Forum newbie - would appreciate ideas!!

Thanks, will bear that in mind. What would be the upgrade from a 102? Naim's model numbers aren't sequential (eg 102 better than 92 which is better than 82 etc), are they? they are based on the generation and channel but not whether it is of higher performance or quality? and what's the next up from the CDi?

Hi Gavin,

perhaps you want to do a little research within this forum, which is easy. All you need to do is use the search box in the right hand below corner of the opening screen of the HiFi Corner.

1 - If you have a 102 / 180 combo, most people would say the first step is getting a Hi-Cap and a NAPSC for the 102.

2 - For a second step my guess would be getting a 250 instead of the 180. My next guess would be you wouldn't need anything in the power amp dept for a long while, unless you're severely anal (not that there's anything wrong with that).

3 - By that time your logical next step would be the source. Move up to CDSII or the then equivalent. However, the CDI is a great machine, so hold on to it while it lasts...

However, apart from step one (Hi and NAPSC) my feeling is, you could choose to be a satisfied man, hifiedly,

Herman

Note that the 250 can't power a preamp, so you'd need a *cap to hear music with a Naim preamp and a 250 or 135.

Naim theory is that you shouldn't biamp unil your source is pretty close to max and you have at least a 250. I think most people woiuld prefer a 1 X 250 to 2 X 180, but some would prefer the 2 X 180.

Most people (and I tend to include myself in this group) would prefer a max'ed source with lower-end electronics and speakers to lower-end source with top electronics and speakers. But some disagree with this approach, preferring a more balanced system. Very few on this forum prefer a mullet (speakers or amps first - Wilson speakers, Krell amps, NAP CDP Dual turntable, for example).

If you're buying new, it should be easy to get a dealer to dem various options so you can judge for yourself. After all, you may be one of the crazy ones who prefer something Naim doesn't officially 'approve'. I'd recommend buying what you like, Naim theory notwithstanding; but if you disagree with the theory, I'd recommend you listen carefully - the theory has evolved for a good reason, and it has led to long term satisfaction for many. The reason for carefully listening before going off the beaten Naim path is that mistakes are expensive.

But they're your ears and your money, so it's best if you listen before you buy. Of course, there's even controversy over this apparently self-evident approach. Some people on the forum argue that you should just buy used equipment on the private market and sell it you don't like it - and they have a point.

Regards.

Phil

A few points..!

1) John, it's interesting to know about the NACA5 cable - wonder why the dealer didn't recommend this if it plays a role in load stabilisation?

2) What does the NAPSC do Herm? And yes, I have been known to get anal at times. Early days yet...

3) Didn't know the 250 won't power the 102, so Hi-Cap seems like a logical step as it can have an immediate effect. Thanks Phil.

My problem is I get 'Upgraditis' very quickly! You know, when the honeymoon period fades and you start to pick holes in the performance as you get more accustomed to the sound of your kit...!

I think I want to do things in stages though, to appreciate where the changes (hopefully the improvements!!) are being made and where all that hard-earned cash goes! I still make myself sit down and listen to music at the end of the day, rather than listen to the system - I often lost sight of the purpose of hi-fi when I was younger, I just wanted the next one up, the better version.

The realisation dawned one day when I realised that I didn't want to play any of the music I owned, and most of the cash was wrapped up in the system! I am pleased to say I now have around 500 albums...

God it's difficult being a music-lover and a techno-freak at the same time!

Gav

I'm hoping somebody might be able to shed some light on a minor quibble I have with the 102/180 which is as follows:

7 o'clock on the 102 is zero (almost!). If I turn the volume up slightly, I get only the l/hand channel. It's only when I get toward the 8 o'clock mark that the r/h channel decides to make music. Sometimes it's not practical to have my music at volume I want, there is a minimum volume I have to hit before things 'even up'.

I never noticed it with the Kef Concertos, only since I got the Celestion A2s, which are 4 ohm imp, sensitivity = 96dB, where the Kefs were about 88dB I think, and also an 8 ohm load. Are things just getting louder quicker because of the speakers? Is the pre at fault? Most importantly, what can I do to sort it?

It is becoming quite irritating...

Gav

Hi Gavin,

the little NAPSC (say a cigar box) powers the digital circuitry in the 102, while the Hi-Cap would power the rest. The advantage of having both is the 180 can put all its power towards the speakers, thus preparing the way for the NAP 250, which sounds fairly inevitable in an upgraditis case like yours.

Herman

quote:

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Originally posted by J. A. Toon:
Hi,

I surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but I strongly recommend you audition Naim's NACA5 speaker cable in place of your Odessey! It takes a few weeks to "burn in" and reach its optimum, but I think you'll be most surprised even at the immediate improvement. It seems to be conventional wisdom around here, that save for a few esoteric (and highly expensive) cables, NACA5 sounds by _far_ the best cable for use with Naim amplifiers. My experience entirely matches this, with every speaker I've heard; I really didn't like the sound of the Odessey, relatively speaking. It isn't really surprising, since Naim amps (unusually) integrally use the speaker cable to stabilise their electrical load.

Regards,

John.

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I have a pair of MIT T5 speaker cables. I wanted to do a comparison of it to the NACA5, but i have been specifically told not to use none naim cables as this might harmful (to something, cannot remember what).

Should i just go ahead and try it or should i just forget about this dumb idea altogether?