Audio T Verdict
The Naim Power-Line is the full-size 2m UK mains cable in Naim's accessory range. Its 4mm² copper conductors, mechanically damped rubber outer sheath and purpose-designed connectors focus on secure electrical contact and mechanical decoupling at both ends of the cable.
It is a possible upgrade from a compatible product's standard lead or Power-Line Lite, but it is not a mains filter, conditioner, surge protector or voltage converter. Results depend on the product, system and installation, so a demonstration is more useful than assuming the same change in every system.
This listing is for the UK BS 1363 version. The connected component must have the correct mains voltage, a compatible IEC inlet and sufficient clearance for the larger connector and relatively substantial cable.
Naim Power-Line UK Mains Cable
Naim developed Power-Line to address both electrical contact and the transfer of mechanical energy through a mains lead. Rather than adding a filter network to the cable, the design uses carefully engineered plug assemblies, substantial copper conductors and mechanical decoupling.
The UK wall plug uses a thermoset resin case with floating pins. At the equipment end, Naim's IEC connector combines floating contacts with cable clamping and decoupling. The complete cable is 2m long and intended for compatible mains-powered equipment.
Designed For
- Compatible Naim products with the appropriate IEC mains inlet
- UK systems using a standard BS 1363 mains socket
- Upgrading from a supplied lead or Power-Line Lite where appropriate
- One mains-powered component or external power supply per cable
- Installations with enough rear clearance for the connector and cable bend
- Customers able to compare the cable in their own system
Important Limitations
- It is not a mains conditioner, filter or regenerator
- It does not provide surge protection or correct an earthing fault
- It cannot change a component's operating voltage
- It does not fit captive-lead, figure-eight, cloverleaf or other incompatible inlets
- It cannot power several products from one wall socket
- It must not be shortened, reterminated, extended or modified
- Compatibility with third-party equipment must be confirmed before use
Power-Line and Power-Line Lite
Power-Line and Power-Line Lite are different products. Power-Line Lite is the lighter cable supplied with many Naim components and is also available separately. It uses several Naim contact and decoupling ideas in a simpler design.
The full Power-Line described here uses 4mm² copper conductors and Naim's more elaborate connector assemblies at both ends. Its IEC connector incorporates floating contacts, double-wiper contacts, cable decoupling and eddy-current suppression. The cable is also thicker and less flexible than Power-Line Lite.
Check What Your Product Already Includes
Supplied mains leads vary by Naim product, generation and market. Many products include Power-Line Lite, while selected models may include the full Power-Line. Confirm the contents of the component before ordering a second cable.
UK Mains Plug with Floating Pins
The BS 1363 wall plug is housed in thermoset resin. Its mains pins are designed to float within the plug body so they can align with the contacts in the wall socket, helping to maximise the contact area without transferring unnecessary mechanical stress through a rigidly fixed pin assembly.
The stripped conductor ends are held by specially profiled clamp screws. A die-cast internal component both clamps and mechanically decouples the cable, while its material and shape are intended to suppress eddy currents around the conductors.
A small amount of intended movement in the floating assembly should not be confused with damage. The plug must still insert fully and remain secure. Do not dismantle the plug or try to tighten, adjust or test its internal parts.
Mechanically Decoupled IEC Connector
The equipment-end connector follows the same mechanical principle. Its electrical contacts float within the body and use a double-wiper arrangement to make contact with the matching appliance inlet. Cable clamping and decoupling are combined within the connector assembly.
This connector is larger and heavier than the moulded connector on many standard mains leads. It needs a compatible inlet and enough space to sit squarely without the cable pulling sideways or placing leverage on the product's rear panel.
4mm² Copper Conductors
Power-Line uses 4mm² copper conductors, each with its own dielectric insulation. The outer rubber sheath is selected for mechanical damping as well as electrical protection, contributing to the cable's substantial feel and 8.8mm published diameter.
The original Audio T specification described the cable as a two-core twisted construction. That wording is not appropriate for a UK earthed mains lead and is not used on Naim's current product page. The reliable manufacturer description is 4mm² copper conductors with individual dielectric insulation.
