10 years of this Naim game

Posted by: rackkit on 08 October 2015

Crikey, where did that go! Just realised i bought my first Naim kit back in May 2005 - a brand new unopened CDX2 from a guy who needed to sell ASAP as his upcoming wedding costs were spiralling out of control but saved me a small fortune on the price of a new machine! 

 

Followed that up with Allaes, 282, HiCap - SC2, 250.2, XPS2, HighLine,PoweLine x 2, Stageline N and Fraim to add to my old Linn Axis TT (from my original Cyrus 2/PSX, Linn Helix system) 

 

That first Naim set up was a great system but the only thing left from it now is the Fraim equipment support and PowerLines.

 

Current set now Rega Isis, Rega P9/Apheta/IOS, 252/SC2, 300.

 

AV was also added over the last 5 years, AV2, 200/145 (prev 150, 175), n-Sub, Axess (prev n-Cent), n-Sats.

 

So that's 10 years and lots of changes, the only constant being that it was one Naim box for another - haha!

 

Wonder what it'll look like in another 10 years time...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by thebigfredc

Yes I made my first forray into Naim ten years ago too.

 

Over that period my Cd5i/Nait 5i on Quadraspire has morphed into NDX/252/250.2 on Fraim.

 

The CD colection has mushroomed too. Not sure if powerlines were availablein 2005/

 

ATB Ray

 

 

 

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by rackkit
Originally Posted by thebigfredc:

Yes I made my first forray into Naim ten years ago too.

 

Over that period my Cd5i/Nait 5i on Quadraspire has morphed into NDX/252/250.2 on Fraim.

 

The CD colection has mushroomed too. Not sure if powerlines were availablein 2005/

 

ATB Ray

 

 

 

No they weren't available in 2005 but i bought one of the PowerLines in 2011. Can't remember if the other came before or after now though. Probably before but all the system changes have happened over time so hard to remember exactly when. 

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by thebigfredc

Hi Rackkit

 

And which single change do you think changed the sound for the better the most?

 

Ray

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by rackkit

In the first system, Hi Cap to SuperCap2. A no-brainer if anyone's considering it. 

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by winkyincanada

I bought my first Naim piece 8 years ago and I still have it. A SN1. I've added a S/H HiCap, Naca 5 and  S600s. I'd really love to upgrade, but there are too many other things I'd rather spend my money on. Mainly travel (and new bikes). I think the HiCap is going in for service and DR upgrade soon, though.

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by howiek

Hi rackkit

I have been using Isis valve for a few years now and very happy with performance. I am currently trying out a 202/hicap/napsc/200. Still have my osiris but itching again for naim amplification. 

Curious what interconnect you are using between your isis and your 252. 

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by Karl

My first Naim was in 1990, a second hand 72 & nap140 this replaced my Audiolab 8000A, a lot of boxes have passed since then and I'm always looking at the next step.

Karl

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by Iron Cobra

Only 10 years, been at it 30 years and 1 month.

First Naim, was 42.5/snaps/110 inSeptember 1985

Upgraded to Hicap in 1986. Next upgrade was 202/200 with original CB Hicap in 2004. Slippery slope after that.

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by TOBYJUG
Originally Posted by Karl:

My first Naim was in 1990, a second hand 72 & nap140 this replaced my Audiolab 8000A, a lot of boxes have passed since then and I'm always looking at the next step.

Karl

 

Thought my Audiolab 8000A was a riot back in the day - darker like present Naim and kicked big arse out of others.    Still got it somewhere !

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by Karl

I really liked the Audiolab 8000A It was really well made and the first really good amp I had, good value at £350 in 1988. saying that the Naim combo was streets ahead.

Karl

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by al9315

You just made me think - 10 years

I must have bought my 1st items late 80's

I have been through NAC62,32,72 : NAP 140,180

Now NAC 82, 2 x HiCap, 2 x NAP135, CD2

The only item I sort of wish I had not bought was the CD2 - it got dated quite quickly. I would like to change to maybe a CDS3 - but not sure I would enjoy it either ?!

I still like my LPs !

Al

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by The Hawk

30 years now for me in the Naim game. Started with the original Nait and an LP12. I now have a Nait XS and a different LP12. I've just come to rely on this brand. The service has been superb. Asked Phil Harris a question yesterday and got an answer immediately. That's just fantastic service. The Naim "sound" has always worked for me. This forum is icing on the cake.

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by rackkit
Originally Posted by howiek:

Hi rackkit

I have been using Isis valve for a few years now and very happy with performance. I am currently trying out a 202/hicap/napsc/200. Still have my osiris but itching again for naim amplification. 

Curious what interconnect you are using between your isis and your 252. 

