Path forward... recommendation welcomed

Posted by: Roland Huu on 24 March 2001

Hello

I'm in a 'spot' the moment. At the moment I have the following...

1. Nait 3
2. CD3.5
3. FlatCap for CD3.5
4. Intro II speakers

I've plans to upgrade the Nait3 to a pre/power combination. However I discovered that the 92/90 combination is no longer available. This afternoon I heard the new NAC112/NAP150 with my CD3.5+Flatcap at my dealer.
I was rather dissapointed. My old combination sounded better.

I'm going to listen to the setup again 3 days from now to see if the sound improves after a couple of days
of run in (although not quite enough) or I just don't like the sound of the new 112/150 combination.
If the latter is the case what are my options if I do not choose 112/150?

Should I convert my Nait3 into a pre-amp and use it with a NAP180? Has anyone done that before? I could later added a HiCap to the pre-amp.

Regards
Roland

Posted on: 24 March 2001 by Chris Bell
Roland,

Chances are that something was wrong with your dealers set up or the 112/150 was new and not run-in. I have listened to that combo with SBLs and I thought it was terrific. Before, a 102/180 was barely enough for the SBL. The new 5 series stuff has come along way. I think it deserves a second listen in your home as opposed to your dealers salon. I have found most dealers listening rooms to only be so-so.

Maybe you should consider a hi-cap for your 3.5 instead?

Chris BellÓ

Posted on: 24 March 2001 by Steve Toy
The above combo sounds like a bag of shite when cold and not run in. Tell your dealer to leave them switched on overnight with the CD player on repeat, then and only then, should you go and listen. It really does make a big, BIG difference! BTW, if you're used to what 3 series amps do, the new sound may take a bit of getting used to. The 3 series turned on the thrills - in a superficial kind of way, forward, in-yer-face, a caricature of the music. The 5 series is a little more mature that's all, more sophisticated, but still very musical. Pace, rhythmn and timing still a strong feature, but at the same time there are also a few "Round Earth" qualities, dare I say it! wink
You might also consider swapping your Intro2s for a pair of Credos - more control and discipline, especially at the low end than the Intro2s which, at times allow the bass to overwhelm the rest of the music, if only a little.

[This message was edited by Steven Toy on SUNDAY 25 March 2001 at 05:12.]

Posted on: 25 March 2001 by Andrew L. Weekes
Stephen's comments sum it up nicely.

In a brief listen the 3 series may sound more exciting, but you soon realise it's artificial, and can become tiring on some material.

The 5 series is much more refined, which can sound less dynamic. Extended listening will reveal the 5 series to be the more realistic - all of the individual elements of the music will be maintained in the correct relationship, with all of the dynamics one could wish for, but with a far greater sense of control.

It does need to be well run-in and warm though.

Andy.

Andrew L. Weekes
alweekes@audiophile.com

Posted on: 25 March 2001 by Rockingdoc
"more sophisticated but still very musical....
"Round Earth"!

You'll be converted to pure Class A soon. wink

Posted on: 26 March 2001 by Mike Hanson
You're better to trade your 3.5 for a CDX, and then convert the Nait3 to use the Flat-Cap. This will give you much more improvement. Believe me, it will sound like you've had an amplifier upgrade!

-=> Mike Hanson <=-