Noisy AV2 or noisy amp? Help/opinions welcome

Posted by: Massimo Bertola on 08 February 2014

Sorry to open a new thread for a parallel subject, but I risked not being read while I need opinions now.

I have connected my AV2 to the Nait5i's AV input, using a DIN to RCA cable (the Nait doesn't have a DIN socket for AV).

Then, switching the Nait into Unity Gain mode, the noise in the speakers - in the form of an audible hiss with very slight traces of hum - increases.

I'm not talking of a noise like a patently flawed amp or cable, but anyway of a hiss that I can hear from 3.6 mt., sitting on the couch. And my ears are those of man of 60.

 

Is the Nait5i supposed to be dead silent in Unity Gain mode - or to show, at least, the trademark faint hiss of all Naim amps - or is it a problem with it? With the AV2?

 

Has anyone had a similar experience? How is it to be cured? The noise is not, apparently, that of a problem but that of a noisy amp or source. The AV2 works well apart from this, and apart from the fact that I can hear faint 'ticks' when I rise or lower its volume, along with the increase or decrease in digits on the display.

 

Ideas, please?

Thanks

Max 

Posted on: 08 February 2014 by Massimo Bertola

The issue is partly answered because I tried the AV input in Unity Gain with the AV2 turned off, and it's almost dead silent, and when I turn the AV2 on, after a few seconds (initializing processes I suppose) the slight but audible 'noise' comes into the speakers.

 

So it seems it could be some sort of digital noise from the AV2, but I am slightly surprised at this, because the noise, although barely audible, is still audible as hiss from 3.5 mt.

 

Any ideas?

Thanks

Massimo

Posted on: 08 February 2014 by Massimo Bertola

The issue has further answered itself, because I borrowed a NAP 150x from my dealer, connected the AV2 into it with the SNAIC4 and found the hiss at the speaker end to be the normal barely perceptible one.

 

So, it's either the Nait or the cable, which leaves me with only a minor worry because it's very likely the cable, or if it's the Nait I am ready to ask the dealer for a swap because the Nap 150x is a very nice power amp.

 

Thanks,

Max

Posted on: 08 February 2014 by Richard Dane

Max,

 

a tough one to answer.  What cable is it?  The AV2 may be having difficulty in driving it.  I know some cables can do this and the result is as you report.  Slugging the cable or replacing with the Naim grey or Chord Chrysalis usually gets rid of the issue.

Posted on: 08 February 2014 by Massimo Bertola

Richard,

 

let's just say that the IC was made around late evening by a non-authorized person...

Anyway, the NAP 150x sounds so much better than the Nait5i that I think it will stay in place, with SNAIC and all, so problem solved.

 

Thanks,

Max

 

Posted on: 09 February 2014 by Richard Dane

OK Max, understood.

Posted on: 19 February 2014 by rackkit
Originally Posted by maxbertola:

Richard,

 

let's just say that the IC was made around late evening by a non-authorized person...

Anyway, the NAP 150x sounds so much better than the Nait5i that I think it will stay in place, with SNAIC and all, so problem solved.

 

Thanks,

Max

 

I take it you didn't get a cable made up by Dave at flashback sales as suggested then Max? 

Posted on: 08 March 2014 by Massimo Bertola

Very sorry for this super late reply. I haven't checked the thread again because I wasn't expecting a comment, sorry.

No, I haven't. When I heard the 150x sound good, I simply decided to go for a power amp and the SNAIC solved the problem (probably caused by my cable).

But I know how good and problem-solving cables by David are, when needed.

Max