The nominations for the 'Best Way to Spend a Grand' are..

My vote would go to a s/h Nait-2 (yep, I own one myself)
After owning about 12 amps in 12 years (and listened to many more), form cyrus
to Accuphase, the Nait-2 did it for me.
I have to confess that I haven't heard many Naim
pre-power combi's, but since we're talkin' about the ultimate Bargain here, I would say: "The Nait-2" old style preferred. It will drive speakers of
medium (87db) to high sensivety.

Greetings,

Alco

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You bloody murderer!

102/110 is what I advise. I actually owned just such a system (I was exactly in the position you describe)and I can't think of any second-hand combo to beat it: primarily because it is the best pre-amp you can buy for the sum you suggest, while leaving just enough for a power amp. This isn't just theory, I have also heard other configurations, 32.5, 62, 72 etc., with "better" power amps and they were all outperformed.

Note: I am basing this on what 1000 quid will fetch in Canada.

Vuk.

For a thousand notes, I'd be inclined to find a used 72 (no remote, all music) and used Hicap, and apply the balance to either a used 90 or 140 or 160, whichever you can buy for least money to suit your headroom needs.

In Loot, there is a late model 72 for 375 quid, a 90/3 for 225, and I believe Hicap currency is generally worth around 400, depending on age.

Alternatively, you might like to try a used 72/180 for increased power and upgrade potential.

James

Vuk.

Arie

People buy and sell their stuff (any kind) on loot. I'm afraid deals and bargains are rather difficult for non-UK-based citizens, like us

Stefano.

The decider between them would be lebgth of time before adding a *cap to the 102 (or moving the 72 on and jumping to 82), and whether the masking effect of the 72 coupled with the extra punch of the hicap provided a better balance in your system (I recall your point about not especially sensitive speakers). I'd be biased to the 102 option; the synergy would be the final influence.

Personally I have an aversion to the 90 in general terms.

HTH.

Rico - musichead

Second Choice would be used 102/Napsc/140.

On the grounds that 72/Hi would outperform a straight 102.
A power supply must be considered as part of the pre - not a seperate 'audio' item - 'cos you'll get sod-all music without one.

If speakers are low efficiency and can take power (rare) then go for a used 32.5/Hi/250 (old style at that price). Substitute a Snaps or Flatcap only if over budget.

Best Naim Bargain ? - Nait 2.

Rob.

[This message was edited by Rob Holt on THURSDAY 23 November 2000 at 18:44.]

Can't you Spend a Grand on me ?

Stefano,

It realy annoys that loot is not for us, but we have a good weather they don't.

Arie

quote:

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It realy annoys that loot is not for us, but we have a good weather they don't.

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You're right Arie. BTW their food is awful too, who cares if we can't buy that s/h 52+SC for a wistful of UKP .

Stefano.

PS
Best bargain Nait2 (I paid mine -new look - 210 UKP).

[This message was edited by Stefano Rosati on FRIDAY 24 November 2000 at 07:55.]

Can be had for the price of a Nait 2, adds more refinement and drive. Absolute Bargain bargain at circa £200-£250.

Rico - musichead

Hey Stefano, haven't you ever tried Scotch Pie and Chips? You haven't lived man!

On the £1000 thing. I've seen used 160's for £250-£300. It easily outperforms the 140 (and 180 for me) so it's got to be included. Adding £350 for an old style hicap leaves enough for a 72. So, 72/hicap/160. You get the benefit of the better supply for the preamp and a bigger poweramp' for the insensitive loudspeakers. I follow all comments about the 102 but I still haven't heard one so I can't include it.

Brian

Brian, I thought you were going to talk about that other Scottish delicacy - "Deep Fried Mars Bars" (to our American cousins thing deep fried Snickers).

Bad food? You Mediterraneans have been going to the wrong places in the UK. Some of the best restaurants in the world are in London.

I could take you to some Fish & Chips shops in Yorkshire that would have you dumping your Pizzas and Falafel. ;-))

Andrew

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

guy batey

quote:

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Can you put a flatcap/hicap/top hat whatever on a Nait 2?

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You can put what ever you like on a Nait2 it is your equipment....

I don't think you can use an outer supplyer with a Nait 2 but maybe there is a way, let's hear from the experts here.

Arie

Andrew

I live in Yorkshire and you're right about the fish and chips.
About Scotch Pies. I come from Newcastle where Scotch pies are sold in bakeries all over the place. I normally cook 'em in the oven. Once though, when I was in a village called Edzell in Scotland they chucked one into the deep fat fryer and dished it up dripping in fat! I never worked out if it was a joke or not.

Brian

I actually come from Filey in Yorkshire - if you are ever over there, go to "Dicky B's". They have some of the best Fish and Chips I've ever had.

Home sick,

Andrew

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

Best tip award goes to whoever suggested looking on www.loot.com

As for food, we brits eat at home, so overseas visitors, if you get the chance, wangle an invite to someone's home , or better still their mother/grandmother's home, and have Yorkshire pudding with rabbit gravy.(Traditionally served on it's own BEFORE the roast beef) You will never criticise brit food again.

Failing that go to the Fish & Chip shop in Hightown near Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, or almost any F&C shop in Pontefract or Castleford.

£2 for a belly full of heaven.

quote:

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Can you put a flatcap/hicap/top hat whatever on a Nait 2?

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Guy
no you can't use a *cap with a Nait2.
BTW the Nait2 can be converted in a self-powered pre-amp (it shouldn't be far from a 62 I believe).

Brian, Andrew, Jez:
English food is definitely bad if compared to ours.
I've visited England many times (never been in the North, unfortunately) and have always enjoyed while staying there. But weather and food are bad.
The first time I came to England, I lost 4 kg in 15 days. I've also stayed in some families and used to have lunch and dinner with them. I can't remember exactly what I ate... but I do remember I didn't like it. Food in pubs is not that bad (especially fish and chips)... but they normally serve food until 5.30 p.m. while I use to have dinner at 9.30 p.m.

As far as restaurants in London are concerned:
1.they're extremely expensive;
2.they mainly serve foreign food;
3.they're not good as ours

However I do agree with you that visitors rarely have a chance to have a real English meal.

Stefano.

PS
If someone of you Brits is travelling here around I'll be glad to cook for you