Newbie 42/110 Combo- Some basic questions
Posted by: Toolonginexile on 03 November 2015
Hello All
A friend has just asked me to take a look at his old 42/110 combo. Probably in contemplation of a sale. Now I am curious since I have never heard a naim product although i recall seeing a lot of sales of this combo with the Linn Kans as the "go to:" system when I was a younger audiophile.
Now im curious if i would make an offer on the pair to him. Or as they say whether its worth it.
Anyway I have done a search and read here about this combo but was wondering if those more experienced with the naim family can answer some basic questions.
1) Is the consensus that the 110 is a "better" product then the 42? If so how can you determine if this unit is a 42 or 42.5- which I understand to be a bit more advanced?
2) Is the default recommendation still to sell the 42 and move the funds towards a more upscale naim pre amp?
2(a) Am i correct that the 42 as opposed to the 42.5 cannot be upgraded and/or improved with a a new power supply?
3) If the 110 and or 42 is not in proper working order is it cost effective (in the states) to refurb/repair. I see one authorized repair center but the prices are definitely on the high side-which is ok for quality work. The question for the forum is whether this combo represents a value
worth the cost of repair. Obviously this will hinge on what work needs to be done, but assuming if they are not working its the standard cap/resistor type replacement for older solid state units. (Im a tube guy)
4) CABLES : While my friend did have a pair of linn kans for me to listen to, he did not have any DIN interconnect or speaker cables for the naim combo. I understand that naim prefers their own (or chord) cables for long term reliability and safe optimal operational points but is there "budget" cable to at least test out this combo? Frankly, I dont want to spend $100-300 USD on a cable just to test out .....
Thank you in advance for any assistance....as a die hard tube ls35a guy Ive always wondered what a naim sounds like and hoping this may be a cost effective opportunity to try it our at home or own a set.-albeit an "entry level" kit.
The NAC42/NAP110 is a classic combination. Properly serviced, they are still capable of performing very well and give you a real taste of what Naim is all about.
The difference between the NAC42 and the later NAC42.5 is mainly on the inside and on the rear panel - the latter has an extra DIN socket - a 240 degree DIN5 which allows it to be powered by a dedicated dual-rail power supply, the HICAP.
The earliest (first year) NAC42/NAP110s from 1979 were the so-called short-case units. These had an extruded cover that was slightly shorter than the later units where (NAIT excepted) the front to back depth of the case was standardised across the rest of the range. Various running changes and upgrades were applied to both NAC42 and NAP110, the big ones being the fitment of the ALPS Black Velvet volume pot and then the dual rail update that turned the NAC42 into the NAC42.5, and the change to Naim's own custom made NA002 output devices in the NAP110.
The NAC42 is an excellent pre-amp and can sound really good. One of my favourite pre-amps in my own collection is a NAC42.5. The NAC42 can only be used with a single-rail power supply or powered directly from the pre-amp supply inside a suitable power amp such as the NAP110. The SNAPS is one such suitable single-rail supply, and also the HICAP up to around 1993, where, although a dual rail supply, it also had a single rail supply that was alternatively available on one of the DIN4s.
The NAC42 and NAP110 are linked via a SNAIC4. It's not so bad that these aren't available as the current later black type of SNAIC is a very worthwhile upgrade over the original grey one. DO NOT be tempted by non-Naim so-called "SNAIC" substitutes here. If funds are tight go for a second-hand genuine SNAIC, even a grey one as per original.
Only Naim speaker cable should be used on the NAP110 - at least 3.5m per side and using either Naim speaker connectors or Deltron nickel banana plugs properly soldered to the cables. Failure to heed this advice will result in impaired performance or perhaps worse... Again, if funds are tight then look for the older NACA4 cable or its clones (sold as Linn K20 and others) which come in quite a bit cheaper.
As you are in the States, the man to speak to is Chris West at AV Options. Chris worked for years at Naim in Salisbury and then with NANA importing and servicing Naim kit in the US - There's little he doesn't know about Naim gear and he may even have had a hand in building your friends very pair...
Here's an old promo pic of the pair;
+1
LP12/Ittok/Karma/42.5/110/Kans (HiCap added later) - my first real Linn/Naim system (mid-late 80's) and absolutely brilliant.
I would still have it as a second room system - if I had a second room