HiCap 3.5 vs 102 upgrade

NAC102 is an excellent choice.

A HiCap makes a world of difference to a CD3.5, try swapping your Hi between the 92R and 3.5 and see how it sounds best. If you like how it sounds on the 3.5, then look for a 102 to replace the 92R and then save up for the NAPSC and a second HiCap for the 102.

David

"Try not to get overly attached to a hypothesis just because it's yours." :Carl Sagan

It depends on how far you're willing to go. If you want to spend just a little bit of money, then the Flat-Cap will give you the most value. Place it on the 3.5, and leave your Hi-Cap on the 92R. I wouldn't bother with a full Hi-Cap for the 3.5, as the extra benefit is not worth the extra cost.

A better option, if you can afford it, would be to swap your 3.5 for a CDX. I realize that that's a whole lot more money, but the improvements would be dramatic indeed! Following that, changing the 92R to a 102 (or even 82) would be a great next step. In the case of an 82, not only is it a much better pre-amp, it also comes with its own NAPSC. The 102, however, can take an optional NAPSC, and it always seems to be hankering for one.

Of course, if you buy a Flat-Cap now, it's not likely to drop (much) in value if you decide to resell it later. Therefore, you could get the Flat-Cap now, swap the 3.5/Flat for a CDX later, etc.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Mike

Thanks for the advice. Would a CDX give a better sound over upgrading to a 102 or 82? If it will then I think I many follow your advice and look around for a Flat-Cap for now, and then trade them both in for a CDX when I have the money.

I have been looking on ebay etc for a Flat-Cap but they do not seem to come up often.

Jason

I would get a CDX first, as a 102/180 will reveal the limitations of a capped 3.5.
Others may howl at this and that's fine, but I always think source first.
It tends to keep you out of trouble more that getting humungo amps.

Joe90

Joe90 is right. I used to have 3.5/Flat/102/Hi/NAPSC/140, and it was too ragged for my tastes. When I substituted in a CDX for the 3.5/Flat, the whole system improved by leaps and bounds. I changed the 102/Hi/NAPSC to 82/2*Hi soon after that, but I would not have done that step without the CDX up front.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Ah well! there goes my upgrade plans. I was hoping to trade my Nait3 up to a 102+140, but it's clear from the above posts, I'll be wasting my money unless I swap the Hicapped 3.5 for a CDX first - which I definitely can't afford, so I guess I'll forget it and stick with wot I got

David

"Try not to get overly attached to a hypothesis just because it's yours." :Carl Sagan

quote:

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Originally posted by David Stewart:
Ah well! there goes my upgrade plans. I was hoping to trade my Nait3 up to a 102+140, but it's clear from the above posts, I'll be wasting my money unless I swap the Hicapped 3.5 for a CDX first - which I definitely can't afford, so I guess I'll forget it and stick with wot I got

---

There's a big difference between Bails' 92/Hi/180 and your Nait3. Although the Source First purist might disagree, I would prefer 3.5/Hi/102/140 over CDX/Nait5. (BTW, try 3.5/102/Hi/140 as an alternative configuration.)

After going to 3.5/Hi/102/140, try to get your hands on a Flat-cap and a SLIC. (The SLIC is usually used between a *-cap and Headline, but can also sit between a *-cap and the 102/82's NAPSC socket.) This will enable you to audition:

• 3.5/Hi/102/"NAPSC"/140
  
• 3.5/Hi/102/Flat/140
  
• 3.5/Flat/102/Hi/140
  

I can almost guarantee that you'll prefer the last of these setups. Later you can add a real NAPSC (although I think any 18-24V supply would work, along with the right plug).

To summarize, the following baby steps will suffice:

• 3.5/Hi/Nait3 (your current system)
  
• 3.5/Hi/Nait3(pre)/140 (skip if possible)
  
• 3.5/Hi/102/140
  
• 3.5/Flat/102/Hi/140
  
• 3.5/Flat/102/Hi/"NAPSC"/140
  
• CDX/102/Hi/"NAPSC"/140
  

I hope that helps.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

quote:

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I would prefer 3.5/Hi/102/140 over CDX/Nait5

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...but I'd pick the CDX/Nait5 - or even Nait2 like I have

Best to ensure the source is sorted, as a good amp can't add what isn't there, and a sorted Nait of any age is a capable amp by any other standard.

John

TC '..'
"Sun went down in honey. Moon came up in wine. Stars were spinnin' dizzy, Lord, the band kept us so busy we forgot about the time."

Reading everyones comments I think I am going to looking out for a Flat-Cap for the 3.5 then as a long term project save for a CDX.

Out of interest when buying a second hand Flat-Cap are they any better after a certian date e.g. were improvements made after 19XX that make the unit better than a unit made before 19XX? What sort of time period is required before the unit needs a service?

Also what would be a good price for a second hand Flat-Cap?

Jason

Mike,
Thanks for the list of possible upgrades. There's a lot to think about there, but I'll take your advice on board. At the moment I have Zero 'disposable' anyway, so any upgrades will have to wait a bit unless i win the lottery (well! I do have a 1:14million chance )

David

Gents,

Don't forget that although there are recommended upgrades and people are more than willing to post their experiences, sometimes opportunities are the best way to upgrade -- especially if you're on a budget. If you see a potential deal somewhere, online or not, it might be worth throwing the plans out the window.

One amendment to Mike Hanson's proposal:

Instead of converting the Nait to use as a preamp, sell it - the proceeds will probably buy one of

42.5/62/92/92R/32.5 plus a PSU (SANPS, dual-railed SNAPS, or even a hicap).

Regards.

Phil.

quote:

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Originally posted by Top Cat:

quote:

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I would prefer 3.5/Hi/102/140 over CDX/Nait5

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...but I'd pick the CDX/Nait5 - or even Nait2 like I have

---

That was actually a typo on my part. Although I would prefer a 3.5/Hi/102/140 over a CDX/Nait3, I would like a CDX/Nait5 more than either of them.

Also, I have to add some support to Phil's suggestions. Swapping the Nait3 for a 32.5/SNAPS2 is a very good idea. Although I do prefer 102/NAPSC over 32.5/SNAPS2, the 32.5/SNAPS2 is certainly a big improvement over Nait3.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

I can't imagine I'd ever sell my Nait3, it was the first Naim product I bought and so far ahead of all the competition I heard, it was an obvious choice. For the first time it gave me the basis of a HiFi system I could really enjoy.

It's still a great little amp and one thing that concerns me is not getting onto a long and expensive upgrade path just to find something I can enjoy as much. Bigger and better isn't always more enjoyable.

David

If that's the case, Dave, then get the CDX first.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-