Fantasies about going vintage...

Fred,

It's not more power for increased volume, it's more power for better control. Even at low volumes you will appreciate a deeper/more dynamically balanced presentation.

Varyat; of course, not for playing louder, but better; more control, dynamics, separation etc. But as I wrote I´m not necessarily hunting for a better sound. Perhaps a bit more warmth than the dry 202-200 gives, but otherwise I`m curious about the vintageness, size, looks and qualities of the 72. Will it be worse than the 202 or just different? I´m sure you are right about the two monos though...

Regards 
Fred

I know, and they are just a bit different to any of the modern ones. I would think that this difference would be something that divides opinion. It is probably true that the new series [from top to bottom] are technically superior to the old shoe-box pre-amps, but not so much that you would need to be wearing a hair shirt to prefer one of the oldies if their presentation is to your liking.

One definite problem with these old pre-amps is that by none will be in tip-top condition if not serviced in their service life. But no doubt a visit to Naim HQ for a complete refreshing would restore their quality  to as good as new, and something still very fine in replay ...

ATB from George

hi gary! I see what you mean but I'm not as big Nait 2 fan as you I guess. I really love the original Nait though! For me that's the holy one. (If I would compare it separates it would be a NAC52+NAP110 ) Comments? 

Dear Chris,

The thoughts are crystallising. Firstly get a Leak 12.1 [mono] power amp, initially for use with the Trough Line, but eventually get a 32.5/Hicap, and use the 32.5 as a pre-amp that is designed to sum to mono, and use jst one output channel [as summed] to the mono Leak amp and one ESL. 

No modifications, no fuss, and full compatibility of parts. I could even use the tape out so as to retain the volume control on the tuner and the volume control on the V1.

I absolutely hate stereo and it evil influence. The old Trough Line has shown why, and reminded me of the glory days before stereo became the Hellish dominator of replay.

I could even sell one ESL! Or keep it if there is no demand!

ATB from George

Ok thanks, I was curious to hear your opinion. I guess we have our 'darlings' which also is linked to circumstances of memories (first impression?) and ownership, the moments we had with these systems so to speak. For me the original Nait goes even more directly to the heart of the music (a description I learned from you) where the 2 balance it out with better tune playing abilities, not a huge difference between my examples but my preference is for the original (could also be sample variations in favor for the original). 

There does seem to be a fad, what with Beatles albums being re-released in mono...

I do remember when most things were mono, and having heard of stereo my first exploits at just about teenage years included taking a speaker from a junk valve radio, putting it in a box, and linking it to a working (valve) radio - ok, improvement (because of the box). Then playing with making amps, Iand messing about with microphones, I discovered that if I put a single microphone in a room and listened from the next room, if people were talking and the radio or TV was on it was hard to pick out the conversation. But with two microphones and listening on stereo headphones I could ignore the radio and follow a conversation because of the special information. 

Then I made a stereo HiFi system, and never looked back. Other than people unfortunate enough to have only a single working ear, why would anyone want to lose the special information of stereo??? 

Regarding the original topic question, I wouldn't bother going vintage except going for a NAC52 (remember huge service/recap costs if needed, minimum 1000gbp for 52+52ps). Your LP12 could be upgraded with great success instead I think, a cirkus upgrade with Kore, then Radikal 

Special information?

I cannot understand your point unless you explain what you mean by, "special." what is special about it?

ATB from George

Sorry, an iPad autocorrect I didn't spot - should have been 'spatial information'!

Vintage fantasies are all great, until you google "where are they now" and get this result ....

But, hey, they're your own fantasies and you set the boundaries.

The actual quality has not improved beyond a nuance, but the paraphernalia has got overly sophisticated. The days of a turntable or tuner and an integrated amplified with a speaker or two has long since passed by for the best replay. 

I have just converted back to monaural, and it is rather wonderful with one ESL, a power amp and a mono tuner.

I can say that this is the most pleasing rendition of radio that I have ever found.

Now all I need to do is get the MAC to sum the two channels to mono [on both outputs of the DAC V1] and it will be simplified as far as possible!

Quality-wise it is probably better than 19 out of 20 replay systems in existence.

I am not worried about being at the very top!

Only a penny's worth!

ATB from George

Why do you need the mono signal on both outputs? JRiver can mix it down to one channel and it sounds good.