I've asked this question before but no-one seemed to be sure of a definitive answer.

I know that NACA5 is directional, however when I bought some 2nd hand NACA5 a few years ago I didn't notice that all the writing on the cable sleeves had worn off.
Therefore I have no idea which way the cable should be.

I have since spoken to a respected dealer whom has a reputation for being a Naim expert.
He says that the cables are directional however over time the cables adjust to incorrect directionality and self correct themselves.

He's not my usual dealer but is he correct?

In a way I'm answering my own post..ah well.
But my comments may help other users out there.

I asked my question to my usual Naim dealer today. One of the assistants said he remembers being told by the cable supplier (presumed he was talking about Naim) that the directionality does eventually re-adjust itself so it doesn't matter if my NACA5 is in the wrong direction.

I was half expecting him to say the opposite as he may have gained a sale by advising me to purchase some brand new cable.

Anyway I read my e-mail tonight and Naim have replied to my e-mail stating that I should experiment,they have no experience of directionality changing so surprise surprise they've recommended I buy some new cable.

When I get round to resealing the SBL's I'll play around switching the cables over. I just thought someone may have already been in my situation.

My first thought was - no problem, connect the cables, listen to a cd, then replace the direction of the cables and listen again.

But in a second thought, lets assume that while connecting the cables, one will be at the right direction and the second will not. You will change the direction after the first listening but nothing will be change in the quality of sound so the wrong outcome will be that the direction of the cables is not important (and you'll loose quality). A nice probelm you have I wonder how you'll solve it.

Arie

The only way to solve it is presumably..

Alter the balance to the left speaker only and listen which way sounds better. Maybe slightly difficult to judge improvements as I won't be receiving the stereo effect.

Then of course alter the balance dial over to the right speaker and experiment again.

PS I'm a little angry with my dealer, when I bought the NACA5 cable years ago I wasn't aware it was directional. The dealer sold me the 2nd hand NACA5 without pointing out that the print had worn off the cable sleeve.

I think if Naim have a responsibility to the dealers they own you a help !

I guess the best way to find the direction is -
1. mark one edge of each cable.
2. Listen to one speaker with one cable then
listen to the same speaker with
the second cable (you are testing the cables).
2.1 if there is no change - the two cables are
in the same direction
- Change the direction of one cable and
listen again -
- Better sound change the direction of the
second cable and connect it to the second
speaker.
- Worse sound, stay with the former direction
with both cables connect the second cable to
the second speaker.
2.1 If there is a change - the two cables are in
oposide direction
- If a better sound, the direction of the
second cable is the desired one .
- if a worse sound, the direction of the first
cable is the desired one.

I'm tired now and I hope I wrote it well and that it helps you.

Arie

Lance,

I bought a pair of NACA5 cables second hand some time ago and they too had the directionality markers worn off. Fortunately on the cables I bought there was a small piece of shrink-wrap tubing (red for right, white for left) on each cable to mark the source (amp) end, a bit like you'd find on a Snaic.

Also, if you have the right-angle Naim plugs on the cables, they can only connect to the speakers and the amp in one way (ie with the ridge to positive and the cable flowing down). This may be sufficient to reduce the number of permutations to make it a much less daunting task. In fact, if you're using Naim plugs, there may only be one configuration that fits (but I havn't worked out in my head if this is true, my brain hurts !)

Allan

Sorry can i ask another question , are the plugs directional ie must the pos be connected to the ridged part of cable?

Thanks John∞

White ,

Did you solve the problm - and how ?

Arie

If you can hear a difference, just use them the way that sounds best. If no difference, no harm done. No reason to buy new cable if you can't hear a difference - waste of money!

Dozy.