Connect DAC direct to 250DR

Posted by: Kevin Richardson on 17 March 2016

I am going to try using a new 250 without a preamp.  Anybody know where I can get the appropriate RCA--> Stereo XLR cable?  Doesn't look like Naim makes one.

My DAC also has balanced out so maybe that is the appropriate path?

Posted on: 17 March 2016 by Jan-Erik Nordoen

Hi Kevin,

Flashback sales does one (flashbacksales dot co dot uk). Look for :

Naim Style 2 x Phono/RCA Plugs - 3 Pin Male XLR Performance Cable

 

Posted on: 17 March 2016 by Innocent Bystander

Not an answer to the question, but this response I've just made in anotherbthread may be of relevance:

I use Hugo direct into power amp. Standard Hugo so no remote vol control (never had one so not something I miss!) works very well, and misses out all the electronics of the preamp - and for me on the odd occasions when I want to use a non-digital source I unplug and subsititute a preamp - a bit of a hassle, but not often enough to worry about, instead revelling in the SQ.

However (1) how well Hugo works direct into power amp may well depend on the particular model, e.g impedance characteristics. And however (2), I understand that Naim don't recommend using Naim power amps without a Naim preamp because their preamps curtail unwanted ultrasonic frequencies whereas direct sources might not.

Posted on: 18 March 2016 by gmischol

that's what I do with my Weiss DAC202 into NAP 250.2. My dealer made me a cable, everything works great. Maybe take a look at Chord?

Posted on: 18 March 2016 by Richard Dane

Naim power amps work at their best when partnered with Naim pre-amps.  Whatever you do, don't use the balanced outputs on your DAC - your Naim NAP250 may use an XLR on its input but this is single ended.