Linn Preamp

Naim says that using a non-Naim preamp with a Naim amp is a no-no.
Check out the slew of used 102s and 82s for sale on Audiogon.com.

Apple2k,
it's not a good idea, mixing Linn and Naim electronics you end up destroying the strenghts of both!

In what way are you unhappy with your NAC112? If it is the sound, then you need to check the installation. Try moving your preamp to a different shelf. Make sure your cables are correctly installed. Also, and importantly, make sure the polarity of the loudspeaker connectors on the back of your power amp are in the correct orientation right back to the loudspeakers.

If that doesn't work, then check with your dealer that the components you have are ok by comparing with his demo samples.

If in the end you are still not happy, then you will need to look at changing not just the preamp, but both the pre and power amps.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
Linn Binn Sinner

i see no reason why a different preamp cannot be used with a Naim amp, you simply need a different cable

naim preamps offer the least bang for your buck in their line imo

Naim power amps require a naim preamp because of the bandwidth requirements of the power amp. The naim pre takes care of the proper (reduced)bandwidth requirements of the power section. No other brand will fulfil that duty and since the naim power amp runs on very wide bandwidth it is is imperative to use the Naim pre in order to supply the correct signal.
Now you know the reason you can't run a NAP w/out a NAC. You CAN run a NAC with another brand though.
I believe you should do more investigation before you dismiss your 112, however. It is a very good unit

in the end however, a naim amp is simply looking for a left and right signal from the preamp? surely a preamp other than naim's can supply the signal

i heard the 112 w/ a flatcap and did not like the sound, it sounded quite compressed and flat to me

quote:

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Originally posted by Richard van Laar:
Andrew,
Off topic but why have you posted nearly 2000 posts on this forum while your entire system is Linn?...

Don't misunderstand me, I don't mean anything by this! Just curious!

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Hi Richard, I used to own a Naim system before I was tempted by the "dark side" and made a radical change.

Initially I was more impressed with Naim and bought Naim kit... then I realised what Linn's strength was and realised how important that aspect was to me.

That is not to say that one day I won't be flirting with the idea of buying Naim kit, particularly a cd player...

Andrew

Andrew Randle
Linn Binn Sinner

Overly simplified, yes, any preamp will supply the right/left signal. There are more to the electrical characteristics of a Naim poweramp and it's operating methods than "amplifying" the signal.
The nap is designed to driven in a specific manner, only a nac will do that. It's a compatibility issue. Perhaps you should speak with your dealer. I know of several systems with a Naim pre and a non-naim power amp. I have never seen the inverse because of the compatibility issues of electrical interface.