Naim users... speaker cable better than NAC A5

[naka]

This is an old question to most of Naim users: what is better than the stiff NAC A5 speaker cable?
I have a Nac122x / Flatcap2x/ Nap150x combo and find the A5 sound a tad bright and tight in comparison with the Supra Ply 3.4s that I have been using...but I must say that the A5 have a superior clarity.

There are a few alternatives like the Linn K20, but I think it could have the same sound signature...

So am wondering what else could I use? I want to keep the Naim’s famous PRAT characteristic sound but less shark on the top end.
Any good tips?

 

[Simon s]

Avondale Black Link. Did the job for me. Plus it bends ! And is only about 7mm in diameter.
Probably cheaper too.

 

[hifi-dog]

Witch hat phantom, TQ black

 

[daytona600]

Twin & Earth

 

[suzywong]

Twin & Earth

tried that many years ago when rearranging the lounge, and the existing NACA4 runs were not long enough.

it was rubbish. The lounge was put back as it had been, and the NACA4 reinstated.

 

[Tony Lockhart]

Another vote for Avondale BlackLink. I first bought it in about 2007, and only replaced it when we moved here and needed longer runs.

Definitely maintains the Naim signature as far as I can tell, and it reigns in the treble nicely. You can coil it around your little finger without problems!

 

[Boris the madcap]

Ewa, starting point cable.

 

[daytona600]

cryogenic treated Twin & Earth

 

[TLS]

AV Options Twisted-56.

 

[PerF]

what is better

Depends...

On your list should be (long length)
WH Phantom
Kudos KS1
Chord Shawline
TQB/EWA

Even Naim chief designer promote NacA5 cable vs Lumina.

 

[Hungry Halibut]

This is an old question to most of Naim users: what is better than the stiff NAC A5 speaker cable?
I have a Nac122x / Flatcap2x/ Nap150x combo and find the A5 sound a tad bright and tight in comparison with the Supra Ply 3.4s that I have been using...but I must say that the A5 have a superior clarity.

There are a few alternatives like the Linn K20, but I think it could have the same sound signature...

So am wondering what else could I use? I want to keep the Naim’s famous PRAT characteristic sound but less shark on the top end.
Any good tips?

I use Kudos KS-1 with my Naim and it’s very good. It’s thin and flexible and not silly money. It’s nice and open sounding but keeps the Naiminess.

 

[Gervais Cote]

I had the opportunity to compare the Naim NAC A4, NAC A5 and the Linn K20.
They all sound the same and they are more than good enough. Give you all the Naim PRaT without harshness.
Now buying Linn K20 exclusively as it’s the most affordable and flexible of the lot.

 

[gavsw20]

Witchhat Phantom for me, available on the used market and very flexible.

 

[gavsw20]

Witchhat N2 is supposed to be good too (and lighter on the wallet).

 

[Scotchegg]

I use Witch Hat Phantom, really flexible.

 

[ryder]

I have a Nac122x / Flatcap2x/ Nap150x combo and find the A5 sound a tad bright

I find the NAC A5 to roll off the treble a little, sounding warm. May I ask what speakers are you using.

 

[Fergus]

I’ve used Witch Hat N2 and now Phantom which are both very good, and as mentioned flexible.

What about the Kelvin K19 cables that are for sale in the Classifieds?

 

[mcleanmuir]

WH Phantom for me. WH Spectre arriving soon so I am told.

 

[Whaleblue]

Would Atlas Hyper Speaker Cable be suitable for Naim amps? I have some that I could try with my Nait 2 if so.

 

[Tony Lockhart]

Would Atlas Hyper Speaker Cable be suitable for Naim amps? I have some that I could try with my Nait 2 if so.

I think it’s only Litz type cables and some of the woven cables (I might be wrong) that can cause Naim amps trouble. That Atlas looks fairly normal, so give it a go. If your house burns down, I’ll delete this reply!

Should be fine