Some random tech questions (re old Naim)

Posted by: Lewis on 29 October 2018

I recently picked up another Nac 32.5 and HC for use in another room. The Nac works using the HC in the lounge via a 4 pin din with link plug, and also a 5 pin din without link plug. When connected to the HC in the other room, the Nac only works when using the 4 pin din with link plug, not 5 pin din. Is this because the other HC is not dual rail?

I also just managed to get hold of an old Nac 22 and Nap 120 power amp. Will the 22 work directly via the 120 or will it need a power supply also, like a snaps or HC?

Thanks gents.

Posted on: 29 October 2018 by SamClaus

I still have my original 22/120 (1979), it works perfectly well without an external power supply - but Richard Dane suggested it might sound even better with a SNAPS.

Posted on: 29 October 2018 by james n

Swap SNAIC5 cables over and if that doesn't work then swap Hicaps. You've either got a duff SNAIC5 or a +24v rail down on one of the Hicaps.

Posted on: 29 October 2018 by Richard Dane

Good advice from James.

All Hicaps should be dual rail via the DIN5. Early Hicaps also offered a single rail 24V supply on one of the DIN4s, although quite a few had this disconnected and removed when it came time for a service at the factory (a small but useful performance upgrade).

Posted on: 29 October 2018 by Lewis

Thanks fellas, I will give that a shot later on. Hopefully it's just a duff Snaic 5!

Posted on: 31 October 2018 by Lewis

Ok so I tried the suspect HC on the other system last night and indeed it appears that one of the rails is not working. Is this a quick fix? Does it adversely affect the sound if you are using the 4 pin din instead, via the working channel? Thanks.

Posted on: 31 October 2018 by Richard Dane

Lewis, when was it last serviced? If longer than 10 years ago then definitely worth having it done. Powering via the dual-rail output is preferred if the pre-amp is capable.

Posted on: 31 October 2018 by Lewis

I don't know if it has been Richard, but it sounds like it needs one. Will it be transformer job or a relatively simple / non expensive fix do you know?

Posted on: 31 October 2018 by Richard Dane

No idea I'm afraid Lewis. Best confer with your dealer, Naim service, or someone like Darran at Class A.