owners manuaL naC 122x enGLIsH I n t ro duction 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 the naC 122x Preamplifier. It begins with some general installation notes. Product specific information begins in section 3. 1 Connections It is important for both safety and performance that the standard cables supplied are not modified. 2.3 running In Naim equipment takes a considerable time to run in before it performs at its best. The duration varies, but under some conditions it 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. 1.1 Inter c o n n e c t C a b l e s 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. 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. 2.4 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. In situations of extreme radio interference Naim equipment may be unsuitable. 2 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. 2.5 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. 2.1 s iting T h e e q u i p m e n t 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. 2.6 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. 2.2 s witc h i n g o n 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. I n t ro duction 2.7 s ervi c e a n d u p d a t e s 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: Email: +44 (0)1722 426600 info@naim-uk.com Please quote the product serial number (found on its rear panel) in all correspondence. N A C 122x 3 Installation and operation The naC 122x preamplifier does not incorporate an internal power supply but must be used in conjunction with either a naim power amplifier incorporating a preamplifier power output, or with an appropriate naim power supply. Diagram 4.3 illustrates the naC 122x connected to a Flatcap 2x power supply. 3.1 Input s o c k e t s The input selector buttons select the source input signal to be routed to the preamplifier outputs and the power amplifier. The NAC 122x has six DIN input sockets and two alternative pairs of RCA Phono sockets. The RCA Phono sockets are permanently connected to the CD and AUX 2 inputs in parallel with their DIN sockets. RCA Phono and DIN sockets for the same input should not be connected simultaneously. Once in program mode, the front panel mon button will illuminate if automatic switching is already enabled. If it is not enabled it can be switched on by pressing the front panel mon button twice. With auto switching enabled, pressing the front panel mon button will reveal the inputs selected for auto switching by their button indicators illuminating for a short time. Repeated operation of the mon button will sequentially select each combination of CD, Tuner, AV inputs, and auto switching disabled (CD, Tuner and AV button indicators off). When the desired inputs selected for auto switching are indicated, stop pressing the mon button. The remote handset mon key can also be used to set up automatic source switching. Automatic input switching only becomes operational on exiting from program mode by pressing and holding the handset prog key. note: In a few cases some further equipment configuration may be required for auto switching to operate correctly on the AV input. Please contact your retailer or local distributor for advice. 3.2 s ubw o o f e r ou t p u t The NAC 122x provides an analogue subwoofer output via a pair of RCA Phono sockets. note: The subwoofer output is a duplicate of the main preamplifier output. 3.3 a uto m a t i c I n p u t sw i t c h i n g The NAC 122x incorporates an optional automatic input switching feature which can select the appropriate input as soon as any handset function for a particular Naim source component is operated. For example, if the tuner input is selected on the NAC 122x and the CD play key is operated on the handset, the NAC 122x will automatically switch to the CD input. Automatic input switching can be programmed to operate independently on any combination of the CD, AV and Tuner input buttons. To enable automatic input switching, first switch the NAC 122x into program mode by pressing and holding the prog key of the remote handset (in preamplifier mode). Program mode is indicated by a flashing indicator on the volume control. If no function is operated within five minutes of entering program mode the NAC 122x will return to normal mode automatically. 3 . 