Naim Convert to dCS

I purchased a Bartok (non apex) and have it connected to an Alluxity integrated in my second system. Really enjoying it over the NDX2 and Supernait 3.

In the main system with the 500, i still struggle with going direct to the 500 as I do love listening to my LP12. My dealer has both a Selekt and Next Generation Klimax that I can try and run direct to the 500. That would replace the 552, 555, and Superline, as I could use a Urika 2 phono stage directly to the Klmax or Selekt. Anyone try that?

Thanks! I think I’m going to follow your lead and enjoy things with cheap cables for now. I keep thinking my speakers will be the next upgrade and upgrading source and amplification instead with great benefit. When the time comes to look at replacing the 300 I might try some active ATCs though as well.

Hi

I think if you search on the Naim forum i think you will find people who send their LP12 output to Linn Klimax Organik which digitizes the LP12 output ! Some seem very happy with the result but it’s best to do a home demo if you can with your LP12 + Klimax NG.

So, my BartĂłk Apex, non headphone amp, is on order.
My Naim NDX 2 and XPX DR are about to become history.
Funnily enough, I actually had a BartĂłk back in 2021, which was hooked up with a 282 pre amp, Supercap PSU and 300 amp.
The sound was absolutely amazing. Even though it was about four years ago, I’ll never forget that sound.
Why did I get rid? Shall I just say, financial complications.:wink:
As for the pre amp discussion, I still have my Naim 282 and 300 amp, so I’ll use my ears and make a decision.
Meanwhile, best I get another paper round and start saving for that Clock!:grinning:

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As I eagerly await my new BartĂłk Apex, I will for a while, be keeping my Naim 282 Pre amp, as I want to do a back to back comparison, with and without a Pre amp.
I have got the RCA to RCA for the BartĂłk/Naim 282 Pre amp sorted, but to demo the BartĂłk directly in to my Naim 300 power amp, I will need an RCA to XLR (unbalanced) cable.
I don’t want to spend a fortune on the cable, as it may turn out to be a waste of money. On the other hand I don’t want to go too cheap as it may be detrimental to the sound quality.
Sadly, now that Flashback Sales and Witch Hat cable makers have gone, are there any suggestions for the cable I need. Probably need about 1metre.

Thanks guys👍

@Merlot52 - Chord Company?

eBay usually has a fair selection of cables too but obviously it’s eBay…

P

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David, as a tip from an “ex” Naime here (282/252/250/PSU/ND555… ) be careful when partnering Naim poweramps with other than their pre-amps. If possible, stick with 282+300 and enjoy Bartok as a pure source.
Naim designed their pre/power-amps as one unit. I tested such mixed combinations as well (250 + LinnPreamp and McIntosh MC2500) etc. but that kills the sound (PRaT good-bye).

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Hi @T38.45 …

There’s no technical reason (that I’m aware of) why you shouldn’t drive a Naim power amp from a different preamp - sure it’s intended that you’ll use a Naim preamp with a Naim poweramp but that’s the same with any manufacturer that makes preamps and power amps.

Ultimately they’re not a difficult load to drive, they’re not liable to go into uncontrollable oscillation (unless you use Litz speaker cables which is well known on the old amps but much less of an issue with the newer - post 2000 - units) and there aren’t usually any problems with grounding either - many times these bits of information come from things like carry-over info from the really old kit, the non-standard wiring used for the XLRs on the NAP300 and NAP500 (which has tripped up many people that have assumed that they can use a balanced out from a balanced preamp) and the use of the DIN interconnects to carry both audio and power in some instances which could obviously be problematical if you weren’t aware.

I’ve certainly had no problems with using any of my Naim amps with dCS kit…

P

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Can only agree with phil on this.
I tried my dac directly into my naim 500dr and it was a huge success, so much better than with the 552dr.
It’s a shame i no longer have the cables made up to run rca to the naim xlr arrangement, as i would have posted them out to you. As i posted them all around the world for others to try, and all found the same.
Goodbye naim pre amp.
This was tested with naims 300 and 500 amps only.

But the cables are easy to make up, and if you get stuck i could make some for you as i have the bit’s here.
But as said just enjoy the bartok, and when you get the chance, try going direct as you may find that you will enjoy another level of sound quality by going direct.

Cheers dunc

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yeah, of course it’s possible to run non Naim pre-amps with their amps but the SQ was not was I expected- as said , I tested Linn preamp, Linn Klimax Streamer and MC2500- YMMV of course!

Thanks Dunc👍

Thanks for your input Phil👍

@T38.45 Thanks for that info.

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No worries @Merlot52 - there is a huge amount of legacy that follows the Naim kit and hopefully my background should be sufficient for me to know which is valid and which is just unnecessary baggage or mythology…

If you know how to hold a soldering iron without burning yourself then the cables needed to connect a Lina / Bartok etc. to a NAP300 / NAP500 are REALLY easy to make up - going to a 250 is more fiddly because you need to get two cables into the XLR connector rather than one.

I made up mine myself with a couple of Neutrik RCA cables, some Van Damme or Mogami (as I made up several sets over time) microphone cable and a couple of Neutrik XLR. At least Naim made it easy by putting diagrams of the actual pinouts for the XLR sockets on the back panel! My soldering leaves a LOT to be desired and, like my welding, would be kindly regarded as “functional” rather than “pretty” but ultimately if you can solder you can make up a couple of cables to use as “proof of concept” to try it out for about £20 or so and you can cut down the amount of soldering you have to do by buying - say - a 3m XLR to XLR cable, cutting it in half and soldering RCA connectors onto the open ends.

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Thanks Phil for your kind advice.:+1:

As a retired Plumber I am used to soldering, but that would be elbows (bends) straight couplings etc…However, I don’t think my plumbing skills will cut the mustard on this one!:joy:

On a more serious note, my dcs dealer has informed me, that the wait time for my BartĂłk is roughly two weeks. Does that sound about right? My last BartĂłk took about 8 weeks, back in 2020.

Thanks again.

If you are concerned with soldering I suggest that you use a custom cable supplier. Try Designacable. pick the cable and connectors you need, let them know the pin count. I don’t do subjective audio reviews but I have used them many times and they are great to deal with, provide an excellent service with high standards. Not expensive either. if you are not situated in the UK, they are used to supplying worldwide.

Supply time for your Bartok? This is not easy to predict generally and will vary according to several factors. Your order is not directly with dCS but your dealer. He buys the unit from your local distributor. The distributor buys it from dCS.As there is a supply chain involved there are many variables. You may be fortunate to enjoy a short supply time if ( as an example only) the distributor already has one on order but his other customer also awaits goods from other companies from his portfolio so he can move things around. Just go with what your dealer tells you.

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As said i will make a pair up for you if you want.
Just like the last ones with the silver wire.

Especially for a fellow plumber.

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Cheers Phil👍

Thank you Pete

I did come across Designacable, when did my search. It’s sad that Flashback Sales (God bless him) and Witch Hat are no longer with us.
However, as they say, when one door shuts, another opens.:+1:

I never like to be beaten, so I’m gonna give it a go myself. What’s the worse thing that can happen?:astonished::joy:

Thank you so much Duncan for your kind help. Really appreciate it.:+1:

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