going mono with naim amplifiers

Suppose you don’t?

Why would you want to try?

You still have speakers on the end I presume or you will blow something, I think you just get the same as before as the -VE  is common to both channels, If you want mono buy a 282 and replace the SN pre section with it or send mono from the mac.

There’s always the George configuration, speakers next to each other, that’s nearly mono.

If using a NAP 500 you'll get something weird (probably distorted but vaguely recognisable) and possibly damage the amp.

Other amps you get normal stereo - the "-ve" isn't -ve it's actually 0V and is the same on both channels (they're connected together somewhere internal to the power amp.  I wouldn't try it though, as, in theory, there's a possibility that out of band ultrasonic signals could potentially make the amp go unstable and damage it.

I believe the '-' of both channels are earthed except on the 500 which is a bridged design (and maybe Statement, I haven't checked), so actually would still be stereo.

if you want mono, use a single speaker and amp channel, and short the two input channels (connect cable R+ And L+ to one channel +, similarly -.

if the input is stereo then information could be lost if anythingbout of phase between the two channels.

Better still if using vinyl play a mono record and use a mono cartridge, and disconnect either speaker.

IB, the -ve of the speaker terminals isn't earthed it's 0V.  The earthing is done in the source component.

And to convert stereo to mono you don't just connect the preamp outputs together, you use a resistive combiner (a Y shaped circuit using three resistors).

A resistive combiner would make sense - though the OP may need more specific detail - if that is what he or she would like to achieve.

My carelessness re 0V - though in some amps they may indeed be earthed.

I suspect you are not entirely happy with your sound if you are considering the above. Personally I would try another speaker as good as your speakers are and I believe in some circles they are legendary maybe they're not such a great match with Naim. 

If however you really want a mono sound as suggested a 282 would be a good option. 

suppose you dangle your speakers from the ceiling, paint yourself in multicoloured body paint, and put a cherry on your nose?

Bob the Builder posted:

I suspect you are not entirely happy with your sound if you are considering the above. Personally I would try another speaker as good as your speakers are and I believe in some circles they are legendary maybe they're not such a great match with Naim. 

If however you really want a mono sound as suggested a 282 would be a good option. 

One George Fredrick Fiske used to argue that mono sounded better (and nothing to do with whether the recording was mono or stereo).

I disn't see much sign of others agreeing - though sometime with early Beatles albums I think mono would be better than the odd panning of the members of the band, but George was talking about classical, where I find the illusion of an expanse of orchestra far better.

Hungryhalibut posted:

Why would you want to try?

recordings don't seem to support any unified standard for stereo.

Huge posted:

don't just connect the preamp outputs together, you use a resistive combiner

how do i get my hands on the device? where to buy?

Bob the Builder posted:

I suspect you are not entirely happy with your sound

where did i state anything even remotely close to that?

Despite the well-intentioned responses here, this certainly seems a radical question from the OP best answered directly by Naim support. I wouldn't otherwise put the health of my gear at risk.

The answer to the first part of the question has been given - no it won't be mono. But whether such an odd approach would harm the amp would be best confirmed by Naim. It would be more interesting to know what is behind the question - is the OP seeking mono play, or has s/he inadvertently mis-connected the wires...

As you are using a Mac Mini as your source component, can't you do it in software?

Sharik, please don't do what you are proposing.  It may well all end in tears.  Unfortunately the Supernait doesn't come with a mono switch.  If that's what you want then you need to look at upgrading to a NAC282.  However, as Huge mentions above, if the MAC mini is your source (which DAC are you using?) it's very likely that you can convert your stereo music to mono through software.

Huge posted:

As you are using a Mac Mini as your source component, can't you do it in software?

that's what i did at first but was not happy with the results.

Richard Dane posted:

Sharik, please don't do what you are proposing.

okay, i stand corrected.

Richard Dane posted:

you can convert your stereo music to mono through software.

the thing is, besides Audirvana i also use VLC player... while in stereo mode, these sound consistently similar (which in itself took me time and effort to create, but thats another story) whereas mono affects only Audirvana, leaving VLC in stereo mode.

Perhaps just get a stereo to summed double mono wired interconnect made up between your DAC and your Supernait 2.  Perhaps one for Chord Cables?