4 a V I n t e g r a t i o n (u n i t y G a i n) The NAC 122x unity gain function enables an audio-visual processor to be integrated such that its volume control takes over command of signals connected to selected NAC 122x inputs. Unity gain can be selected on the AV input only. To select unity gain, first switch the NAC 122x into program mode as described in Section 3.3. The front panel mute button will illuminate if unity gain is selected. If it is not enabled it can be switched on by pressing the mute button twice. Deselect unity gain by again pressing the mute button. Unity gain only becomes operational on exiting from program mode by pressing and holding the handset prog key. N A C 122x note: The unity gain feature must be used with care. It effectively by-passes the NAC 122x volume control leaving any signal connected to a unity gain input to be passed to the power amplifier and speakers at full volume. Additionally, if the AV input is selected while unity gain is enabled the handset volume function will be disabled and the preamplifier's volume indicator will turn off. This will be flagged by the indicator flashing if the handset volume function is operated. Record mute can be engaged and disengaged from the remote handset by operating the record monitor function followed by the mute function. 3.9 Display The NAC 122x front panel button display can be switched off by pressing the remote handset (in preamplifier mode) disp function. Any subsequent handset or front panel operation will temporarily restore the display. A second operation of the disp function will permanently restore the display. 3.5 Hand s e t V o l u m e C o n t r o l The remote handset volume function provides some alternative control characteristics. A quick press and release of the key will adjust by a preset "nudge". A quick press and release of the key followed by press and hold will cause continual slow adjustment. Simple press and hold will cause continual fast adjustment. 3.10 switch-on After switch-on, via the power supply or power amplifier power button, the NAC 122x will remain muted for 30 seconds while control systems and circuits stabilise. 3.6 mute The mute button silences and restores the output signal. 3.11 remote control The NARCOM remote handset supplied with the NAC 122x duplicates all configuration and control functions. The NAC 122x also provides remote control input that enables it to be integrated with remote handset (RC5) signal repeaters. A remote control output enables the NAC 122x to be used as an IR receiver and to generate a modulated RC5 signal. 3.7 reco r d m o n i t o r The mon button operates the record monitor circuit enabling the recorded output of a suitably equipped recording device to be heard. 3.8 reco r d m u t e In order to minimise power consumption and improve sound quality the NAC 122x record output circuits may be switched off. To engage or disengage the record mute first operate the record monitor function (mon) as described in Paragraph 3.7 above then press the front panel mute button. The mute button indicator will be illuminated when record mute is engaged and extinguished when record mute is disengaged. 3.12 Defaults To restore all programmable settings to the factory defaults press and hold the remote handset disp key while the preamplifier is in program mode. The preamplifier will exit from program mode following this operation. 4 naC 122x Control and Con n e c t i o n 4.1 naC 1 2 2 x F r o n t volume mon mute source selection N A C 122x 4.2 naC 1 2 2 x re a r signal ground power supply upgrade link plug fitted to power amplifier with internal power supply RC5 in RC5 out to power amplifier with internal power supply subwoofer RCA Phonos out 1cd 2 tun in in 3 tape 4 AV 5 aux 1 6 aux in/out in/out in/out 2 in 6 aux 2 in & power out cd RCA Phonos in aux 2 RCA Phonos in RS232 interface Inputs 1, 2 & 6 ch1 ch2 -ve nc nc Inputs 3, 4 & 5 ch1 ch2 -ve ch1 (out) ch2 (out) Input 6 (alternative) +ve ch2 -ve +ve ch1 note: The NAC 122x AUX 2 input is provided with two sockets. The right hand socket (fitted on delivery with a blanking cover), is intended for use with a Stageline or Prefix RCA Phono stage and incorporates an appropriate DC power supply. The two sockets must not be used simultaneously. note: The RS232/comms interface is an optional note: The NAC 122x features various technologies to reduce microphonic effects. Some movement of the board and sockets when connecting and disconnecting cables is normal. upgrade. It can be specified at time of order or fitted retrospectively. Contact your local representative or Naim Audio directly for further information. 4.3 naC 1 2 2 x C o n n e c t e d t o F l a t c a p 2 x P o w e r s u p p l y 240° 5 to 5 pin DIN power switch mains input and fuse to stereo power amplifiers to mono or dual mono power amplifiers for CD5x , Headline or Stageline. Additional interconnects required cable direction marker N A C 122x 5 naC 122x s pecification Input sensitivities: overload margins: main output Level: Tape output Level: 75mV, 47k 35dB (all inputs all audio frequen ...