Nac52 with Audiolab 8000PX
Posted by: markharro on 20 February 2017
intrigued to know if this would be feasible and if so how it would sound until I had funds to invest in a Naim power amp. It's the original UK made 8000PX.
Has anyone heard this combo and can comment at first hand? Thanks.
It's certainly feasible - you would just need a suitable DIN4 - 2 x RCA phono interconnect. Pairing a Naim pre-amp with a non-Naim power amp is usually a better idea than the other way around.
As to how it will perform, I don't really know as I haven't heard the Audiolab 8000PX.
Could you not pick up a pre loved Olive series power amp to go with it for now (90 / 140 / 180) which would (probably) be a better match with the 52 than the 8000PX.
Easy to sell on / trade up with when you have more funds too.
James makes a good point. While I'd be tempted to skip a NAP90, it's not too far of a stretch to swap out the Audiolab for something like a NAP110 or NAP140. I have used my own NAP110 and NAP140 (upgraded 110) partnered with a NAC552 with wonderful results.
I too think you would be better off with a Naim poweramp a 110 or 140 would be a good cheaper match.
Have got a Audiolab 8000 P which I inherited and use occaisionally.Its a competent amp but I do find it a bit tonally grey and a bit bland.Not bad though but think you would be better off with a Naim poweramp
Agree - try to go for a Naim poweramp. A 140 would be a fab start. Mine was less than £300, from a 'well known auction site'. Would fly with a 52.
Richard Dane posted:I have used my own NAP110 and NAP140 (upgraded 110) partnered with a NAC552 with wonderful results.
If only the MD was reading this, Richard, and decided to lend you a Statement pre for a fortnight so that you could take those vintage NAPs to new heights with your SL2s. I mean where's the justice, you doing this job for a butt of dry sack at Christmas?!
To the OP, I think the suggestion of a smaller NAP is a good one instead of the Audiolab. The latter's probably not a bad amp, just that a NAP is going to go better with your 52.
Chris
Many thanks for all the replies. I see the logic in using a Naim power amp but as a 140 appears to be priced at around the same as a 8000PX would go for give or take is it really likely to give a dramatic SQ gain? thanks.
Both are good amps but the 140 will at least match the 52 and is a cracking little amp. The 8000PX and 52 may not be a good match purely on SQ grounds.
You don't mention what speakers you are planning on using with it and source ?
I have Monitor Audio Studio SE 20 speakers and a Naim CDX/LP12
Ah ok - not a difficult load in the speaker dept. I'd still try and seek out a Naim Power amp if possible so good luck with your 52 (and whatever amp you choose)
James
I had (still have it) a Nait-2 with the factory pre-amp out option powering an Audiolab 8000PX. It worked really well & excellent SQ, Re the comment about "grey" sound, I'm not sure about that, the 8000A had that reputation when it was first launched, IMO that was not true of later 8000A's & for sure not the 8000PX (not to be confused with 8000P) The PX is 100W & I found it would drive anything, it had my own 3 ways on & various others for odd weekend fun - from Linn Briks to Quad ELS63.