NAIM POWERAMPS Manual - Nap 500 Power Amplifier
5
nap 500 power amplifier
connections
The negative input and output connections are all common. The mains earth (ground) should always
be connected regardless of what other equipment is used in conjunction with Naim power amplifiers.
This 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. This will normally be the turntable or cdplayer.
Note: Each channel of the nap 500 is a “bridged” amplifier, so none of the speaker outlet sockets (+
or -) is at earth potential. Avoid connecting mains powered equipment such as electrostatic speakers,
sub-woofers and headphone energisers that do not have a floating earth. No plug which is connected
directly or indirectly to earth potential should be attached to any speaker outlet (+ or -).
protection
In the nap 500 the fan speed is increased in response to an increase in amplifier dissipation. If the
amplifier reaches 70°C due to prolonged running at high level or to airflow being blocked, the output
will be interrupted and the fan will run at full speed until it has cooled down. This may take a few
minutes.
It is not necessary to switch the amplifier off, but it may be advisable to mute the preamplifier or turn
the volume down to avoid surprises when it comes back on.
siting
Care should be taken when siting the nap 500 to ensure that the top and bottom ventilation grids are
not blocked i.e. by carpet if the unit is to be placed on the floor.
weight
The nap 500 is very heavy and care should be taken when lifting or moving it. Make sure that the
surface it is to be placed on can support the full weight.
loudspeaker cable
For the best results Naim Audio’s own speaker cable should be used to connect a loudspeaker to the
output of the power amplifiers. Special Naim Audio loudspeaker connectors are supplied to make the
connection to the power amplifier(s). IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THESE ARE USED, IN ORDER TO
COMPLY WITH CURRENT SAFETY REGULATIONS.
DO NOT, FOR ANY REASON, USE SO CALLED HIGH DEFINITION WIRE OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL
CABLE BETWEEN POWER AMPLIFIER AND LOUDSPEAKER AS DAMAGE MAY RESULT.