1
2 Connections
It is important for both safety and performance that
the standard cables supplied are not modified.
2.1 Interconnect Cables
If options are available with your equipment and installation,
DIN interconnect sockets should be used in preference to RCA
Phono sockets. One end of each Naim interconnect cable is
marked with a band to establish its correct orientation. The band
denotes the end that connects to the signal source.
Interconnect plugs and sockets should be kept clean and free
from corrosion. The easiest way to clean them is to switch off
the equipment, pull the plugs out of their sockets, and push
them back in again. Contact cleaners and “enhancers” should
not be used as the film they tend to deposit may degrade the
sound.
2.2 Loudspeaker Cables
Loudspeaker cables are vitally important and your dealer should
make them up to suit your installation. The cables should
each be at least 3.5 metres long and of equal length. The
recommended maximum is normally 20 metres although longer
cables may be viable with some Naim amplifiers. Contact your
dealer or Naim Audio for advice.
Many Naim amplifiers are designed only to work with Naim
loudspeaker cable and using alternatives may degrade the
performance or even damage the amplifier. Naim loudspeaker
cable is directional and should be oriented so that the printed
arrow points towards the speakers. The amplifier/loudspeaker
connectors supplied are designed to make a robust electro-
mechanical connection and to comply with European safety
regulations. They should be used in preference to alternatives.
3 Mains Power Connection
Where fused plugs are used 13 amp fuses should be
fitted. Fuses of a lower rating will fail after a period
of use. Do not wire voltage dependent resistors or
noise suppressors into mains plugs. They degrade the
mains supply and the sound.
1 Equipment Installation
Normally your Naim Audio equipment will have been installed by the dealer who sold
it to you - even if you live outside their immediate vicinity. In any event however
your dealer is responsible for making sure that the system performs as it should.
Information given here is not intended to reduce this responsibility in any way.
Introduction
Naim Audio products are conceived with performance as the top priority.
Careful installation will help ensure that their full potential is achieved.
This manual covers the SL2, allæ, Ariva, axent, axess, n-SATS and n-CENT
loudspeakers and the n-SUB active sub-woofer. It begins with general
installation notes and statutory safety warnings for all Naim Audio
products. Product specific information begins in Section 5.
3.1 Mains Plug Wiring
In some territories a mains plug may need to be
fitted to the supplied mains lead. As the colours of
the wires in the mains lead may not correspond with
the coloured markings identifying the terminals in the
plug proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured
GREEN-AND-YELLOW
must be
connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked by the
letter
E
or by the safety earth symbol or coloured
GREEN
or
GREEN and YELLOW
.
The wire which is coloured
BLUE
must be connected to the
terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter
N
or
coloured
BLACK
.
The wire which is coloured
BROWN
must be connected to the
terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter
L
or coloured
RED
.
3.2 Non-rewirable Mains Plugs
If a non-rewirable plug is cut from a mains lead (for whatever
purpose) the plug
MUST
be disposed of in a way to render it
totally useless. Considerable shock hazard exists if the cut-off
plug is inserted into a mains outlet.
3.3 Mains Circuits and Cables
A hi-fi system usually shares a mains circuit with other
household equipment some of which can cause distortion of the
mains waveform. This distortion can in turn lead to a mechanical
hum from power amplifier and power supply transformers.
Naim transformers are large in size with heavy gauge windings,
making them relatively sensitive to such distortion, and it may
be necessary to take account of transformer hum when siting
your equipment.
Transformer hum is not transmitted through the speakers and
has no effect on the performance of the system; however, a
separate mains circuit may reduce it. Such a circuit (ideally with
a 30 or 45 Amp rating) will also improve system performance.
Advice on the installation of a separate mains circuit should be
sought from a qualified electrician.
Do not substitute alternative mains leads and plugs to
those supplied. They are selected to offer the best possible
performance.
