Naim nac 252 - settings

Hi Mark,

I have a 252 with a 250 (was a .2 is now a DR). There are no settings on the 252 to suit particular power amps. I listen at around 9 o'clock on the volume control and that is usually quite loud enough. This skew in listening volume is to do with the characteristics on the volume control pot on the 252 in that it is quite sensitive in the first quarter turn.

Don't worry, it is quite normal (well for Naim pre amps anyway).

It doesn't seem to need much in the way of position to generate a lot of volume on my 252. With a turntable 9 o'clock is more than sufficient. With the Chord Hugo for digital duties I seldom get past 8 o'clock! I'm the first to admit I'm not into 'head banging' so perhaps I prefer the quieter settings. In any case I only use the first quarter of the volume dial...

Seems normal, I usually listen to my 252 at 8-9 o' clock. They were designed for lower signal voltages before CD started pumping out 2V. 

For me and the 252 I like to use the volume at between 9 to 10 o'clock. This is fine for FM and my Chord Hugo (set at turquoise ), my CDX2 tends to be louder and I listen at about 7 to 8 o'clock.

with regard to the Hugo, and it was the same for the 282 before, the sound appears significantly enhanced in setting the output level so the NAC plays 9 to 10. Some digital content on the Hugo I listen at 11 to 12 o'clock. Volume is normal room volume.

other settings for optimum SQ are that I mute the monitor / record channel when not using, and have the monitor channel different to the primary one I am listening to. I use a PowerLine on the SuperCapDR, and ensure the 252 to amp connector collar is loosened slightly, but still offering connector protection.

Simon

I used 6dB attenuator cables on my 282 (same high input sensitivity as on the 252) before I moved to the nicely configurable 272 (with input trim). It won't be long before naim refresh their preamps, if only to adapt the input sensitivity to today's sources..

S.

Stefan Vogt posted:

It won't be long before naim refresh their preamps, if only to adapt the input sensitivity to today's sources..

Oh! What have you heard and from whom?

C.

Stfan I finds its my older sources that are not line level configurable that can be awkward when set very high... I personally used to use a preamp with input trims (non Naim) .. and although convenient did have downsides in SQ.. (The non adjustable/reference input always sounded best) I like how Naim keep the Classic series preamps simple at the crucial input stage for optimum SQ and no trimming ...as so often the case with Naim less is more.. and glitz and noise is best kept away from the higher end preamps. (IMO) Use the integrateds if you generally  want  convienience above absolute SQ. Naim have a product to suite most needs.

Simon

Stefan Vogt posted:

I used 6dB attenuator cables on my 282 (same high input sensitivity as on the 252) before I moved to the nicely configurable 272 (with input trim).

I had a problem with my 2nd system's  Nait-2  & its 75mV input sensitivity running (via SN buffer output) off 2V outputs of modern equipment.   Plus the Nait-2 has crap channel balance in the first few degrees of the volume pot.   I worked out I needed 15dB attenuation,  I first tried (borrowed) a RA cable that had less than 15dB,  it proved the point but I was not at all happy with the quality of the resistors & the squeeze to get them in the DIN plug.   I made my own,  but not cramped into the cable plug,  in a small adaptor box.    The L-Pad is made with Welwyn RC55y (0.250w) resistors which are a well known make with audio pedigree    The Nait-2 is now a delight to use & even more of a pleasure to listen to. The normal listening position has moved from a few notches from null around 7 o’clock to now between 9 & 10 o’clock. Using the volume control is no longer done with heart in mouth & ears covered, the normal listening position is now well clear of the stereo channel balance problem area & the SQ is now smoother – lost a hard edge – detailed & considering it’s used in a dining room, very relaxing.

Christopher_M posted:

Stefan Vogt posted:

It won't be long before naim refresh their preamps, if only to adapt the input sensitivity to today's sources..

Oh! What have you heard and from whom?

C.

I inferred that from the stagnant preamp prices in the latest pricelist (see related thread), in contrast to price rises for the other naim gear (also HDX stayed the same).

Admittedly this is speculative, - as any such statement must be before naim disclose! My bet is that at naim headquarters, months have gone into assessing the sonic costs, if any, of implementing input trim on future preamps. In case of divided opinions, a preamp refresh might easily be delayed for a year, though...

S.

Yes I agree with Mike, if using perhaps older non Naim sources that are fixed at 2 volts (as opposed to being adjustable like some newer sources) then attenuating the input as he describes can subtly improve things. By lowering the input level there appears often more space around sounds and the audio seems to breath better...this became more noticeable with Naim (IMO) on the higher end more revealing preamps. Having said this doesn't seems to be an issue with Naim's own sources.. I suspect it's a source/preamp impedance/source loading thing.. and the consequential volume control change is a side effect.

It just goes to show how critical the preamp is and I think Naim have it bang on the money with their classic series designs.

I have had my own little window into how Naim obsess over SQ and SQ changes for their products .. and I am sure if there was a SQ improvement they could do to the current designs that fitted within the product cost profile and basic design architecture they would do so..

Simon 

nigelb posted:

Hi Mark,

I have a 252 with a 250 (was a .2 is now a DR). There are no settings on the 252 to suit particular power amps. I listen at around 9 o'clock on the volume control and that is usually quite loud enough. This skew in listening volume is to do with the characteristics on the volume control pot on the 252 in that it is quite sensitive in the first quarter turn.

Don't worry, it is quite normal (well for Naim pre amps anyway).

Hi mark all volume controls are logarithmic ' something to do with the way our ear works ' . Different amp manufacturers have different ideas of it's rational...Ive had amps that dont give much volume until 12 ' oclock and others that are very loud at 9 o'clock

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...ithmic_potentiometer