90/3 vs 180

Posted by: Bas V on 02 February 2001

Hi!

Last weekend I bought a 102+napsc for a very good price. WOW, it was a lot better than my 92. So I decided to sell my 92+90/3, as I thought it would be difficult to sell the 92 separately. I had my eyes on a s/hand 140 (from '96) and when I arrived at the shop, I heard it against a '94 180. No doubt, the 180 was better. I bought the 180 as the price difference was "only" 167 UKP. Now I have connected the 180 at home and it doesn't impress me as much. Okay, it's better than my old 90/3, but I don't think the difference is that big. So I think the difference when upgrading the source is so much better to hear. But then, why did I hear such a big difference between the 140 and the 180? I am a bit in doubt if it would have been better to keep my 90/3 and take a holiday... Or could it be the 180 isn't warmed up?

Please someone, ease my mind!

Regards, Bas

Posted on: 02 February 2001 by Mike Hanson

Remember that at home you've got a strong sense of reference, so you hear the real difference, while at the store your different tests are not that easy to "hold still" in your mind while you compare them.

Did you use the same source at the shop and at home? Perhaps the 180 wasn't warmed up at home. Maybe your electricity isn't as good as the shop's, or maybe it was the time of the day. Perhaps your speakers don't illustrate the differences as much as the ones used at the shop. Maybe your room isn't as good. There are many reasons that could explain this difference in performance.

I've found that greatest difference between Naim's power amps is in their ease of presentation. The 90 always seems like it's straining, while the the 140 breathes a little easier and bigger. The 250 seems to swagger, although it stumbles occasionally. The 500 is exceedingly capable, and the solid confidence it exudes is well warranted.

Don't worry, the 180 is definitely much better than the 90, and I think you'll be happy with it in the end.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Posted on: 02 February 2001 by Bas V

Hi!

I posted this topic 3 hours ago. Now I don't know if it's my state of mind or the warming up of the 180, but it sounds much better now. Still I find it remarkable how clearer the switch was from 92 to 102. I think that from now on I will be a very die hard source first-believer.

SPREAD THE WORD!!!

Regards, Bas

PS Thanks a lot Mike, I'm chilling right now

Posted on: 02 February 2001 by Willem van Gemert

Hi Bas,

Congratulations! I wished you already a nice weekend, but it turned out even nicer!
I think it's a good choice. The NAC 102 and NAP 180 really suit each other and you now have a perfectly balanced system.
Don't worry about your initial impressions. Give the system a bit more time to warm up and I'm sure you'll be enjoying it by the end of the weekend.

Ciao!

Willem

Posted on: 02 February 2001 by Arye_Gur

Bas,

Congratulations for the new pre/power.

Now you tell how is the 102 vs the 72...

Arie

Posted on: 02 February 2001 by Alco

Hey there, Bas.

Congratulations on your wonderful purchase.
You lucky chap! Your moving up the Naim-ladder
pretty fast now. Seems like you already passed
the point of no return..

Have fun with it.

Greetings,
Alco.

Posted on: 03 February 2001 by Bas V

Thanks all, I'm really happy right now :-)

Arie, the difference between the 72 and the 102 is huge in my ears. I heard the 72 again yesterday, powered by a HiCap, but it still fails to impress me. I kinda head the same experience with the difference between 140 and 180, although smaller. I think, upgrading the 92 to 72 makes a bigger soundstage, perhaps a better PRaT, but also a darker sound. When going to a 102 everything gets better. It sounds so big and open. Just go and listen for yourself. And that remote is kinda handy too...

Greetz, Bas