Mains Distribution for Naim

"What do Naim-ites recommend for mains distribution blocks, or bars, if anything?"

The Wiremold L10320 powerstrip as described at Naim Audio North America's site. Go to "Questions and Answers">"Should I Purchase a Power Conditioner or Surge Suppressor for my Hifi?"

NANA

"Looking over threads dealing with trouble-shooting of ground loop buzz, I just picked up on the consensus (with some dissenting views) that power conditioners are to be avoided with Naim gear."

This is true (for reasons of preserving sound quality).

"Are mains distribution blocks or bars generally a safer bet?"

No.

"Is surge protection to be avoided?"

Yes.

"What products if any are recommended?"

The specific Wiremold strip above.

"Several members referred to Russ Andrews' products, are there others well-regarded for Naim?" Anyone tried the rather pricey Nordost/Isotek Thor?"

Try a few dozen of the various brands and you'll eventually give up on them. Better yet, learn from our past experiences and skip the experiments;-)

"Finally, why hasn't Naim produced their own, if their products are particular about the company they keep?"

Good question...I'd *guess* the expense of meeting industry regs to bring this product to market would far exceed the profit generated by the product's sales for years.

regards,

dave

P.S. A valid alternative to the Wiremold would be installing additional wall outlets on the hifi's AC line but why bother with the headache? The Wiremold is Plug 'N Play and arguably equal-to or better-than any home-brewed solution.

Dave, Many thanks for your thorough response. I'll check out Wiremold; I hadn't found my way to that part of the website.
It looks like I'll have to get an electrician in to test my mains and consider a dedicated line.

You're welcome panderso,

A dedicated line will probably make a huge difference. If you go ahead with the line, consider installing *two* dedicated lines to maximize your investment. After estimating the required run of cable, have your electrician purchase *double* the amount of cable required in the form of one, long piece. Tell him to cut the single piece of wire into two equal lengths and install them running in opposite directions (determined by the writing's direction on the cable's outer jacket). Try each circuit after completion and use (only) the one circuit which sounds best for the hifi.

Some of our experts here have determined cable directionality not only extends to AC mains wire, but might actually be the most important component of the dedicated line itself. Regardless, it is easier and relatively cheap to install both lines now while the electrician is onsite.

Good luck!

dave

I notice that Isotek are now doing the Titan and aledge that it has a marked improvment on a Naim system.

I wonder who is going to be the first to compare Isotek Titan and Nordost Thor?

Regards


NIgel

Hi panderso
If you use doncaster brand cable, it sounds better with the writing on the cable reading away from the c.u. I havent a clue why this should be , bit it did in my installation. Also the dedicated spurs were a massive improvement in my system, although admittingly they replaced a very overused ring main, so that could explain some of the improvement.

Regards Mike.