Naim Audio SUPERNAIT 2 User Manual

REFERENCE MANUAL

INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERS

SUPERNAIT 2 • NAIT XS 2 • NAIT 5si

ENGLISH

Contents

Section Page

Contents

1 Connections 1

1.1 Interconnect Cables 1

1.2 Loudspeaker Cables 1

2 Mains Power 1

2.1 Mains Plug Wiring 1

2.2 Equipment Fuses 1

2.3 Non-rewirable Mains Plugs 1

2.4 Mains Circuits and Cables 1

3 General Installation 2

3.1 Siting The Equipment 2

3.2 Switching On 2

3.3 Running In 2

3.4 Radio Interference 2

3.5 Lightning Precautions 2

3.6 Problems? 2

3.7 Service and Updates 2

4 SUPERNAIT 2

Introduction, Installation and Connection 3

4.1 Mains Power Connection 3

4.2 Signal Inputs 3

4.3 Speaker Outputs 3

4.4 av and hdd Outputs 3

4.5 Headphone Output 3

4.6 AV Bypass 4

4.7 Other Signal Inputs and Outputs 4

4.8 Power Supply Upgrades 4

4.9 General Connections Notes 4

4.10 External Control and Interface 4

5 Controls and Connections 5

5.1 Front Panel Controls 5

5.2 Rear Panel Connections 5

6 System Connections 6

6.1 SUPERNAIT 2 with Hi-Cap Power Supply 6

6.2 SUPERNAIT 2 with additional

NAP 200 Power Amplifier 6

6.3 SUPERNAIT 2 with Hi-Cap Power Supply

and NAP 200 Power Amplifier 7

7 Amplifier Operation

and Programmable Functions 8

7.1 Automatic Input Switching 8

7.2 Handset Volume and Balance Control 8

7.3 Mute 8

7.4 Display 8

7.5 Switch-on 8

7.6 Remote Control 8

7.7 Defaults 8

7.8 Fault Conditions 8

8 Specifications 9

9 NAIT XS 2

Introduction, Installation and Connection 10

9.1 Mains Power Connection 10

9.2 Signal Inputs 10

9.3 Speaker Outputs 10

9.4 av and hdd Outputs 10

9.5 Headphone Output 10

9.6 AV Bypass 11

9.7 Other Signal Inputs and Outputs 11

9.8 Power Supply Upgrades 11

9.9 General Connections Notes 11

9.10 External Control and Interface 11

10 Controls and Connections 12

10.1 Front Panel Controls 12

10.2 Rear Panel Connections 12

11 System Connections 13

11.1 Nait XS 2 with FlatCap XS Power Supply 13

11.2 Nait XS 2 with Hi-Cap Power Supply

and NAP 200 Power Amplifier 13

12 Amplifier Operation

and Programmable Functions 14

12.1 Automatic Input Switching 14

12.2 Handset Volume Control 14

12.3 Mute 14

12.4 Display 14

12.5 Switch-on 14

12.6 Remote Control 14

12.7 Defaults 14

12.8 Fault Conditions 14

13 Specifications 15

14 NAIT 5si

Introduction, Installation and Connection 16

14.1 Mains Power Connection 16

14.2 Signal Inputs 16

14.3 Speaker Outputs 16

14.4 hdd Output 16

14.5 Headphone Output 16

15 Controls and Connections 17

15.1 Front Panel Controls 17

15.2 Rear Panel Connections 17

16 Amplifier Operation

and Programmable Functions 18

16.1 Automatic Input Switching 18

16.2 AV Bypass 18

16.3 Handset Volume Control 18

16.4 Mute 18

16.5 Display 18

16.6 Remote Control 18

16.7 Defaults 18

16.8 Fault Conditions 18

17 Specifications 19

18 NARCOM 4 Remote Handset 20

18.1 Using NARCOM 4 20

18.2 NARCOM 4 Keys 20

19 Declaration of Conformity 21

20 Statutory Safety Warnings 21

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 all
integrated amplifiers. It begins with some general installation notes. Product specific
information begins in Section 4.

Note: Please read the
Statutory Safety Warnings
found at the end of this
manual.

1 Connections

It is important for both safety and performance that

the standard cables supplied are not modified.

1.1 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. Naim Hi-Line interconnect

cable will provide the best results.

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

deposit may degrade the sound.

1.2 Loudspeaker Cables

Loudspeaker cables are vitally important. They 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.

Some Naim amplifiers are designed only to work with

Naim loudspeaker cable and using alternatives may

degrade the performance or even damage the amplifier.

