150 v 140

I have done an A/B comparison.

The 140 is much better. Despite being slightly "les powerful" in terms of wattage, it kicks harder than a 150 and is generally more musical.

The 150 woud just be a side step from a 90, imho.

Regards,

Steve.

The proof of the pudding...

Thanks Steve. I'm surprised that no 150 fans have leapt to its defence.

--Sproggle

quote:

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Thanks Steve. I'm surprised that no 150 fans have leapt to its defence

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The 150 doesn't have any fans, you have to go to 135s for those.

Regards,

Steve.

The proof of the pudding...

As a very happy 150 user, I'll leap to it's defence.

I haven't compared 140 / 150, and I seem to remember that Naim themselves implied the 140 was the better option, but I can assure you it is a significant move forward from a NAP90 or a NAP110, not a sideways step as stated above.

The primary difference between the older style amps and newer is the sense of ease and refinement the 150 has. It made a massive difference to the control of my Kans, but has a beguiling quality that is less 'in your face' than the hard line the older amps can portray (the 'this is what I do really well - like it or lump it' approach).

The 150 and all the 5 series kit has all the Naim attributes in spades, but also a sense of refinement that doesn't draw attention to it's shortfalls. I could use my 112, for example with most sources, but less than an LP12 into my Nait 1 could be painful.

I know exactly which system is the best and most musical though, and happily use my 112 / 150 every single day of the week, with few thoughts as to it's limitations.

There - does that redress the balance a bit

A.

I have to echo Andrew's comments. I replaced a CDX/72/hi/160 with cd5/112/flat2/150 and simply enjoy the music every day, every time. No going back for me. There is a certain ease about the presentation, without losing an iota of detail or Naim qualities of pacing. There were days and music types that made my former system unlistenable. As a package, the 5 series has aspects of nuance and subtlety that I had only heard previously at the 82 level. They never cease to make music.

I have been comparing my cd5/flatcap/92/Hicap/90.3 with a 112/150. No PS on the 112 cause it's too hard to do the A/B thing. Thus far the two setups are quite different, and it really matters what we listen to!

The series 5 amps really show their ease and presence with classical, and older jazz-just much more there all around. however, this comes at the expense of some grunt on rock, where it is sometimes a bit shy . The series 3 has always been without any imaging on orchestral and chamber music. It rocks better, and the sound is much more out in front , with the series 5 much more laid back.

Not sure yet if it's worth the extra expense. but overall I have no question the 5 series is better and more versatile

BEC

From Seattle, Washington

The 112/150 doesn't quite 'Kick Ass' like the 3 series but it does make music just as well if not better.

I will max out the front ends before considering upgrading the amp. (Except maybe a Flatcap).

Steve B

Max out? Kick Ass? - I've been lurking here too long.

If the above comparison is even close, I think you're hearing the hicap. The power supply IS the preamp. Sort of...

Markus

I have the Hicap on the CD5 so both setups use it. The 92 has a flatcap, whereas the 112 i sbeingpowered by the 150

Bruce

From Seattle, Washington