NAC 112 vs NAC 112X

Generally when Naim bring out a new model, it is an improvement over the previous.

It's been a while, but I remember the 112x definitely sounding better than the 112.

72/140 vs. 112/150?

For my money, I like the new stuff better. I like the current Naim sound. I find the olive tiring and a bit shallow.

However, this forum is littered with those who feel quite differently.

Try things for yourself and decide.

One thing that rules supreme, whichever way you go, is SYNERGY. Achieve that, and you can't go wrong.

Ale

The 112X is a bit better than the 112, but the 122X is a lot better than the 112X. If you are able, I would get the 122X, even it it means saving up for longer. The 122X/150X is great value amp. The 72/140 is very good as well, but does sound different. You will have to listen to them and decide.

Nigel

It's not just a question of "better". The 112X gives a sharper, more forward presentation than the 112. I had one on loan for a while when my 112 was being sorted out, but I was glad to hear the 112 again. But this was for my tastes in music, played through my system in my room.

I have heard the 122X though not in a direct comparison. While it sounds OK, I am in no hurry to buy one to replace my 112. In my view, the 112 has had some unfair criticism and is seriously under-rated. The good news - the criticism makes it a great VFM buy.

But you have to listen. Get a home trial, it's essential.

Ken

Yes, i agree with KenM on that....and as per usual, some of those criticisms come from opinionated, and not listening ears. Listen for yourself...I got a 112 for a snip and think it's very good indeed. Come over and listen anytime

Within the last month and a half I have gone around through nait5i, 112/90.3 and 122x/150x. The later just arrived yesterday. I have had the other two pieces for more than two weeks each in my listening room.

I can confidently say that either amp here is great and wonderful. Each has a different presentation and character. Listened to in isolation, either one would be good enough for me to live with for a long time. The 112 sounds beautiful, warm and easy. I found it more "mature" and refined in comparison to the nait5i. The 122x on the other hand (still in early run in phase) sounded superior in every aspect. I particularly found it more detailed and better at soundstaging. The mids, which were slightly vailed - in comparison - with the 112 became more focused and detailed with the 122x. First thing that came to mind is that the 112 sounds "valvier" than the 122x, with all the pros and cons of such a description. Had I got a better deal on the 112, I would have bought it and if u buy one I assume you'd be a very happy owner. The 122x is a better amp IMHO so listen to both in your room and with your gear. Either way u go, I'm sure you'll have fun.

Regards...

Joe 90. Are you feeling OK? You've said something negative about some Naim products. I'm worried about you.

Andrew.

Flame, I am interested in your "valvier" comment....I came to the 112 from an A1 amplifier, which I think has a lovely warmth, likened by some to valve-like...perhaps that's why i preferred it to a 122. Interesting thought, thanks.

quote:

Joe 90. Are you feeling OK? You've said something negative about some Naim products. I'm worried about you.

LOL - I'm touched.

Andrew;

I totally agree. I found the 112 more valve-like than the 122x. It is warmer at the cost of mild loss of detail. I don't want to be harsh on the 122x and label it "solid-state" as it is just 2 days old and continues to sound sweeter by the minute. The 1112/90,3 combo sounded great but the 122x/150x sounds greater. It is bringing back memories of my grandfather's McIntosh system and boy were they sweet memories

Without considering the real differences between the old 140 [mine is CB and very old, but newly serviced] and the 150x, I will defend the 72 aginst the view that somehow it is very typical of the sharper Olive sound.

That sound-world, which I personally do not warm to, is most found in such as the 102 and the 82. Both these Olive pre-amps have their advocates! Quite rightly so, fo what pleases the ear of the individual is all that matters, but it is truly fascinating when considering a very modern sounding old piece like the 72.

If I might venture my view on the 72's character it is that is is essentially even handed, not posessed of what is characterised as the Olive "forward" sound, but in reallity a sound-world that is centred on the middle voices [most especially on the range that encompasses the sung voice, male or female], and brings to life the most easily overlooked alto and tenor voices in instrumental music. If a compromise is to be made, then all I will say is that the top lines and the bottoms lines of music will always remain the easiest to perceive, simply because there is nothing lower [than the bass-line] or higher [than the top-line] to confuse the issue.

The middle voices are much more easily muddled.

On the other hand, I would be the last person to advocate buying old pieces, given the general and considerable advances made in the black box series that evolved from them.

But if the budget is a real consideration, a 72 with Hi-cap, and 140 still makes a persuasive case for music, and one that is not tiring or too forward, but remains entirely musically involving. In terms of accuray the old pieces are outclassed, but in terms of musical presentaion they are not entirely ecclipsed.

ATB from George

I also think the 122x is mechanical sounding, the 202, for not that much more, is quite superior to the 122x.

I would definitely look for a second hand 202, or save, and buy a new 202, it is such a huge improvement over the 122x.

Jake;

To some extent, I was able to pick up on the "mechanical" flavor you point to. However, It is not overwhelming at all. I'm also finding that with the warmup and break-in it has almost dissapeared. Probably if I A/B the 122x/202 then it could be more obvious to my ears.

quote:

I would definitely look for a second hand 202, or save, and buy a new 202, it is such a huge improvement over the 122x.

Having owned both, I'm not convinced the difference is that huge. If you extend the sugestion of trying the next one up the chain because it is better, you'll end up with a 552. Everyone has to stop somewhere.

Nigel

I'll probably stop with my 112. Maybe it's my ears, but it sounds good to them.
Ken

Ken;
I hope u enjoy your 112. I used it for over a month and it was great fun and despite its limitations (every piece of gear has limitation) I never complained. Good luck!

I enjoyed the 112 and regret selling it.Especially liked the input sensitivity selection. Not the most revealing or detailed preamp but it makes music. If you enjoy it,stick to your guns and keep it.

A 112 with flatcap is better than a bare 112x. This is worth taking into consideration as a 112 can be bought for around £200 nowadays. A flatcap2 for about £350 and it will power another item. Also a flatcap2 should hold it's value pretty well.

After reading the downer comments from others I thought it was going to be a real trial, but I really enjoyed the 112 my dealer lent me whilst the 82 was being serviced and pots upgrade earlier this year. As it turned out, I had the 112 for 8 weeks because Naim had to get in a new delivery of parts to finish the job on my 82.

After the inevitable initial shock of the contrast with the 82 I'd been used to for a number of years, I found the 112 to be an enjoyable and musical pre-amp, and could see that if - hypothetically - I had to down size, a 112 would have a perfectly legitimate place (and I mean that in a genuine, nice way, not a sneery, patronising, down-the-nose way!).

Most people on this Forum are upgrade crazy! But all Naim gear should be able to stand on its own two (four ) feet! Especially with a FC2 a 112 is a perfectly respectable combination. And, as Andrew says, 112/FC2 are available for a similar sum to the more recent 112X (alone) s/h.

Nevertheless, if someone did have a longer-term aim to upgrade, it also makes a good starter without tying up too much funds-wise, whilst the next pre-amp up (I would suggest at least a 202) is being saved for.

Enjoy.

James