Hi all,
I have the following system:
NAP200 + NAC202 + HiCap2 + NAPSC
I wanted to try the system without any optional PSUs meaning only NAP200 powering the NAC202.
I connected this way but the NAC202 would not power up. Hmmm, I thought I didn't connect the DIN4 good enough so I removed it and plugged it back. Nope, still nothing and I turned it back on and off quickly I guess and pooof! The fuse blew.
Then I realized that I was missing the plug thing/piece that is RIGHT next to the Standard plug on the NAC202 where it says Upgrade or Link 2. The upper plug/piece is there. I think the missing plug/piece was the reason why there was no power to the NAC202.
I have two theories why the fuse blew:
1- The missing plug/piece on the NAC202 for some reason gave a problem and the fuse blew.
2- I did turn on and off the NAP200 quickly and the caps did not discharge completely and pooof!
What do you think? I am leaning towards the 2nd one.
So, few more questions:
1-If I use a DIN5 cable instead the missing plug/piece (so there is something in there) just to try the sound without the optional PSUs, would it work? I will obviously get a plug if I like the sound better without the PSUs.
2-I hear nothing off or strange but this whole incident would not hurt anything especially the amp, I believe. Correct? I mean there is a reason why there is a fuse and it blew, to protect further damage to the unit(s).
So you ask why do I want to compare? Because I got the system as a whole but thinking why not try it without the PSUs. Maybe I like it better without. I can just sell the PSUs to save some cash. Maybe I can just keep the NAPSC, may not worth to sell it.
Posted on: 11 January 2018 by Richard Dane
Switching off and on quickly without letting caps discharge first can sometimes blow the fuse. There should be a spare in the holder. Make sure you ONLY ever use the exact same make, type and rating of T fuse.
You will need the link plugs to be fitted - 4 pin paddle plug and 5 pin round link plug - to use the NAC202 without the NAPSC and Hicap.
Posted on: 11 January 2018 by Matty.s
Just replace fuse and connect back the way you originally had it configured and make sure all is good.If you do want to try your experiment (I very much doubt it will sound better without psu's.I got a big uplift to the 202 when adding a hi-cap) you will require 2 link plugs.
1 plug for the napsc input and 1 for the hicap input.These 2 plugs have to be in place.
Posted on: 11 January 2018 by dubidubi
Thanks for the quick reply!
Yes, I have the system up and running now. Working fine. (With the HiCap2 and NAPSC that is). Yes, I had an exact spare fuse.
I had this plug on (see photo) and I did not have the other (bottom) plug fitted because I don't have that one
Did not know I had to have it to run without PSUs.
Sorry to repeat myself; Can I just use the DIN5 cable instead the plug to try the system? Would the DIN5 cable work same as the plug? It will be temporarily. I do not want to wait until I buy the proper plug.
Yeah, maybe will not like it better without the PSUs but you never know. Sometimes I think most of us (including me), automatically think the extra equipment/cost will make things better. I for one do not like the sound if everything sounds too perfect Some faults give some character to the sound
Posted on: 11 January 2018 by Richard Dane
Oh and by the way, it's very important that when you have the NAC202 connected with the Hicap that you don't have the NAP200 also connected directly to the NAC202 at the same time - this will work but performance is compromised and you may damage the kit long term. The NAP200 should be connected to the pre-out DIN4 of the Hicap. The NAP200 should be directly connected to the NAC202 only when there's no Hicap being used.
Posted on: 11 January 2018 by dubidubi
Alright, is there any part number/name to it? 4 PIN Plug?
Posted on: 11 January 2018 by dubidubi
Thanks for the warning! No, I have it connected correctly.
So, one last question;
Say, I like the NAP200 better with the NAC202 and want to keep the NAPSC and sell my HiCap.
I do not need the top link plug BUT still need the bottom link plug (the one I have to order) IF I only use the NAPSC, correct?
Posted on: 11 January 2018 by hungryhalibut
It’s called a 5 pin link plug. If you use just the napsc, you still need the 5 pin plug, otherwise it won’t work, as you have already found out.
Posted on: 11 January 2018 by dubidubi
Thanks guys a lot for the quick replies here!
After your replies and as Richard mentioned above, I am totally convinced that the turning the unit on/off quickly did blow the fuse. I was thinking maybe it was not having the 5 PIN Link Plug but I highly doubt that now.
Posted on: 23 January 2018 by dubidubi
It blew a fuse again! This NAP200 was converted to 220V from 110V by the distributor. I doubt they would do something wrong (I mean it would not power at all if something was wrong). Maybe although they used the same rating fuse, they may not have used the Naim fuses?
No, I didn't shut off and turn it back on quickly like I did before. In this case, I turned the amp off and turned it back on after 15 minutes. Poof! Actually, my room was dark and I thought I saw a flash from the back of the amp. I am using a different power cable other than the one comes with Naim but so my other cables are the different on the Naim power supplies. My power cable is a thick (10 gauge) DIY cable which I have been using without issues with my other amps. I don't know if this would cause the issue.
