Uniti Nova and BK200 sub

Naim amps are usually happier when the sub cable is attached to the high level input, but instead of connecting them to the amplifier's speaker sockets, attach them to the loudspeaker input sockets. Other than that , connect them as in the BK manual.

The low level connection should still work OK, although a good quality cable is likely to be quite expensive.

Hi Chris - thanks for helping. Can you clarify - if I connect the low level connection, I do it as per BK, but the high level will take the Neutrik connection at the sub, but connect it to the rca outs on the Naim?

And are you suggesting I make both connections - I assumed it would be one or the other?

As I said, my knowledge here is flaky at best!

If you use a low level connection, it uses the pair of phonos on the Nova - the pre/sub out. If you take a high level connection, you need to run wires from the back of the speakers - there are no connections to the Nova. Which you choose may depend on which is most convenient, given where you equipment is situated. 

I’m not sure how good the BK is, but for it’s modest price it probably isn’t going to be great. You may be better looking at better, larger speakers that better complement the excellent Nova. 

I use my sub from a low level output as I never want to interrupt the amp main speaker relationship......... this sub you have chosen should be pretty good. Roll it into the LS50's at around 50hz ..... and then turn the gain right down - you will only probably need around 6dB gain as the sub should gently roll in from 50hz down (for low level listening this figure would be around twice that). You may need to play around - with the positioning. If tuned correctly the sub location should never be apparent - all bass should appear to come from LS50's. Good luck feed back to the forum. by the way you may end up having to pull the LS50's further away from the back wall ..... this will reduce their bass output - and improve stereo imaging.... you will be a busy boy shifting things around!!!

I have my BK200DF connected to low level from a Nac 152xs

Take care into adjust level and crossover frequency

Too high settings and it will boom, i began very very low and carefully raised level around 9-10 a'clock and frequency no higher than 45-48hz

Placement is important too

I have mine away from boundaries, using the signalcable included and settings are very low, deep bas just added when needed otherwise I can be in doubt if its turned on, thats how I like it.

Don't underestimate price range and their confusing website, its really great kit and VFM handmade in UK

I would Ignore the rather snobbish comment: modest price and not great, - great is exactly what it is, so much that I purchased a 400DF to main rig.

Perol posted:

I have my BK200DF connected to low level from a Nac 152xs

Take care into adjust level and crossover frequency

Too high settings and it will boom, i began very very low and carefully raised level around 9-10 a'clock and frequency no higher than 45-48hz

Placement is important too

I have mine away from boundaries, using the signalcable included and settings are very low, deep bas just added when needed otherwise I can be in doubt if its turned on, thats how I like it.

Don't underestimate price range and their confusing website, its really great kit and VFM handmade in UK

I would Ignore the rather snobbish comment: modest price and not great, - great is exactly what it is, so much that I purchased a 400DF to main rig.

 

Well said regarding "modest price and not great" . The correct advice is as you said is to ignore and do what you feel is good for you.

Don't expect too much from this sub if you are lucky you may get useful output down to 30 to 35hz - depending on how it is tuned  at - it may turn out to be a little one note-ish ..... do not scrimp on the sub supply cables... chord do some decent ones.... (assuming low level input).....if playing music loud you may need to turn it down a little as it will soon run out of omph.

snes posted:

Hi Chris - thanks for helping. Can you clarify - if I connect the low level connection, I do it as per BK, but the high level will take the Neutrik connection at the sub, but connect it to the rca outs on the Naim?

And are you suggesting I make both connections - I assumed it would be one or the other?

Using the high level/Neutrik connection, you run it to the terminals on the back of your loudspeakers, NOT to the RCAs! This is specific to Naim amps due to their design, where you would, with most other amps, connect to the speaker terminals on your amp. This would be my first choice of connection method before trying a low level/RCA lead, but either will work. 

Thanks everybody - I am now a lot clearer as to what I have to do! Especially with Richieroo's "walk-through". The BK's will be with me for a 2-week trial. If I don't like them, or can't get on with them, then I can send them back. Unfortunately, because of space limitations, I can not really accommodate a larger sub, so I will just have to live with the LS50s - but that would be no great hardship!

Can I just check a couple of points? If I make a high level connection, the sub will manage the bass frequencies. On the low level (rca) connection, the Naim will manage the  bass mix.

ChrissU - I now fully follow your advice, for which, again, I offer thanks. However, the Neutrik connector has 3 wires - red, black and yellow, and you are meant to connect partially across the 2 speaker posts on the amp. But you can't do that on the back of the speaker. Do you just leave the red wire unconnected?

Again, thanks everyone!

Them ?

Have you ordered two subs ? Perhaps too much for smaller room ?

My experience is one sub only, its where I would start, allways use low level connection if possible and forget the Neutrik connection, you have rca sub out on Nova, use this

Cable and manual included or ask supplier if in doubt

Sorry Perol, sloppy English. I should have written BK.

