Cable Confusion

CD5X - Standard 5 pin interconnect

FX 2X - 1 x SNAIC

HC - 1 x SNAIC

SN - None

All explained in a thread on the FAQ:  https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...-with-naim-equipment

Mark,

*caps come with Snaic5s, power amps with Snaic4s.

(personal communication on its way..!)

Max

And a metal knife for you to stick into a power socket!  

Thanks to all, and especially for that link with the exhaustive list.

Here's the dilemma - I sold my FC2X on a well known audio auction/classified site here, and included a 5-pin connector. The new owner has a 152, and claims he needs another 5-pin to use the FC2X. (There is no acrimony at all, just confusion on both parts as to what he needs to be able to use his new toy.)

I was using the FC2X to power my CD5X, and that used a 4-pin connector. (IIRC - I mean it's been a week since i disconnected it but I swear that is what I recall. I know, I'm a retard...too damn much going on right now.) I used to also use the FC2X on my old Nait XS (simultaneously with the CD5X) but I don't remember how that went - I am assuming it was 2 x 5-pins because that is how my SN connected with the HC.

So what does my "customer" need to run the FC2X with his 152?  And the obvious question to which I don't have the answer (I am sending him a text as I write this) is what power amp is he using. (My assumption is a 150, but that is only an assumption.)

Your FC2x would have used a single SNAIC5 to power the analog output stage of the CD5x.

On the Nait XS the FC2x would have used a SNAIC5 (feeding 24v power and taking signal the other way from pre section) and a SNAIC4 (taking signal back into power section of the Nait).

The NAC152xs can have Stage 1 or Stage 2 upgrade applied with the FC2x.  Stage 1 just needs the single SNAIC5 included with the FC2x as standard.  Stage 2 requires an additional SNAIC5.  It's all illustrated in the manual (albeit Stage 2 shows an extra power supply - a Hicap - being used as well).

Your purchaser can use the NAC152xs with your FC2x as is, they just need to follow the illustration sin the manual and ensure that the link plug is fitted over the Upgrade 2 socket.  

Thanks Richard - that certainly helps - I could have sworn I was using the SNAIC-4. I did see that pic in the manual with the HC.

What is the difference between the 2 different upgrades? And based on what you are saying here, his power amp connection stays static irrespective of any PSU solution.

Mark,

the NAC152xs can be powered three ways - upgrade steps.  See the pictures in the amp manual.

First, NAC152xs powered by suitable power amp (such as NAP155xs).  Both link plugs should be left fitted to the NAC152xs.

Next, upgrade 1: FC2xs connected to upgrade 1 DIN5.  Here the FC2x powers just the logic and switching circuits.  The power amp still provides power for the pre-amp. Link plug for Upgrade 2 still fitted.

Next, upgrade 2: FC2xs connected to upgrade 1 and upgrade 2 DIN5s.   Here the second supply in the FC2x also powers the pre-amp analogue section. Both link plugs removed, sockets take up by two SNAIC5s - each going to a separate supply on the FC2x. NOTE: Here the Power amp should be disconnected from the pre-amp and connected to the signal output for upgrade 2 on the FC2x.

I've tried to explain a simply as I can but if in any doubt it's a lot easier just to look at the pictures in the owners manual....

No, that is great Richard - I will direct the purchaser to this thread and the manuals. I just don't like to leave anyone dissatisfied with their purchases from me.

Just an additional tidbit - the purchaser has a NAP 200.

Great album with a pretty stellar lineup; solid hard bop tribute.  Listening via streaming, but this is the older vinyl album cover, because the subsequent CD issue cover sucks.

The music is great regardless of cover.