£1,000 to spend on a upgrade - now what?

Posted by: solid state on 28 December 2003

This is another one of those "what should I do next" type postings (sorry!) , but I could really do with some assistance .

I currently have a budget of £1,000 (or so) to spend on new boxes , what do you think are my best options?

Current system is:- Origin Live Ultra Classic turntable , modified Rega RB 300 arm and Rega Super Elys cartridge , Naim CD 3.5 , Nac 92 Pre and NAP 140 power , Naca5 cable into Ruark Talisman 2 speakers . And a crappy £175 rack from Richer Sounds with de-coupled glass shelves .

My thoughts are probably some sort of power supply (flatcap , highcap etc) but I would welcome suggestions . I am not entirely against P/Xing the above for more Naim gear if this would acheive significant gains (ie for highr grade pre/power etc). I am trying to work towards a NAP 250 (probably olive) , and would want to "figure this in" somehow as part of my upgrade path .

Help !!

Posted on: 29 December 2003 by prowla

2 x Hi-Cap (one for pre-amp, one for CD3.5).

Paul Rowlands

Posted on: 29 December 2003 by Mick P

I agree with Paul.

The Hicap on the CD3.5 alone will bring about terrific gainss.

I would suggest that you buy two totally knackered Hicaps and send then into Naim for a full service.

This will give you a pair of Hicaps, as good as brand new ones for a fraction of the price.

Regards

Mick

Posted on: 29 December 2003 by David Stewart

I'd certainly agree with the HiCap on the CD3.5 - it makes a big difference. Personally I'd upgrade the pre to a 72 or 102 and save up for another HiCap later. For your budget, you might just pick up a good HiCap plus a 102 with NAPSC. The NAPSC is reckoned to bring a worthwhile improvement over the bare 102 for minimal outlay.

David

Posted on: 29 December 2003 by solid state

Thanks for your responses to date- much appreciated - food for thought indeed..........

Have just spoken to my dealer (Rayleigh Hi-Fi) who suggest similar vis a vie PSU's, but also an upgrade to a Nac 202.....

Posted on: 29 December 2003 by J.N.

quote:
And a crappy £175 rack from Richer Sounds with de-coupled glass shelves .

Nothing is gonna sound good on that!

A 32.5 or 72 for the 140 - a H/C for the 3.5; and as Mick says, get 'em cheap and get the H/C serviced. If the pre-amp sounds and looks clean it's less critical re a service and will probably be OK.

Get some Isoblue with what you have left over.

Good luck.