Subwoofer Terminals on 122x

You should be able to run any active sub with a low level input from your preamp sub out. Just make sure you have the right lead, these long leads can be a bit pricey.

My recollection is that it was to provide an additional (and necessarily variable) output for sub use - the socket being 'slugged' with an internal resistor to guard against any danger of oscillation when driving long, un-'slugged',  sub-woofer leads.

https://forums.naimaudio.com/topic/slugged-lead - provides an unhelpfully circular elucidation of 'slugged'.

It came from R&D - masters of the English language.

I used to run an N-Sub from my Superuniti with a 10m long lead - I tried it from both the pre-out and sub-out and they both worked OK. Never occurred to me that one might be 'slugged' and not the other. 

With regards the Rel Subwoofers do you have to use the Nutrik Speakon cable supplied or can it be connected using a different cable directly from subwoofer out on a 122x.

If using the Supplied Nutrik Speakon does the other end connect to the amplifier or the speaker. Seems a little difficult getting this done as the cable won't be able to stretch to both speakers, correct me if I'm wrong but I have never quite understood how a Rel Sub is connected to a system powered by a Naim Amp.

ink04 posted:

With regards the Rel Subwoofers do you have to use the Nutrik Speakon cable supplied or can it be connected using a different cable directly from subwoofer out on a 122x.

If using the Supplied Nutrik Speakon does the other end connect to the amplifier or the speaker. Seems a little difficult getting this done as the cable won't be able to stretch to both speakers, correct me if I'm wrong but I have never quite understood how a Rel Sub is connected to a system powered by a Naim Amp.

 

If you are connecting to the High Level input of a sub (including REL) from a Naim amp, then you must connect to the back of the speakers not to the amp's speaker terminals.   See This:
https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...nection-of-subwoofer

Huge posted:

ink04 posted:

With regards the Rel Subwoofers do you have to use the Nutrik Speakon cable supplied or can it be connected using a different cable directly from subwoofer out on a 122x.

If using the Supplied Nutrik Speakon does the other end connect to the amplifier or the speaker. Seems a little difficult getting this done as the cable won't be able to stretch to both speakers, correct me if I'm wrong but I have never quite understood how a Rel Sub is connected to a system powered by a Naim Amp.

 

If you are connecting to the High Level input of a sub (including REL) from a Naim amp, then you must connect to the back of the speakers not to the amp's speaker terminals.   See This:
https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...nection-of-subwoofer

Ok thanks, so the other end of the Speakon cable has three wires, my guess is that the sheathing of the cable would need to be spliced and therefore two wires go to one speaker and the remaining one wire goes to the other ?

If this is correct then can anyone clarify which + & - terminals at the back of the main speakers are used to connect the Yellow Black and Red cables from the subwoofer cable.

thanks. 

You should talk directly to REL if you are considering one of their subs. They understand Naim amps, and make a version of their cable specifically for them, or at least they used to. My Naim dealer also sells REL, and he thinks it's OK to connect at the amp with REL, although this does appear, on the face of it, to contradict Naim's advice. 

Hi Ink04.  Just before you go splicing your speakon cable I suggest you do a bit more research.  I have experienced the same issues as you with both REL and BK subs (use same speakon cable connection) and have spoken with a number of experts including REL reps.  I currently have the hi level set up connected at the amp speaker terminals with no issues at all.  Some of the initial advice may relate to earlier Naim amps (I use a Supernait 2) but I stress do more research for yourself and others here may  disagree with my comments. Also call REL directly and they will help you.

Please don't connect at the amp end. Do a search on the forum. Quite a few who have done so in blissful ignorance. Problems aren't always obvious. It will sound better off the speaker terminals as those ago have tried both will unanimously attest.

pixies, please try it. I recall the last time it was someone with a NAIT 5i - one of the new Naim amps - who found changing to connection at  the speaker end a revelation.

Richard Dane posted:

Please don't connect at the amp end. Do a search on the forum. Quite a few who have done so in blissful ignorance. Problems aren't always obvious. It will sound better off the speaker terminals as those ago have tried both will unanimously attest.

Richard, this issue has been raised a number of times before on the forum, as I'm sure you're aware, and I do observe this with my N-Sub. It does seem a bit odd, though, that established Naim dealers still suggest to the contrary, and in particular with REL, say you should connect at the amp outputs.

Ok Richard I hear you. I do have  previously split cable so will reinstate it to work at the speaker terminals and see how it sounds. 

Chris, having designed audio amps and having looked at, and understood, the classic Naim power amp circuit, I can assure you that the advice to connect to the speakers and not the amp is the correct one.

Certainly, I haven't tried both, as my sub has low level connections available, so I use those; but form a theoretical basis connecting sub cables directly to the amp output is a bad idea.  I don't think many dealers have the detailed knowledge of the Naim power amp circuit or the experience to make a valid judgement on their own.

ChrisSU posted:

Richard Dane posted:

Please don't connect at the amp end. Do a search on the forum. Quite a few who have done so in blissful ignorance. Problems aren't always obvious. It will sound better off the speaker terminals as those ago have tried both will unanimously attest.

Richard, this issue has been raised a number of times before on the forum, as I'm sure you're aware, and I do observe this with my N-Sub. It does seem a bit odd, though, that established Naim dealers still suggest to the contrary, and in particular with REL, say you should connect at the amp outputs.

Naim were late making a sub - and then didn't make it for long. Most customers/dealers would have learned everything they know about subs (how much could that be) from other manufacturers - often REL.

Richard & I have the advantage of, and had the duty to, checking with Roy George before giving answers.