NAIM NAC 122X User manual

OWNERS MANUAL
N A C 1 2 2 x
ENGLISH

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.
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 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.
2.1 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.
2.2 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.
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.
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.
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.
2.5 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.
2.6 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.
Introduction

Introduction
2.7 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.
NAC 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 Sockets
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.
3.2 Subwoofer Output
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 Automatic Input Switching
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.
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.
3.4 AV Integration (Unity Gain)
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.
Direct contact to Naim for service or update information
should be made initially through Customer Services:
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Please quote the product serial number (found on its rear
panel) in all correspondence.

NAC 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.
3.5 Handset Volume Control
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.
3.6 Mute
The mute button silences and restores the output signal.
3.7 Record Monitor
The mon button operates the record monitor circuit
enabling the recorded output of a suitably equipped
recording device to be heard.
3.8 Record Mute
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.
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.
3.10 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.
3.11 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.
3.12 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.
4.1 NAC 122x Front
volume mon mute source selection
4 NAC 122x Control and Connection

NAC 122x
cable
direction
marker
to power amplifier with internal power supply
4.2 NAC 122x Rear
ch1
-ve
nc
nc
ch2
Inputs 1, 2 & 6
ch1
-ve
ch1
(out)
ch2
(out)
ch2
Inputs 3, 4 & 5
+ve
-ve
+ve
ch1
ch2
Input 6
(alternative)
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 NAC 122x features various technologies to
reduce microphonic effects. Some movement of the
board and sockets when connecting and disconnecting
cables is normal.
Note: The RS232/comms interface is an optional
upgrade. It can be specified at time of order or fitted
retrospectively. Contact your local representative or Naim
Audio directly for further information.
signal ground
1cd
in
2 tun
in
3 tape
in/out
5 aux 1
in/out
4 AV
in/out
6 aux 2 in &
power out
cd RCA
Phonos in
aux 2 RCA
Phonos in
subwoofer RCA Phonos out
power supply upgrade
link plug tted
RS232
interface
RC5 in RC5 out
to power amplier with
internal power supply
4.3 NAC 122x Connected to Flatcap 2x Power Supply
mains input
and fuse
power
switch
to stereo power
ampliers
to mono or dual
mono power
ampliers
for CD5x ,
Headline or
Stageline.
Additional
interconnects
required
240° 5 to 5 pin DIN
6 aux
2 in

Products that display the crossed-out wheeled bin logo
cannot be disposed of as domestic waste. These products
must be disposed of at facilities capable of re-cycling
them and appropriately handling any waste by-products.
Contact your local authority for details of the
nearest such facility. Appropriate recycling and
waste disposal helps conserve resources and
protects the environment from contamination.
Declarations
Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer Naim Audio Limited, Southampton
Road, Salisbury, England, SP1 2LN
Products NAC 122x
Safety EN 60065 - Audio video and similar
electronic apparatus. Safety
requirements.
EMC EN 55013 - Sound and television
broadcast receivers and associated
equipment.
EN55020 - Electromagnetic immunity
of broadcast receivers and associated
equipment.
EN 61000-3-2 - Limits for harmonic current
emissions.
EN 61000-4-2 - Testing and measurement.
Electrostatic discharge immunity.
NAC 122x
5 NAC 122x Specification
Input Sensitivities: 75mV, 47kΩ
Overload Margins: 35dB (all inputs all audio
frequencies)
Main Output Level: 0.775V, <50Ω
Tape Output Level: 75mV, 600Ω
Auxiliary Power Outputs: For Stageline/Prefix phono
stage.
Dimensions (H x W x D): 70 x 432 x 301mm
Naim Audio Limited, Southampton Road, Salisbury, England SP1 2LN
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] W: www.naim-audio.com
Part No. 12-001-0060 Drawing No. NA906007-400