Naim NAC A5 Speaker Cable: How to Terminate and Match It

By Addicted To Audio - Home Audio Electronics & Accessories | Published: 2026-10-31

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to terminate Naim NAC A5 speaker cable with banana plugs and choose the right length for your Naim system. Practical steps for a secure, great-sounding connection.

Quick answer

Terminate Naim NAC A5 with high-quality banana plugs, keep each run as short as practical, and use equal lengths for both channels. Match the cable to your Naim amplifier and speakers by respecting polarity and avoiding excess cable.

Why NAC A5 is designed for Naim systems

NAC A5 is a multi-strand loudspeaker cable with two separated 4mm² conductors. Its capacitance and inductance are optimised for use with Naim Audio amplifiers and a wide range of loudspeakers, which helps preserve the amplifier's intended performance. If you use a different amplifier brand, check that its manual doesn't specify a different cable type or maximum capacitance.

Choosing the right length and colour

NAC A5 is sold per metre with length and colour options. For most rooms, 2 to 3 metres per channel is enough; longer runs increase resistance and cost. Always order the same length for left and right to keep the electrical characteristics balanced. If you're unsure, measure the actual path from amplifier to speaker, add a little slack for movement, and round up to the nearest metre.

When to choose a different cable

NAC A5 is a strong match for Naim amplifiers, but it isn't the only option. If your amplifier manufacturer warns against high-capacitance cable, or if you need a very long run (over 10 metres), a lower-capacitance or thicker gauge cable may be more appropriate. Also consider that NAC A5's 4mm² conductors can be stiff; in tight spaces, a more flexible cable might be easier to route.

Step-by-step termination and matching

Measure and cut equal lengths: Run a tape from each amplifier terminal to its speaker, following the cable path. Add 30 cm of slack, then cut both lengths to the same measurement. Common mistake: cutting one channel longer, which can subtly shift balance. Double-check measurements before cutting; extra cable is harder to hide than a short run is to fix.
Strip the outer jacket carefully: Use a cable stripper set to the jacket thickness. Remove about 3 cm of outer jacket to expose the two conductors, being careful not to nick the copper strands. Common mistake: cutting too deep and damaging conductor strands. If strands are cut, trim back and start again; damaged strands weaken the connection.
Separate and strip the conductors: Gently pull the two conductors apart. Strip 10–12 mm of insulation from each conductor, then twist the strands tightly. Common mistake: leaving stray strands that can bridge across terminals. Twist in the direction of the strand lay so the bundle stays tight.
Fit banana plugs securely: Slide the plug barrel over the twisted conductor and tighten the screw or crimp according to the plug's design. Tug gently to confirm a firm hold. Common mistake: loose plugs that cause intermittent sound. Check each plug for tightness after fitting; a loose plug can arc and damage your amplifier.
Observe polarity and connect: Connect the red plug to the red (positive) terminal on both amplifier and speaker, and black to black. Common mistake: reversing one channel, which causes phase cancellation and thin bass. Label both ends of each cable before connecting to avoid mix-ups.
Match cable length to your system: For most Naim setups, 2–3 metres per channel is ideal. If you need longer runs, keep both channels equal and avoid coiling excess cable tightly. Common mistake: using a long length on one side and short on the other. Excess cable can be loosely looped, but never coil it into a tight bundle near sensitive components.

Product facts

Naim NAC A5 Speaker Cable Per Metre: NAC A5 is a multi-strand cable with two separated 4mm² conductors, and its capacitance and inductance are optimised for Naim Audio amplifiers and many loudspeakers. This design helps preserve the amplifier's intended sound and makes termination straightforward with standard banana plugs.
Naim NAC A5 Speaker Cable Per Metre