What Mechanical Decoupling Means
A mains cable can carry mechanical energy as well as electrical current. Movement from transformers, loudspeakers, racks and the surrounding room can reach a component through its cable and connectors. Naim's floating contact and decoupling arrangements are intended to reduce the rigid mechanical path between the wall socket, cable and equipment chassis.
This is distinct from electrical filtering. Power-Line contains no advertised series filter, isolation transformer, regenerator or surge-suppression network. It should therefore not be bought to solve hum, unsafe wiring, overvoltage, lightning risk or a known mains-quality problem.
Component Compatibility
A familiar-looking mains inlet is not enough on its own to establish compatibility. Check the appliance inlet type, mains voltage, frequency, protective-earth arrangement, current requirement, fuse requirement and physical clearance stated by the equipment manufacturer.
For Naim equipment, use the mains lead specified in the product manual and follow any model-specific installation instructions. For third-party equipment, use Power-Line only when that manufacturer permits a detachable lead of this type and every electrical and mechanical requirement is met.
It Does Not Change Mains Voltage
The cable passes the local mains supply to the connected product. It cannot convert 230V equipment for use on another voltage, correct an incorrectly configured component or make an imported product suitable for UK mains. Always check the equipment rating label before connection.
Using Power-Line with an External Power Supply
In a Naim system with an external power supply, the Power-Line connects to whichever enclosure actually receives mains power. It does not replace the Burndy or other low-voltage cable between the power supply and the audio component.
For example, when a component is powered entirely by an NPX 300, 555 PS DR or another compatible external supply, follow the system manual and connect the mains cable to the supply. Do not assume that every box in the system should remain connected to the wall.
The NVC TT phono stage itself does not accept a conventional IEC mains cable. Where it is powered by an NPX TT, the mains cable connects to the NPX TT instead. Similar system-specific rules apply to other externally powered Naim products.
Installation and Cable Dressing
Switch the component off and disconnect it from the wall before changing the mains cable. Insert the IEC connector fully and squarely into the matching inlet, then connect the wall plug. If the connector does not fit easily, stop and check compatibility rather than forcing it.
Allow the cable to follow a broad, natural curve. Do not coil it tightly, kink it, crush it behind furniture, trap it under a rack, run it beneath a carpet or use its stiffness to support or pull on the equipment connector. Extra rear clearance may be required.
Keep the cable away from heat, moisture and sharp edges. Do not use it outdoors. A cable with a damaged sheath, cracked connector, bent pin, overheating mark or unreliable connection must be disconnected and inspected by an authorised retailer or qualified technician.
Fuse and Current Rating
The UK plug is fused, but the plug fuse is only one part of the complete electrical path. The safe load is governed by the cable, connectors, socket, distribution equipment and connected product, with the lowest applicable rating taking precedence.
Naim manuals commonly specify a 13A fuse where a fused plug is used with the relevant Naim product. Do not treat that as permission to fit a 13A fuse for unrelated equipment. Use the fuse specified for the connected component and the supplied cable, and ask Audio T if the requirement is unclear.
Listening and Evaluation
Naim developed Power-Line through engineering work and listening tests, but no mains cable can guarantee the same audible result in every product, system or building. Existing socket condition, equipment design, system resolution, rack layout and cable routing can all affect the comparison.
The most useful assessment is a controlled demonstration with the system at matched volume. Compare familiar music, return to the original cable and then repeat the change. This helps distinguish a consistent improvement from expectation or a difference caused by an incomplete connection.
Key Features
- Full Naim Power-Line rather than Power-Line Lite
- UK BS 1363 mains plug
- 2m fixed cable length
- 4mm² copper conductors
- Individual dielectric conductor insulation
- Mechanically damped rubber outer sheath
- Thermoset resin wall-plug case
- Floating wall-plug pins for contact alignment
- Specially profiled conductor clamp screws
- Die-cast cable clamp and decoupling component
- IEC connector with floating, double-wiper contacts
- Mechanical decoupling and eddy-current suppression at the connectors
Specifications are based on current Naim information and the published Audio T listing. Product markings and supplied documentation take precedence if production details change.