Hi Howie. Not sure if the 202/200/HC/napc is a match for the Osiris. I was impressed whenever i heard that SS Isis and Osiris combo but you're in a position to compare. I'm trying out some Atlas Mavros at the moment and it's letting more information though than the Rega Couple could manage. There's a huge price difference of course and the Rega is very good for the money but the Rega does deserve something better if funds allow. 

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by howiek

Thanks for that info rackkit. I started over 25 years ago with Naim with a Nac 72/Hicap and 250 and progressed all the way up to an active SBL system with 552 with 2X300's and CD555. Was forced to downsize about 5 years ago and also felt is was a time for fewer boxes and got the Isis/Osiris. A great combo but I really missed what Naim amps do. I will probably keep the Isis but as mentioned I am back to Naim trying out a  202/Hicap/Napsc/200 and will probably stay there as funds are limited. I am currently switching between the rega couple and Crimson RM music link which I was using between isis/osiris but its not a good a match with the 202. So, have been thinking of trying some other possibilities. I will look into the Atlas Mavros you mention her. 

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by rackkit

Be warned though, the Mavros isn't a cheap option but there are used examples out there at a fraction of the new price but buyer beware & all that. 

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by GraemeH

20 years for me with a Nait 3 then 90/92...Where does the time go...?

 

G

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by Ravenswood10
Originally Posted by The Hawk:

30 years now for me in the Naim game. Started with the original Nait and an LP12. I now have a Nait XS and a different LP12. I've just come to rely on this brand. The service has been superb. Asked Phil Harris a question yesterday and got an answer immediately. That's just fantastic service. The Naim "sound" has always worked for me. This forum is icing on the cake.

Seriously impressed. I can go to 20 plus years and still have my first purchase (NAT 01 ) in daily use thanks to Naim's excellent service department. I ping the odd question to Phil and or Steven and even get weekend responses - not that I should expect to of course! As a result I upgrade and stay loyal - most recently with a 300DR. The components are built to last and don't have the here today gone tomorrow approach sadly seen with other manufacturers. Let's hope that they and I last for many more years! Well done to one and all in Salisbury and when my flashy Radio 3 HD streamer conks out due to  broadband limitations in the sticks I flip over to my trunsty NAT01 and carry on. Dealers, especially my two,  complete the experience. Just wish I could afford the Super Lumina this year....still perhaps in 2016 if I'm good!

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by howiek

rackkit

you are probably right that the Osiris especially  with some synergy of using an Isis thrown in is better overall than the 202/Hicap/Napsc/200 naim combo I am trying. One is better than the other in one area and vice versa. But, I think its the way naim amps do the presentation and organization of the music that is the difference for me and I was missing that. Some more time will tell. No question thought the Osiris is a great amp for the money!

 

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by howiek

I should also add that I am using an LP12 with Aro and Prefix and that works much better into the 

Naim pre and power combo than it did into the Osiris so that is an additional factor here. 

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by Naijeru

Eight years for me starting with the Nait 5i. I've moved on to tubes now but I have much love for that Nait and it waits to be called into service again when space allows. My DAC also awaits a 555PS but my priorities have shifted now that I listen to vinyl more.

 

Prior to discovering Naim I never knew a stereo could sound so good!

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by ianrobertm

33 years and counting...

From 42-110, with..(?) LP12 & Tangent RS2's, via SNAPS, 250, HiCap, 72 & 102.

To 82-HiCap-250, with CDX2-XPS2, LP12 & Royd Doublets.

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by gary yeowell
32 years from Nait1 with LP12 and Kans to SN2 with CDS3 and SL2 which i have stopped at. Still have the original Kans along with a Nait2 i purchased 6-7 years ago. In between got up to 500 series stuff, but will never return there.
Posted on: 08 October 2015 by hungryhalibut

10 years, what a lightweight! In 1983 I bought my firat Naim, a 42, snaps and 110. It was used with an Lp12, Ittok and Asak, and Kans. The ultimate basic flat earth system. I'm not sure anything I've owned since has been so enjoyable. 

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by Frenchnaim
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:

10 years, what a lightweight! In 1983 I bought my firat Naim, a 42, snaps and 110. It was used with an Lp12, Ittok and Asak, and Kans. The ultimate basic flat earth system. I'm not sure anything I've owned since has been so enjoyable. 

Er... 1979, Nait 22/120. We 'ad to save for ten years then, we 'ad to do without food to have our first Naim... You have it easy now! Just go down to the shop, and come home with a pair of 500s under your arms...

Posted on: 08 October 2015 by 911gt3r
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:

10 years, what a lightweight! In 1983 I bought my firat Naim, a 42, snaps and 110. It was used with an Lp12, Ittok and Asak, and Kans. The ultimate basic flat earth system. I'm not sure anything I've owned since has been so enjoyable. 

" Even these troubled times will one day become the good old days" - StormP