Who Is Still Running Standard Naim Cables On 282/HCDR/250DR and Above

Posted by: ryder. on 24 July 2017

Sorry but I have to post this. I just figured out that the standard Naim cables have been severely limiting the full potential of my system all this while - the 282/HCDR/250DR. I have posted my thoughts on the improvements with these cables on another forum (Chord Signature Tuned Aray full loom) and got accused of running an advertisement for Chord apart from a slew of negative comments and cynicism. Folks can say whatever they like though I have to say I am gobsmacked with the changes that these cables have brought to the system. I do not have any affiliation with Chord or any other cable companies. People can buy whatever they like whether it's Naim Superlumina, Vertere, Tellurium or WitchHat, whatever. The point that I want to make here is the standard Naim cables are not very good.. sorry.

I'll just keep this short and won't go into detail. Initially I was suspecting there is something that's still not quite right with my system. I keep reading remarks about the high frequency extension on Naim gear to be rolled off. It was said to be a trait of Naim. I actually experienced this as well but did not suspect the Naim amps to be the culprit. Instead, I had taken for granted that my Harbeth loudspeakers are smooth sounding speakers and a bit rolled off in the highs. I also suspected that my Chord QBD 76 DAC may not be too extended in the treble. All that perception changed when the standard Naim cables were replaced by some aftermarket cables.

The difference was remarkable. It's big enough to warrant a night and day difference, in my opinion. Even though the cables are not fully run in, the improvements are marked. The tone of the piano between the standard Naim and Chord is completely different. With the standard Naim cable, piano sounds a bit dull and rolled off. I have to occasionally turn the volume up to get the energy of the notes. With the Chord, piano sounds very lively and extended. The energy is incredible. It's the same with other instruments such as guitars and saxophone etc., improvements in energy, tonal quality and colour but the most apparent change to me is with piano.

Other improvements are in macrodynamics and articulation. There is reduced smearing as everything sounds more in focus. Improved refinement in the delivery of music as well.

For those who are still on the standard Naim cables with the 282/HCDR/250DR (or perhaps the 202/HCDR/200 as well), I would recommend that you look at the cables if looking for an upgrade. It doesn't need to be a Chord but something else. If it's the Chord Signature Tuned Aray, chances are you will likely be pleased with the results.

Posted on: 01 August 2017 by WilcoFT

wenger2015 posted:
I must say I am surprised by the ' it makes no difference' club.
Burn in doesn't happen, standard cables are just fine...ect ect ect
I assume the earth is actually flat and no one actually went to the moon???
Dare I say most from the ' it makes no difference club'......have not even tried an alternative???
....Who's prepared to own up and come clean???

Likewise. I'm particularly surprised by the it doesn't make a difference view about cables. Whether or not you think the value is there is another matter, but arguing that cables don't make a difference is bizarre to me, since differences certainly exist, and are audible in some cases, but not always. It all depends on your system, ears and room.

Posted on: 01 August 2017 by wenger2015

WilcoFT posted:
wenger2015 posted:
I must say I am surprised by the ' it makes no difference' club.
Burn in doesn't happen, standard cables are just fine...ect ect ect
I assume the earth is actually flat and no one actually went to the moon???
Dare I say most from the ' it makes no difference club'......have not even tried an alternative???
....Who's prepared to own up and come clean???

Likewise. I'm particularly surprised by the it doesn't make a difference view about cables. Whether or not you think the value is there is another matter, but arguing that cables don't make a difference is bizarre to me, since differences certainly exist, and are audible in some cases, but not always. It all depends on your system, ears and room.

I think the crux of the matter, is its all about the cost, in which case it's best to stick with the standard cables.

But if you can afford it, it's what I would describe as a no brainer

Posted on: 01 August 2017 by nigelb

wenger2015 posted:
WilcoFT posted:
wenger2015 posted:
I must say I am surprised by the ' it makes no difference' club.
Burn in doesn't happen, standard cables are just fine...ect ect ect
I assume the earth is actually flat and no one actually went to the moon???
Dare I say most from the ' it makes no difference club'......have not even tried an alternative???
....Who's prepared to own up and come clean???

Likewise. I'm particularly surprised by the it doesn't make a difference view about cables. Whether or not you think the value is there is another matter, but arguing that cables don't make a difference is bizarre to me, since differences certainly exist, and are audible in some cases, but not always. It all depends on your system, ears and room.
I think the crux of the matter, is its all about the cost, in which case it's best to stick with the standard cables.
But if you can afford it, it's what I would describe as a no brainer

The crux of the matter IS cost and also 'perceived' value for money. After all they are only bits of wire! Right?

Don't get me wrong, I am sure the margins on posh wires are high but they simply wouldn't sell if folks hadn't convinced themselves of an appropriate uplift in SQ for the spondoolies asked. We can't all be deluded, can we?

Some context: these comments are from a chap who has home demoed at length SL IC and SL speaker cables and have bought them both, but can't quite bring himself to shell out for the SL DIN/XLR even though he knows a full loom is probably worth more than the sum of the parts, you know synergy and all that.

Posted on: 03 August 2017 by Japtimscarlet

I think you are missing out on the important one!!

I tried SL speaker cable and could not justify the slightly improved sound over naca5

But the din to xlr ( in my case 272/xpsdr to 250dr) well that was a different matter ...pass that credit card!!

You might want to home demo a cable ..but be prepared to not want to give it back...

Posted on: 03 August 2017 by wenger2015

I purchased a set of TQ Silver Diamond speaker cables a couple of months ago....

they sounded very good from the off but have continued to improve...

Unfortunately they do cost about £900 per metre.... Yes it's a considerable sum...(my dealer gave me a very nice discount and trade in)

How good are they?

I can answer that by asking myself would I have still of bought them with no discount and trade in?

Answer Yes,

One problem though, the cables have turned into something exceptional after 2 months + continuous playing .....its a long burn in time....

So maybe apart from more money being required to purchase, more patience is required before the results are heard...