Other Naim amplifiers can be used with any high quality

loudspeaker cable although we recommend that Naim

loudspeaker cable is used. Naim loudspeaker cable is

directional and should be oriented so that the printed

arrow points towards the speakers. The Naim loudspeaker

connectors supplied are designed to comply with

European safety legislation and must be used.

Contact your local retailer or distributor for further advice

on loudspeaker cables and connectors.

2 Mains Power

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.

2.1 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 coloured GREEN-AND-YELLOW must be

connected to the terminal in the plug marked by the

letter E or by the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or

GREEN and YELLOW.

The wire coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal

in the plug marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.

The wire coloured BROWN must be connected to the

terminal in the plug marked with the letter L or coloured

RED.

2.2 Equipment Fuses

Mains powered Naim Audio equipment is fitted with a

mains fuse on the rear panel adjacent to the mains input

socket. Replace it if necessary only with the spare fuse

supplied or with an identical fuse. Repeated failure of the

fuse points to a fault that should be investigated by your

retailer or Naim itself.

2.3 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.

2.4 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

mechanical hum from mains transformers. Some Naim

transformers are large in size, 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

generally improve system performance. Advice on the

installation of a separate mains circuit should be sought

from a qualified electrician.

Use only the mains leads and plugs supplied or the Naim

PowerLine mains cable.

E1

Introduction

3 General Installation

Naim equipment is designed to offer the finest

performance possible avoiding compromise

wherever practical. This can lead to circumstances

that may be unfamiliar. The notes that follow contain

advice specifically related to Naim equipment as

well as more general warnings about the use of

domestic audio products. Please read them carefully.

3.1 Siting The Equipment

In order to reduce the risk of hum audible from the

loudspeakers, power supplies and power amplifiers

should be located a reasonable distance away from

other equipment. The maximum separation distance for

connected equipment is that allowed by the standard

interconnect lead.

Some Naim equipment is extremely heavy. Check the

weight of the equipment prior to lifting and if necessary

use more than one person so that it can be moved safely.

Ensure that your equipment rack or table can easily

support the weight and is stable.

3.2 Switching On

Source components and power supplies should be

switched on before the power amplifiers. Always switch

amplifiers off and wait a minute before connecting or

disconnecting any leads. Always use the power switch on

the product rather than a mains outlet switch.

A “thump” may be heard from the loudspeakers as power

amplifiers are switched on. This is normal, will not cause

any loudspeaker damage and does not point to any fault

or problem. A mild “pop” may also be heard shortly after

equipment is switched off.

3.4 Radio Interference

In some circumstances, depending on where you live

and the earthing arrangements in your home, you may

experience radio frequency interference. Controls on

broadcasting in some territories allow very high levels of

radio frequency radiation and both the choice and exact

siting of equipment may be critical. Susceptibility to radio

frequency interference is related to the wide internal

bandwidth necessary for high sound quality. A radio

frequency filter kit is available for some Naim equipment

but sound quality will be progressively compromised as

more elements of the kit are fitted.

3.5 Lightning Precautions

Your Naim hi-fi system can be damaged by lightning

and should be turned off and disconnected from the

mains when there is risk of lightning strike. For complete

protection all mains plugs and any aerial cables should be

disconnected when not in use.

3.6 Problems?

Consumer protection varies from country to country. In

most territories a retailer must be prepared to take back

any equipment he has sold if it cannot be made to work

satisfactorily. A problem may be due to a fault in the

system or its installation so it is essential to make full use of

your dealer’s diagnostic skills. Please contact your local

distributor, or Naim Audio directly, if any difficulties cannot

be resolved.

Some Naim equipment is made in special versions for

different territories and this makes it impracticable to

arrange international guarantees. Please establish the

local guarantee arrangements with your retailer. Contact

Naim Audio directly for help and advice if necessary.

3.3 Running In

Naim equipment takes a considerable time to run in

before it performs at its best. The duration varies, but under

some conditions the sound may continue to improve for

over a month. Better and more consistent performance

will be achieved if the system is left switched on for long

periods. It is worth remembering however that equipment

left connected to the mains can be damaged by

lightning.

3.7 Service and Updates

It is essential that repairs and updates are only carried

out by an authorised Naim retailer or at the factory by

Naim itself. Many components are custom made, tested

or matched and appropriate replacements are often

unobtainable from other sources.

