Which speaker cable

Hi Steve

Naim and most members of this forum are likely to recommend only Naim's NACA5 cable with a miminum length of 3.5m to each speaker.
The length to each speaker must be the same.

There are a few other cables that are of similar design to NACA5 such as some of those by Cable Talk, which may be cheaper and still be suitable (but probably not ideal)with Naim amps.

Regards, Julian

1. Wire

What's your budget? What's wrong with what you have?

2. Naim and wire

I don't have current equipment, but my manuals (62, 72, 82) stressed the use of NACA5...OR cable with similar electrical characteristics that were spelled out pretty clearly.

My point is that Naim sells the cable and warrants that it won't hurt their equipment but does - or did - not REQUIRE NACA5. To maintain the warranty, they simply require that the wire meets their specs.

There certainly are differences between wire. The sticking point for me is that it's impossible to know which wire is right, since I never have and never am likely to have a way to know what's right.

I have concluded that for me and probably for the vast majority of us, the search for the perfect wire is entirely fruitless.

If the Naim system, which includes A5, didn't suit me, I'd search elsewhere for equipmnt. When the Naim system almost suits me, I figure I'd be better off improving the power.

In any case, there are so many wires, and people respond so differently to each one that I think comparing wire would lead to larger psychotherapy bills rather than to greater musical enjoyment. I'd rather settle on something that meets Naim specs and that connects the amp to the speakers. Then just listen and enjoy.

Phil

quote:

---

Originally posted by stevie d:
Hi

I have the CD5 and Nait 5 and I am now looking at some good speaker cable for my B&W602S3's. At the moment I am using some Mountain Snow atlas cable which I really don't rate too highly.

Are there any recommendations out there, for cable and plugs etc. 2 X 4m should do the trick but I don't want to break the bank. Under £70 all inc?

Cheers
S

---

Personally I'd recommend NACA5...and different speakers. Those are fairly low-end speakers on such decent electronics.

- woody

Hi all,

In response to all questions posted so far. My budget is around £70. I'm not static when it comes to that, a little more here or there won't hurt anybody.

The cable I have at the moment is not very inspiring. When I bought my previous system, the dealer pushed that cable on me as being 'the best'. Yes I was a little naive. I have learned from that now.

I do not really want to part with my 602's, simple reason is that I like them. They sound nice, look nice and suit my living room. My living room is fairly small so they suit. As much as I'd like an all Naim line up, it is not really possible for me to do that right now.

Cheers
Steve

NACA5
Terry

There is nothing better for you than a well run-in NACA5, min 3.5m.

Emil

My view is.....

NACA 5.

Sorry to rock the boat.

Regards

Mike

On the Yellow Brick Road and happy

Black or White NACA5, it is really a matter of taste and decor, that`s the only choices you have.

Emmanuel

All opinions are my own, and reflect those of the organisation i work for, even if not stipulated.

mad max,

Yeah I know B&W is one "of the most respected and high end speaker company in the industry!"

but they also have a *huge* range and cater for all systems and all budgets. I have a NAIT5/CD5/FC2 and B&W CDM1NTs and I love them (couldn't afford the nautilus!) ...but stevie d's 602S3's are probably letting down his system a little...still, if he likes them then who am I to argue?

- woody

Stevie. You must at least try the Naca5. I have heard other cables few times in Naim sistems and every time I thought they screwed things up big time.

Your speakers are ok, they play what you feed them and will also respond well to upgrades. They do like some power though.

Naca5 is still the best cable around in the context of your system - and it's within your budget. B&W 600 series speakers can sound rather ponderous at times, but I have found that a Nait 5 will give them the kick up the arse they really need.

At least you are running 602s and not 601s - the latter sound very single minded (imho) - do only one thing at a time, and are not really up to the multi-tasking requirements for musical reproduction on the end of Naim kit.



Regards,

Steve.

Well

Since this post I have now got the following set up.

CD5/112/150 Naca5 cable with my 602's I saw some CM2's (B&W) when I was in the dealer. I am now considering changing the speakers (yes, even after my rant the other day) Woody, how much were the CDM1NT's?? would they be better than the CM2's??

Any other feedback?

Steve

I was going to buy a Nait 5 (as per my first post) but decided to go for the 112/150 set up

Stevie

If you're considering changing the speakers, listen to some options. You've just bought into a different level to what you're used. Certainly consider the B&Ws but there are a host of different makes which could suit you as well if not better. Makes I would include in my list as well as your B&Ws would be (in no particular order): Dynaudio (Audience range), Totem, Naim, Linn Katan, Royd and Neat. I'm sure I've missed a few but these makes are very strong too, and have a proven record of working well with Naim electronics.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Stevie, maybe instead of spending money on a change of speakers you might be interested in trying a flatcap2 or a pair of used Hicaps.

quote:

---

Originally posted by stevie d:
Well

Since this post I have now got the following set up.

CD5/112/150 Naca5 cable with my 602's I saw some CM2's (B&W) when I was in the dealer. I am now considering changing the speakers (yes, even after my rant the other day) Woody, how much were the CDM1NT's?? would they be better than the CM2's??

Any other feedback?

Steve

I was going to buy a Nait 5 (as per my first post) but decided to go for the 112/150 set up

---

Steve,

Congrats on the purchase!

The CDM1NT's were £750 - may be cheaper now it appears B&W have replaced with 7xx series.

I didn't think much of the CM2's to be honest - far to "metallic" sounding. CDM's were massively better.
I also agree with bjorne - try to get a home demo of a FC2.

- woody

Guys

A few people have mentioned the FC2 in the past. What benefit would this have over the Hicap or is it worth parting with a few more pounds and getting the Hicap?

Cheers
Stevie

IMHO and from longer term perspective Hicap makes more sense that Flatcap2 - but perhaps next upgrade could be to a used CDX rather than Hicap. I suspect that that would give more bang for your bucks. But I am sure there will be as many opinions again as there are options.
Terry