Nap 150x to be serviced or a s/h Nap 155xs ? Sonic differences.

Posted by: airdavid on 03 October 2016

Hello all,

my nap 150 is 12 years old and, according to "Naim rules", it needs (maybe) a servicing.

Since it's possible to find s/h nap 155xs, what do you suggest, a nap 150x serviced or a nap155xs?

putting aside the aesthetic valuation, what are the sonic differences?

thank you in advance,

regards

David

Posted on: 03 October 2016 by hastings

From what I have heard the xs series has a cleaner presentation than the previous 5x series. If you have a matching 122 or 112 (which are the perfect match for the 150) you are going to be breaking up a winning team by moving on to the 155 - the 5x and xs don't mix that well. So be prepared to get the 152 pre as well if you buy the 155.

Posted on: 03 October 2016 by airdavid

thank you Hastings.

Sorry, yes I have a Nap 150x matched with Nac 122x.

so, do you suggest to maintain the original 122x-150x combo?

Posted on: 04 October 2016 by Bob Edwards

Just get the 150x serviced. If you want to "upgrade," go for a 202 or 282, or improve your source.

Posted on: 04 October 2016 by hungryhalibut

The 122x and 150x go perfectly together, so I'd just get the 150x serviced.

Posted on: 05 October 2016 by airdavid

thank you!

David

Posted on: 10 October 2016 by airdavid

Hastings, Bob and Hungryhalibut,

do you suggest also the same for my flatcap 2x?

Putting aside the aesthetic valuation, is it better (and cheaper) a serviced Flatcap 2x than a Flatcap XS ?

thank you in advance,

David

Posted on: 10 October 2016 by Bob Edwards

David -

The problem is simply one of value. You can buy a used Hicap DR for about $1100 USD; this will far outperform any Flatcap. It makes more sense to me to buy a used Hicap DR and then sell off the Flatcap 2x - you'll end up spending perhaps $100-200 more than servicing the Flatcap, and have a significantly better system.