Naim + Cardas

@audiotroy - From the Naim web site

Naim power amps do not have extra inductance on their outputs (gives best sound), instead, in order to maintain stability, they rather elegantly use the speaker cable. They require a cable that provides a nominal inductance along with a low capacitance

What exactly is "a nominal inductance" ???

Most speaker cables have an acceptable amount of Capacitance, but those cables that eploy many strands of insulated wire like some Cardas cables and Kimber Kable may exceed the capacitance limit for High Current designs like NAIM, Gryphon and Ayre, depending on the total length of the cables.

When I exchanged emails a NAIM rep, he indicated that low Capacitance was important to prevent Oscilation and didn’t mention inductance, but I was aware of thier requirement

But he did convey the amp will not perform at it’s best if very low inductance cables were used - no mention of low inductance

Here are the numbers for Cardas Clear

• Measurements:
• Capacitance: 278 pf/ft
• Inductance: .0176 uh/ft

So for a 10 ft cable that would be 2780pf and 1.76 uh

Compared to NAC A5

NAC A5 specifications are as follows: 2-core loudspeaker cable available in white or black Each core contains 19 strands of 0.5 mm copper (4 sq mm) Capacitance: 16pF per metre Inductance: 1uH per metre

Could be a combination of both? - probably

Perhaps the speaker crossover plays some part in this process - they tend to have large inductors and capacitors

Either way, cables like Cardas Clear are not the best fit for High Current Solid State designs.

Also, relying on a speaker cable to provide adequate inductance in order for your amp to perform up to spec is perhaps not the best design approach.

Regards - Steve

Thanks all. Very helpful discussion. 

I have an Atom that is quite happy driving an 87 db speaker using Kimber TC-12 or a double shotgun of Audioquest Type 6 and yes even a quite affordable LFD silver wire. I use AQ fire from the Phono and AQ water in 5 m to a tube power amp also. ;-) have fun and enjoy the music…

I’m running a Supernait 3 with Audio Envy SP12 Speaker Cables and I just aquired a pair of Audioquest Oaks full range. I’m sending the Oaks in for re-termination adding longer leads at the amp end to better accommodate the connetion on the Naim speaker inputs.

N

First time I hear that Cardas cables are bad for solid state amps. I use it in my mostly SS system to great results. Had Audioquest Kong Cobra and Rocket 88 and found a combination of Cardas Quadlink, Golden Reference and various flavors of Cardas Clear to deliver a more balanced, warm, yet detailed sound.