Direct contact to Naim for service or update information

should be made initially through Customer Services:

Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Please quote the product serial number (found on its rear

panel) in all correspondence.

E2

SUPERNAIT 2

4 SUPERNAIT 2 Introduction, Installation and Connection

The Supernait 2 is a very high performance stereo integrated amplifier that combines a
preamplifier providing six line-level analogue inputs with a power amplifier rated at 80
Watts per channel. The Supernait 2 can be controlled by either its remote handset or by
front panel mounted volume and balance knobs, and mute and input selection buttons.
The Supernait 2 remote handset is described in Section 18 of this manual. A front panel

6.3mm jack socket enables the use of headphones with the Supernait 2.

A variety of power supply upgrade, alternative preamplifier and alternative or additional
power amplifier options are possible for the Supernait 2. Diagrams illustrating the
connection of some of these are shown in Section 6. If no power supply or alternative
amplifier options are to be employed, the Supernait 2 preamp/power amp link plug,
supplied in the accessory pack, must be fitted to the rear panel “preamp out” and
“power amp in” sockets. The link plug is shown fitted in Diagram 5.2.

Your Supernait 2 should be installed on a dedicated equipment stand intended for
the purpose. Do not stand it directly on top of another item of equipment. Care should
be taken to ensure that it is level. The amplifier should be installed in its final location
before connecting cables or switching on. Ensure that the volume is turned down before
switching on.

4.1 Mains Power Connection

Connect the Supernait 2 to a mains power socket using

either the mains cable supplied or a Naim Power-Line.

Note: The Supernait 2
incorporates an AV
Bypass switch on its rear
panel. The switch should
only be set to “On” if the
amplifier is to be used
in conjunction with an
AV processor in a home
theatre system. In all
other installations the
AV Bypass switch should
be set to “Off”. Speaker
and amplifier damage
may occur if a signal is
inadvertently connected
to the Supernait 2 av
input while the AV
Bypass switch is “On”.

4.2 Signal Inputs

The Supernait 2 front panel input buttons select the source

input signal to be routed to the integral power amplifier

and the loudspeakers or headphones. The six buttons are
labelled cd, tuner, hdd (hard disk drive), av, aux 1 and aux 2.

The cd, tuner, hdd and av input buttons correspond to

parallel DIN and RCA phono input sockets on the rear
panel, while the aux 1 input button corresponds only to a

pair of RCA phono sockets.

Note: The hdd and av sockets carry both inputs and

outputs. See Section 4.4 for more information.

The aux 2 input button corresponds to a DIN input socket
on the rear panel. The aux 2 DIN socket also carries a
power supply output intended to power a Naim Stageline
or SuperLine phono preamplifier.

Note: For optimum sound quality DIN sockets should be

used in preference to RCA phono sockets.

Note: Where an input has DIN and phono socket options

only one should be connected at any one time.

Always use high quality interconnect cables to connect

sources to inputs. The Naim Hi-Line will produce the best

results.

4.3 Speaker Outputs

A set of stereo speaker connection sockets is provided on

the rear panel. Custom Naim loudspeaker connectors are

supplied to make the connection and in order to comply

with current European safety regulations these should

always be used. Naim speaker cable will provide the best

results, however, a wide range of speaker cable types can

be used without risk of damage to the amplifier.

Ensure when connecting speakers that they are “in

phase”. That is, the positive and negative connection

orientation at both the speaker and amplifier ends of the

cable is the same for both channels.

4.4 av and hdd Outputs

The Supernait 2 av and hdd inputs have associated

outputs that enable the selected input signal to be routed

externally; to an audio recording component for example.

Note: The av and hdd outputs remain active while

their corresponding inputs are selected. Take care that

a feedback loop is not inadvertently created by the

simultaneous selection of input and output.

4.5 Headphone Output

The Supernait 2 headphone output is able to drive the

majority of headphone types. The 6.3mm (1/4”) jack

socket, rather than the smaller 3.5mm jack socket, provides

more reliable connection and potentially higher sound

quality. Most high-quality headphones are supplied with

an adaptor that enables use with either 3.5mm or 6.3mm

jack sockets. Inserting a headphone plug will mute the

Supernait 2 speaker outputs. Removing the headphone

plug will restore the outputs.

E3

SUPERNAIT 2

4.6 AV Bypass

The Supernait 2 can be integrated within a multi-channel

home theatre system, driving the front left and right

channel speakers, by engaging its AV Bypass mode.