2 subs - now that would shake the house! Your advice re low level connections was reassuring - I suspect I will go that way.

snes posted:

ChrissU - I now fully follow your advice, for which, again, I offer thanks. However, the Neutrik connector has 3 wires - red, black and yellow, and you are meant to connect partially across the 2 speaker posts on the amp. But you can't do that on the back of the speaker. Do you just leave the red wire unconnected?

You still connect the 3 cables. Just treat the sockets on the loudspeakers exactly as if they were the corresponding sockets on the amp. 

ChrisSU posted:

Naim amps are usually happier when the sub cable is attached to the high level input, but instead of connecting them to the amplifier's speaker sockets, attach them to the loudspeaker input sockets. Other than that , connect them as in the BK manual.

The low level connection should still work OK, although a good quality cable is likely to be quite expensive.

ChrisSU posted:

snes posted:

Hi Chris - thanks for helping. Can you clarify - if I connect the low level connection, I do it as per BK, but the high level will take the Neutrik connection at the sub, but connect it to the rca outs on the Naim?

And are you suggesting I make both connections - I assumed it would be one or the other?

Using the high level/Neutrik connection, you run it to the terminals on the back of your loudspeakers, NOT to the RCAs! This is specific to Naim amps due to their design, where you would, with most other amps, connect to the speaker terminals on your amp. This would be my first choice of connection method before trying a low level/RCA lead, but either will work. 

Chris,

That's not what the FAQ says... the FAQ starts

"For connection of subwoofers to amplifiers without a suitable (volume dependent) output.

If your amplifier system does not have a line level output which varies with volume (i.e. NOT a tape loop) you can still incorporate a subwoofer - "

In other words the FAQ only applies if you can't use the low level connection.

Use the low level (RCA) connection in preference; it's simpler and is still preferred for a number of technical reasons.

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...nection-of-subwoofer

Hi Snes don't apologise for using LS50s they fantastic speakers hugely capable ... what you have done is matched the room and speakers .... and with your sub augmenting the 50s it should sound excellent. Getting good bass in a small room is really difficult so you may end up with a room issue  especially at higher volumes.... My only slight concern is the LS50s are ported .... generally giving good bass to around 50hz. Ideally what you want is a sealed box speaker that rolls off at 60 to 70hz aka old Linn Kans. This gives you a better chance of rolling sub in nice and easy....so it is imperseptable. Good luck and feed back....

ChrissU, an apology - I have just reread your very first reply to my thread. What you said was crystal clear - it was my understanding that was at fault - forgive me!

Richieroo, thanks for  your helpful advice - I'll see how things go and feed back in a week or so.

snes posted:

ChrissU, an apology - I have just reread your very first reply to my thread. What you said was crystal clear - it was my understanding that was at fault - forgive me!

Don’t worry! It does seem a bit odd at first to connect to the back of the speakers, especially with the 3-cable connection that BK use. You also need to work out just how to make the connection to the banana plugs on your main speaker cables. Then there’s the issue of how to run the cables across the room to the sub without tripping over them. If this is not practical, you may decide that the low level connection is a better option. For me, the difference in sound quality between the two connection methods was not large, so either would be OK. 

Just make sure your cable is long enough to try different room positions before you make a final decision. 

Its nice to see other members taking on using a sub. I can honestly say - in my context it is one of the most important elements in my system I could not live without it. There is so much information - and atmosphere below 40hz - it is not about room thumping pounding bass. I think Paul at PS Audio is absolutely right - regarding the joys of a good sub. In the context of my system it added massive scale and dynamic impact - strangely improving the mid band performance of my pmc's. I think subs get a bad press - due to their generally poor use.... bundled subwoofer packages for TV's have not helped....long live the sub ..... 

Hopefully you can see - the Velodyne driver above .... this has a 50mm linear throw and a 2kg+ magnet dedicated and tuned for proper low frequency use ........ (this is my 1st try at uploading a pic ... so apologies if it goes wrong!!!)

doh

Give in arghhh.............

You can delete the posts, you know?

Thanks HH good reminder will .......... snarly growl ............ (not aimed at you)

Richieroo, you appear to be trying to link to a google image search rather than the image URL itself.  I've removed your attempts thus far.  You need the direct image URL, and ensure that it is not restricted.

Thanks ......... 

Okay, my sub has arrived, so I need to check a couple more things, if I could.

The sub only comes with a single phono lead, which I have connected to the Naim red sub out. I presume I don't need to make a stereo connection? If so, I need to buy some longer stereo phonos.

I can find no adjustment on the Nova to tell it I have connected a sub, so I presume it auto detects?

I have switched the BK  filter bypass to the out position as I presume the Naim will manage the bass frequencies.

Am I half way there yet?