Some questions regarding compatability and connections

Posted by: Boekster on 21 October 2003

Hi all,

I was planning to buy a Naim system, and my orientation was reaching an end.

At first I decided on a NAC202/NAP200/CD5 system, but now I'm more planning on upgrading, with a NAIT5/CDX2 system (cheaper, so I can start enjoying earlier Smile ). The biggest deal is, I'm planning on upgrading the poweramp first, probably the NAP250. Can I properly connect it to my NAIT by using a iCap? Or do I really need a NAC282 to connect it to? (would be the next step in the line) And since I would be already able to enjoy my music, I might actually save up and buy myself a 300. Or would that be overkill? The manual also indicates it uses 2 HiCaps in connections. That would be a problem as well, connecting it to the NAIT. I would have to get a NAC282 at the same time as the 300, right?

Can anyone shine a light on this? Or maybe give some input on the system? The NAIT5 is here already, since its leaving stage very soon. I'm now saving up to buy a CDX2 (money for the speakers is here already, but I'm planning to buy those when the CDX2 is available for purchase. Speakers are B&W N805 Signatures).

Cheers!
Kevin
Posted on: 21 October 2003 by Steve Toy
I wouldn't use a 250 until I'd got at least a 282 in the system first.

A preamp is like a source component - get it right at the brain end before you start to max out on the brawn.

Oh, and a 252/Supercap should be in place before a 300, and at least a CDX2/XPS2 at source.



Regards,

Steve.
Posted on: 22 October 2003 by Boekster
Ok, I might grow into the final option in years then (lots of those though Big Grin ).

Can I use the NAIT as a power instead of dedicated pre? That would soulve the 'problem' of buying the 250 first and I'd go for a 282.
Posted on: 22 October 2003 by Geoff P
It is quite a mismatch even if you can do it.

Be aware you will need to buy a power supply for the 282 which for best performance is recommended to be a Supercap though you can drive it from 1 or 2 HiCaps.

I am not sure if the Nait 5 you talk about has it's pre and power amp sections spit. You may need to get that done by Naim.

Your original choice (202/200/CD5) was nicely balanced, as would be CDX2/282/250 with power supplies. To get from one to the other can be done in stages and the trade-in on the older equipment can be quite reasonable, plus you will get pleasure out of the upgrade process as your system improves over time.

You are welcome to construct a system the way you suggest but try to compare with the more balanced system on demo before final decision.

GEOFFP
Posted on: 22 October 2003 by Boekster
The NAIT/CDX2 combo has been put to the test against the 202/200/CD5, and was slightly underpowerd, but not too much out of balance, in fact, it was killing the 202/200/CD5 when the 200 came into the set (no more than logical).

At first I decided going for the NAIT/CDX2, then buying a 200, and finally adding a 202 and maybe adding a HiCap/NAPSC. But since I already started the upradepath, I decided I might just well aim a couple of steps higher. Because some slam would be nice the power was first in the list, and later switching the Nait to a 282.

So I'll probably stick to my original plan, First NAIT/CDX2, then NAP250, then 282. And probably I do need a HiCap for the 250.

Can anyone confirm if this is needed, or perhaps if I can connect a 282 to my NAIT (perhaps bij using a HiCap)?

Cheers!
Posted on: 22 October 2003 by Boekster
I don't mind getting myself a nice HiCap. If there is a possibilty to connect it to my NAIT, and later adding the 250, I'd get it as soon as budget allows Smile .
Posted on: 23 October 2003 by Boekster
A small kick...

Any more thoughts on this matter?

Perhaps a small summary of questions would do the trick:

- Can I connect a NAP250 to my NAIT5 directly or by using a HiCap inbetween?
- Is there a possibilty of using the NAIT5 as a power and adding a 282 (and if it's necessary to power it with a HiCap, though this is probably true)?

Biggest issue now is, I'd rather do it step by step, than just changing my entire linup at once (takes longer, and changes are huge in one big whack, so the benefit of changing different components and see what component is responsible for the change sort of falls away).

Thanks again!
Posted on: 24 October 2003 by Boekster
Thanks for the very clear information Smile . Sounds like I'm going to have to experiment wit both options, and listen what sounds best. The HiCap doesn't pose as too much of a problem, since I need it either way to first connect NAIT and NAP250/power the 282, and later continually power the 282 (might add a second one, or save up for a XPS...)

Thanks for your reply's all!