Cosmetic Upgrade-would you do it?

Posted by: N. Mason on 24 October 2003

I would be interested to know if anyone has upgraded their old cases e.g. on a 135 to the new Reference ones. A) How much did it cost? B) is there a sonic improvement, bearing in mind the new cases offer improved shielding and reduced microphony? C) Would upgrading the cases be a cost effective exercise if ever one decides to sell the component at a later date? A person who may wish to purchase a second hand 135 for example, would probably wish to match it with similar previous generation components.
Regards, Neil

Posted on: 26 October 2003 by Laurie Saunders

How much does it cost?.....No idea...why not give Naim a ring

Would I do it?.....no. Probably very costly, and would make selling on difficult.I suspect that any sonic benefits would be v small

Interestingly, when the olive kit came out, I expressed a preference at the time, for the previous case style, i.e matt black (metal) fascias, with the cases reversed so that the edges were black.
Of all the Naim styles, this for me is still the best, most understated, dicreet, and puposeful looking. My Original NAT01 (c 1987) still looks fantastic IMHO...with the new "rubberised" knobs

Laurie S

Posted on: 26 October 2003 by J.N.

Neil

I have a feeling it costs around £400 for the big cases, so it's not worth it.

You won't get your money back, as you'll be selling an old amplifier in a new case.

Save your money and go for a 300. If that's too expensive; check out a new 250 - it might surprise you.

Good luck.

Posted on: 26 October 2003 by andy c

I think you have to decide what you are going to do with the kit long'ish term.
If there is no foreseeable chance of selling it then it may be worth considering. But you do have to remember most people like their second hand purchases 'as original' e.g. 180 in an olive box... JMO