nait 3 and kappa 5

Posted by: mapem on 19 May 2003

Hi, I have been offered a nait 3 and a CD 3 at a good price, an offer I can´t resist, because I know they can sound wonderful (and I like the minimalistic design). I have never owned a naim before.

The question is if the nait 3 will sound wonderful connected to a pair of Infinity Kappa 5 that I own. Anyone who have tried this? At least the bigger Kappas have the reputation to be mean to amplifiers.

Another question: My naim-owning friends say that I need to use only Naim speaker cables, why? Are there other cables with similar qualities? What happens when using wrong cables?

Posted on: 20 May 2003 by bjorne

Hi. I am not familiar with your speakers so I can't tell how they will sound with your Nait. Normally Naim amps sound a lot more powerful than their ratings suggest, but if I remember correctly Kappa speakers normally like powerful amps.

Regarding cables: I'm not sure about the exact explaination but Naim amps work best with their own cables or a cable with similar electrical characteristics. In extreme cases the amp might break. Most naim users like naim cables best, but some use alternatives. I suppose any "normal" coppercable will be ok, but Naims own cable is cheap so you better stick with it.

good luck

Posted on: 21 May 2003 by David Stewart

Try to borrow a well run-in set of A5 cables from your Naim dealer for a 2-3 week home dem. If they work with your speakers use them - they are cheap and designed to present the ideal 'load' to the amplifier.

If they don't do it for you (and they don't work with all speakers!!) then you'll have to look elsewhere. Sadly Naim has not seen fit to publish a health-list of cables that are OK with its systems, so you won't get much help from them if A5 is not right for you.

Your dealer may be able to offer advice though based on his experience. Definitely try A5 first though.

David

"Beauty is in the eye of the Beer-holder"