Super Lumina DIN to RCA (or is it?) RCA to DIN Interconnects.

It is directional! How big of a difference used the wrong direction....?

That's what I wondered. Anyone know?

They are directional for a reason - DIN pins. One set carries input signal and the other set carries an output signal.

Thanks Adam and Joppe.

I know that most RCA/DIN SuperLumina users would be needing to take the output from, for example, a different manufacturer's product's RCA outputs, TO the DIN input of a Naim preamp, probably a 282, 252 or 552.

But my needs are the oppposite, which is why I am asking about the pin connections and directionality.

I use an ATC SCA2 preamp because it is such a superb match to my huge active ATC SCM150ASLT monitors. But the SCA2 only has RCA or fully balanced XLR inputs.

My most recent acquisition is a Naim CD555 & 555PS, which has both a DIN output and a pair of RCA outputs. I have read in various reviews (HiFi News, Stereophile etc) and on here many times, including specific comments about the CD555, that the DIN output on the CD player IS categorically the better sounding output connection. So I want to use it.

So that leaves me with needing a top quality DIN to RCA cable, wired correctly and with the correct directionality for the purpose.

It does sound like the Naim SuperLumina RCA to DIN is wired as a DIN input cable, from what Adam is saying, and that it will NOT suit my intended purpose. In addition to this, there is the directionality issue.

Richard, or anyone else have any thoughts please? Cheers guys.

The Interconnect is certainly directional for a reason - it should sound better one way than the other, and shouldn't be used the wrong way around. At this level, why would you anyway??  Just go and order the correct cable.

Thanks, Richard. the reason I'm asking is because I have a budget which will not stretch to the cost of new Super Lumina cables.

I would prefer to use an SL rather than a Chord, etc.... I have been found a standard Naim RCA/DIN Super Lumina at around half price, and just wondered if it could be used both ways....

But the concensus is NOT, by the sound of it?

You can use an interconnect back to front, but it likely won't sound quite as good that way.

vintageaxeman posted:

I have seen adverts from 2 Naim dealers, one listing 'Super Lumina DIN to RCA', the other listing 'Super Lumina RCA to DIN'.

Are these listings for 2 different cables?

Please can anyone confirm if the Super Lumina cables with 5 pin DIN at one end and RCA at the other end are DIRECTIONAL or wired in such a way that they cannot be reversed? Would the pins need to be different for the purpose of connecting a DIN output TO an RCA input?

The REASON I am asking is that I have been offered some used Super Lumina '2 RCA to 5 DIN'. But I want to take the 5 pin DIN output from my Naim CD player to the RCA input on my ATC preamplifier. Is this cable the correct one for me to use?

Many thanks, guys!

Even with a cd555 the cable choices are plenty.

Personally I would never purchase a new SL cable due to cost.

While waiting for the right offer why not try some alternatives at much less $ ?

Just to mention a few options:

Chord, Vertere, Witchhat, Klotz, Van Damme.

(I have used most of above choices with my lower Naim CD, all with excellent results.)

Btw I've got Mogami leads included a ATC sub  i purchased from our distributor, he also use active 150 with these cables and use Mogami for studio installations

Yeah, Perol. I use Mogami leads from the SCA2 to my active speakers, but I wanted to benefit from the mechanical isolation that the Super Luminas give. 

What I certainly don't want to do is to keep buying different cables until I am satisfied that there is nothing better. That'd be a waste of my time and money. I do have a cheaper cable to use....but I need the info about this specific SL cable so I can decide whether to buy it or not. Cheers!

A light or lighter grey rubber gland/ grommet or whatever at the source end plug or block entry is refered to in some posts if you do a search, I remember it wasn’t easy to spot when I borrowed an interconnect to try.

Yes, Yeti, I thought that was the case.Thank you for confirming it. My main concern is whether the wiring would be correct for my purposes at the DIN end, and whether the shielding & earthing connections would be appropriately connected for my purposes too....

You say these cables are being sold by a dealer. Phone them up and ask the question. That’s what they’re there for, and their advice and support is one of the reasons (Naim) gear is so damned expensive, so make them earn their money. 

I tried but think I am not getting an 'honest representation of the truth':-) Just sales patter

I hope the attached images clarify why it's vital to have directional DIN > RCA or RCA > DIN cables with NAIM... 

That's really a useful diagram, Adam. I also know a bit about, and believe the efficacy of directionality in cables.

But what I'd really like to see is a comparison of the 2 different cables....

the 2 RCA to DIN 5 cable, versus the DIN 5 to 2 RCA cable.....

vintageaxeman posted:

That's really a useful diagram, Adam. I also know a bit about, and believe the efficacy of directionality in cables.

But what I'd really like to see is a comparison of the 2 different cables....

the 2 RCA to DIN 5 cable, versus the DIN 5 to 2 RCA cable.....

There is no directionality with that schematic,  it will work correctly both ways around.  (this does not include the theory that the wire itself is directional - another subject entirely).   

OK, Adam and Alba...that's all been very, very useful. Thank you. I think I know where I am now! Cheers to everyone else who has helped, too.