Napsc needs replacing

Posted by: Terry2 on 29 September 2016

Hi all,

After some 16 years of trouble free use I had my olive system, comprising of  82/napsc  /Supercap; 250; XPS, all serviced/re-caped by Class A.  Delighted with the results and was just getting it all nicely run in and once again enjoying the beautiful sounds issuing forth from my Harbeths when two months after the service the front lights on the 82 went off and the little power light on the back of the napsc stopped glowing!   Never happened before.  Checked the 13amp fuse in the napsc mains plug which was ok and as that about exhausted my knowledge in such matters arranged to take the napsc/82 back to Class A for Darren to have a look at.  He’s discovered that the mains transformer in the napsc has failed which I gather is very rare.  He’s tried to get a replacement transformer from Naim but after checking for any old stock they can’t find any – apparently the mains transformer in the current napsc won’t fit in my older (2000) version 1 napsc. 

 Seems my only options are either to try and source a second hand napsc (either version 1 or 2) or go for a new napsc  at £350.   I gather that the current napsc works fine with the 82.

I would be interested to know if anyone else has had to replace an older napsc  with the current one to power their 82 and whether they  have noticed any change in performance  or if anyone has any other possible solutions to my failed napsc.  I suppose the way I may have to look at it is that if a new napsc lasts as long as my old one did then £350 to power a few small  lights for 16 years (but most importantly to keep my 82 working) isn’t that bad a deal!!

Terry

Posted on: 29 September 2016 by Richard Dane

I recall testing in the factory dem room the newer NAPSC (NAPSC2?) against the original on one of the preamps - I can't recall which pre-amp it was now, it was many years ago - and there was a fairly clear preference for the more revised and improved NAPSC.

Posted on: 29 September 2016 by hungryhalibut

You can pick up used napsc2s for £200 or so. 

Posted on: 29 September 2016 by The Strat (Fender)

I've got an old NAPSC which runs my Headline and a later style model on my 282.  I switched them round and the later style model is clearly an improvement when on the Headline.

Regards,

Lindsay

Posted on: 29 September 2016 by dave marshall
Richard Dane posted:

I recall testing in the factory dem room the newer NAPSC (NAPSC2?) against the original on one of the preamps - I can't recall which pre-amp it was now, it was many years ago - and there was a fairly clear preference for the more revised and improved NAPSC.

Richard,

Have you any idea when the revised NAPSC 2 first appeared, and the serial numbers at the time of the changeover?

I've had a look on the Naim website, but the serial number on mine fails to reveal which version I have, though there may well be some external feature I could use to identify it.

Thank you.

Posted on: 29 September 2016 by dave marshall
dave marshall posted:
Richard Dane posted:

I recall testing in the factory dem room the newer NAPSC (NAPSC2?) against the original on one of the preamps - I can't recall which pre-amp it was now, it was many years ago - and there was a fairly clear preference for the more revised and improved NAPSC.

Richard,

Have you any idea when the revised NAPSC 2 first appeared, and the serial numbers at the time of the changeover?

I've had a look on the Naim website, but the serial number on mine fails to reveal which version I have, though there may well be some external feature I could use to identify it.

Thank you.

Sorry Richard,

Found it! ........2002? ..............Doh!

Looked under Product History, rather than serial number............note to self, try harder. 

Posted on: 29 September 2016 by MDS

I've also been told by someone very knowledgeable in such matters that the newer NAPSC performs better than the older version, as heard on an 82. Also the newer NAPSC doesn't have a captive mains lead, thus enabling the option of a Powerline. Yes, it makes a nice performance difference on a 282 or 82. 

Posted on: 29 September 2016 by ChrisSU
dave marshall posted:
Richard Dane posted:

I recall testing in the factory dem room the newer NAPSC (NAPSC2?) against the original on one of the preamps - I can't recall which pre-amp it was now, it was many years ago - and there was a fairly clear preference for the more revised and improved NAPSC.

Richard,

Have you any idea when the revised NAPSC 2 first appeared, and the serial numbers at the time of the changeover?

I've had a look on the Naim website, but the serial number on mine fails to reveal which version I have, though there may well be some external feature I could use to identify it.

Thank you.

I believe the NAPSC 2 is a little larger. The front is slightly curved and has a green LED, which was on the back of the old one. 

Posted on: 29 September 2016 by dave marshall

Cheers 

ChrisSU posted:
dave marshall posted:
Richard Dane posted:

I recall testing in the factory dem room the newer NAPSC (NAPSC2?) against the original on one of the preamps - I can't recall which pre-amp it was now, it was many years ago - and there was a fairly clear preference for the more revised and improved NAPSC.

Richard,

Have you any idea when the revised NAPSC 2 first appeared, and the serial numbers at the time of the changeover?

I've had a look on the Naim website, but the serial number on mine fails to reveal which version I have, though there may well be some external feature I could use to identify it.

Thank you.

I believe the NAPSC 2 is a little larger. The front is slightly curved and has a green LED, which was on the back of the old one. 

Cheers, it seems have a NAPSC 2 after all..........phew!

Posted on: 29 September 2016 by ChrisSU

I assumed yours was the old version as you referred in your OP to 'the little power light on the back of the napsc.'

Posted on: 29 September 2016 by dave marshall
ChrisSU posted:

I assumed yours was the old version as you referred in your OP to 'the little power light on the back of the napsc.'

Wisnae me, wis Terry2. 

Posted on: 30 September 2016 by Terry2
ChrisSU posted:

I assumed yours was the old version as you referred in your OP to 'the little power light on the back of the napsc.'

You are right Chris; mine is the old version with the little light at the rear. 

Terry.

Posted on: 30 September 2016 by Terry2

Thanks for all the replies.  Will shortly raid the piggy bank for a replacement napsc.

I did notice that my now defunct  napsc used to run a little warm (i.e. the metal casing felt warm to the touch) but I assumed that was normal.  Don't know if that could have been a sign (or a cause) of the transformer wearing out.

Terry.

Posted on: 30 September 2016 by james n

They run a bit warm so no worries there. The Mk2 version is a bit better at dissipating the heat but to be honest the amount of heat from the single regulator in the PSC is minimal. With any powered component, a bit of breathing space around it is always good.  

Posted on: 30 September 2016 by Bananahead

Maybe hold out for the DR version