AV Bypass mode enables a home theatre processor to

take over volume control of signals connected to the
Supernait 2 av input. It is engaged using the switch on the

rear panel. The Supernait 2 volume control indicator will

extinguish when AV Bypass mode is engaged and the av

input is selected. The remote handset volume control will

also be disabled.

Note: The AV Bypass feature must be used with care. It

bypasses the Supernait 2 volume control leaving any signal

connected to the av input to be passed to the speakers at

full volume.

Note: Inserting a headphone plug while AV Bypass mode

is selected temporarily returns the Supernait 2 to normal

operation. Removing the headphone plug will return the

Supernait 2 to AV Bypass mode.

Note: The mute function is disabled when AV Bypass mode

is engaged.

4.7 Other Signal Inputs and Outputs

The Supernait 2 incorporates DIN bi-amp (output), RCA
phono sub out, DIN pre-amp out, and DIN power-amp in
sockets on its rear panel. In normal use the pre-amp out
and power-amp in sockets are connected by a link plug.

The link plug should be removed only in the following

circumstances:

Diagrams 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 illustrate some applications of

the Supernait 2 preamp out, power amp in and bi-amp

sockets.

4.8 Power Supply Upgrades

The Supernait 2 preamplifier can be upgraded through the

connection of an external Flatcap, Hi-Cap or Supercap

power supply. Diagrams illustrating power supply upgrades

are shown in Section 6. The Supernait 2 and external power

supply must be switched off when connections are made.

Switch on the external power supply first followed by the

Supernait 2 when all connections are complete.

4.9 General Connections Notes

The Supernait 2 negative input and output connections

for each channel are common. The mains earth (ground)

should always be connected regardless of what other

equipment is used in conjunction with the amplifier. The

mains earth only grounds the case and the electrostatic

screen within the transformer, and is not connected to the

signal negative. In order to avoid hum loops, the signal

negative of the whole system should be connected to the

mains earth (ground) in one place.

A signal ground connection is fitted to the Supernait 2 rear

panel. This is intended to be used to connect a turntable

pick-up arm signal earth only.

4.10 External Control and Interface

The Supernait 2 is fitted on its rear panel with a 3.5mm jack

Remote In socket and a mini-USB interface socket.

• A power supply upgrade is to be used.

• An alternative preamplifier is to be used with the

Supernait 2 power amplifier.

• An alternative power amplifier is to be used with the

Supernait 2 preamplifier.

Note: When an external preamplifier is connected to the

Supernait 2 power-amp in socket, a fault will initially be

indicated by the Supernait 2 mute button flashing. To clear

the fault, press and hold the flashing mute button. This will

un-mute the amplifier and turn off the display and volume

indicator.

Note: The power amp in socket carries a 24V DC power

supply output intended for Naim preamplifiers that require

an external power supply.

The Supernait 2 DIN bi-amp output socket provides a

preamp output signal that enables a second power

amplifier to be used in conjunction with the Supernait 2

power amplifier.

The RCA phono sub out sockets provide a stereo output

intended for connection to an active subwoofer. The

output signal is a duplicate of the preamplifier output. No

low-pass filtering is applied.

The Remote In socket can be used for RC5 remote control

of the Supernait 2 via a wired connection or a remote IR

repeater.

The mini-USB socket enables firmware upgrades and

diagnostic tests to be carried out. Contact your Naim

retailer for more information if required.

Note: The mini-USB interface is not intended for the

connection of USB memory devices.

E4

SUPERNAIT 2

5 Controls and Connections

5.1 Front Panel Controls

source selection

volume

balance

5.2 Rear Panel Connections

power

mains

input

and fuse

cd and tuner

Inputs

ch1
ch2

-ve

nc
nc

left

speaker

USB

update

interface

av and hdd

Inputs

ch1
ch2

-ve

right

speaker

av
bypass
switch

ch1
(out)

ch2
(out)

remote in

aux 2 input

+ve
ch2

-ve

+ve

ch1

headphone

mute

socket

aux 2

bi-amp out

signal ground

preamp out and

sub
out

in &
power
out

aux 1
in RCA

av in
& out

av in
RCA

hdd in
& out

hdd
in RCA

tuner
in

tuner
in RCA

power amp in. Link

plug tted.

Note: The link plug should be removed only if a power

supply upgrade is to be used or an alternative preamplifier

is to use the Supernait 2 power amplifier section. It should

remain fitted in all other circumstances.

cd in

cd
in RCA

preamp and

bi-amp out

ch2 ch2

-ve -ve

ch1 ch1

nc +ve

power amp in

E5