and head scratching.  Just a matter of using the right one for the job.

I'm no expert but, i think i understand the principle:

Interconnects are dealing with very low voltage and thus are more susceptible to outside interference, all interference in fact... So do matter.

Speaker cable not as much at a general level because it's a higher voltage. The general rule with speaker cable is least resistance.

I like your comment tobyjug, very true.

ive upgraded my cdp to cds3 and third party psu. I potentially have a good deal on a cardas cross DIN DIN IC.. I was hoping that would maybe be an upgrade. Not so sure anymore...

Possible problem could be :  Cardas cross DIN DIN IC... with other cables ?  Mixing cable brands is an art. Some mix with others. Some don't and the mix can result to a double negative. (excuse the pun) Sounding disjointed and uneven. As you know to continue a Cardas loom will end in tears when it comes to speaker wires.

TOBYJUG posted:

Up until Naim released the Hi line and the Power Line cables ALL talk of cables within the fold was met with bewilderment and head scratching.  Just a matter of using the right one for the job.

Yup, too true.  And if you look more closely at both the Hi-line and Powerline you'll see they're both rather less of a new cable story and rather more about new improved connectors that make the big step forwards.

Thanks all! Gonna pass up on this cable and stick with the grey Naim IC for now.

Not so sure about the Hi-line Richard, that has a rather fancy cable between the connectors as well.
Although it's the connectors that take the share of the headlines (), it's also usually for the wrong reasons!

tef posted:

Thanks all! Gonna pass up on this cable and stick with the grey Naim IC for now.

I've never felt the need to look beyond the supplied lavender cable with my CDS3 either.

C.

Can you use a soldering iron?

If so, Prehkeytec DINs & Mogami W2549.

Huge posted:

Can you use a soldering iron?

If so, Prehkeytec DINs & Mogami W2549.

Neutrik REAN (IMO)  better made & no 'orrible locking rings     I use part number NYS322 that have silver plated pins

But the cable entry is 5mmØ max. whereas the Preh are 6mmØ max..

Mogami W2549 is 6mm OD.

Having used all three in my system

The Hi Line is better than the Standard IC

The S/L is better than the High Line never tried any other cables than Naim.

Strangely, std Naim interconnect to SL can be as good as a PS upgrade. My only experience is in a classic system with non-Naim speakers. The difference is not of the subtle variety - but you seem to have to compare them after many hours of use, which is just wierd.

SL speaker cables have made a significant improvement in every system I've heard it in - Naim, Linn, Chord, Cyrus electronics and Linn, Kudos and WB speakers in various combinatons.

Huge posted:

But the cable entry is 5mmØ max. whereas the Preh are 6mmØ max..

Mogami W2549 is 6mm OD.

Yea but   .......  cable entry sleeve is rubber & although they might say its 5mm,  it fits my 5.9mm w2549 perfectly.     

Mike-B posted:

Huge posted:

But the cable entry is 5mmØ max. whereas the Preh are 6mmØ max..

Mogami W2549 is 6mm OD.

Yea but   .......  cable entry sleeve is rubber & although they might say its 5mm,  it fits my 5.9mm w2549 perfectly.     

Interesting, I tend to trust manufacturer's specs, so I didn't even try them - in theory they should have been WAY too small!
(But practice trumps theory!)

OK, for my next project (interconnects 272 to 300(DR)) I'll get some REAN DINs.

Thanks Mike.

You want be disappointed,  but I'll own up to a smear of vaseline to ease the sleeve movement on the cable.   

VASELINE .... Oh no no no.

That's a hydrocarbon it'll invade the PVC then the PE insulation of the wires.
If you MUST use a lubricant use a tiny amount of a natural oil high in saturates such as  coconut oil or a polar detergent such as SDS, in dilute solution in water.