Hi Everyone,

I have a question about the compatibility of Naim equipment sold in one market and re-sold in another market.

Specifically USA equipment re-sold in Canada. My Canadian Naim gear is all marked 120V on the back. According to this site, Canada is 120V @ 60Hz as is the USA.

However, I see numerous ads for second hand Naim gear from the USA which shows the back of the item with a label stating 115V. Is all USA gear marked 115V? And is this different from new Canadian market gear?

My current gear is all olive stuff from the 90's, but the second hand stuff I'm considering is current generation (ie. 5 series and the new reference series).

Would the USA gear work in Canada without modfications?

I'm asking because the selection of used Naim gear is just so much better in the US than Canada due to its 10x population size (among other reasons).

Thanks for any answers, hope this doesn't cross any of the guidelines on this forum

-Peter

PS - I can't just go down to my local Naim dealer and look because the only dealer where I live operates out of his house and by appointment only. Seems like a lame reason to make an appointment for.

I'm no expert but can't see that 5 volts will make any difference provided the frequency of 60 Hertz is the same.

In the UK, many appliances are marked "230-240" volts & this is never an issue.

However, if you need to be sure, why not ring NANA
(Naim Audio North America) & ask ?

Paul

Peter,

There is no difference between 120 and the 115 V ratings found on Naim gear for the US likewise 230/240 V for the EU and the rest of the world. If I remember correctly, the UK and the Continent was originally rated for 240 V but some part of the EU spec'ed all mains voltages at 230 so the new ratings are 230V (or the reverse, I can't remember which).

Since North America uses only one phase of the AC circuit for normal household AC, our ratings are either 120 or 115 which is exactly half of 240/230.

If you have an electric dryer, hot water heater, or stove, you are probably using both phases in North America for either 240 or 208 V depending on the voltage of the "third leg" provided by the power company.

The difference in the 115 vs 120V markings are based on whatever standard was in effect at the time the kit was made. You're fine with either and it will work just as well in The Great White North as it will in the States.

Cheers !

Joe

Peter,

You might not want to visit Robert's place
to find out the answer to your question -
but you certainly could give him a call about this.
He is a high priest of naim arcana.
He has some great gear and a visit might
be entertaining and informative.I am
quite sure that he'll do his best to answer
your questions even if you have never purchased
from him before. I am always amazed that people
buy gear without hearing it and take chances
on line to purchase gear but feel that buying
from Robert is somehow second rate because he
sells Naim from his residence.
I hope you don't shop at places like
Best Buy, A+B Sound, or Future Shop and then slag
a real hifi dealer who sells in a very personable way.

You are considering some 5 series gear and reference
level product - have you had a chance to hear these
products yet?

Bryan
A little NAIM dealer

Paul & Joe,

Thanks for the answers.


Brian,

quote:

---

I am always amazed that people buy gear without hearing it and take chances on line to purchase gear but feel that buying from Robert is somehow second rate because he sells Naim from his residence.

---

Thanks for your comments. Just to clarify my original post a little...

My current s/h gear was purchased from a friend and I had many, many chances to hear it, so I didn't buy that on spec as you imply.

I'm not slagging any dealers, I'm trying to be respectful of their time. People here can choose to ignore my question, it would be harder for a dealer to ignore me if I called them. Sorry if my post came across as being critical, it wasn't meant to be.

quote:

---

You are considering some 5 series gear and reference level product - have you had a chance to hear these products yet?

---

Yes. Although admittedly only a few times compared to how many times I listened to the gear I currently have before buying it.

Perhaps I'll take your advice and not be so hesitant to call dealers with seemingly minor questions in the future.


-Peter

Peter,

Truely, any Naim dealer worth his salt will spend time with you to answer even the most basic of questions, like your voltage question on Naim gear. It should take the dealer no longer to answer your question than it did for me to type my response. He won't mind the phone call.

If he won't spend the time with you, then he does not deserve your business. Take your money and your business to another Naim dealer. The dealer will get the idea after a while...as far as I am concerned, a person buying entry level Naim deserves the same respect and courtesy as a high roller. The high roller may see more perks, but respect and courtesy come first for everyone.

Cheers !

Joe