Naim nac 82 to replace my nac112x ' which leads me to another question

I used to run a 282 from a flatcap 2x so it will work. It's an interesting experiment to compare using one or both outputs feeding the 82. I won't say more so you can for your opinion unprompted.

I went as far as powering a superline from aux2 with only one fc output feeding the pre.

The hicap made the sound more relaxed and fuller but took me 2 years to get, (the superline and an aro hijacked the funds on the first 2 attempts).

I went NAC202 because I wanted the contemporary look but your question sort of crossed my mind too.

A NAC202 really benefits from a Napsc. They are not that dear in the scheme of things.

Chris

But I suspect a NAC82 might be preferable for you, in pure performance terms.

C.

When I switched over to Naim amplification, I compared a 102/HC/NAPSC with the 112/FC. The 112 sounded broken by comparison. Later, the 82/HC/PSC brought a lot of control and lower end that had been missing. Swapping the HC for a Supercap gave me a lot more 82, but nothing profoundly different. There is very little difference  between the 82 and the 282. I suspect, but can't say for sure, that  the same is true for 102 vs. 202. An 82 in decent condition should trounce the 112 and the 202. It's been a while, but I'm pretty sure you need the PSC with an 82.

I've had an 82 since 1993. I did listen to a 282, for a same price thing I might have taken the 282, but not by much,  282 had slightly better tonal balance for me, but lost on musical excitement. Having heard the 252 as well, basically same ad 282  for me, if you like classic Naim sound, 82 is a very affordable sweet spot, not really seriously beaten before the 552. (52 outperforms obviously, but going up in price.) I have always used a HICAP, so can't comment on sound quality of he FC, just check if it would work. If it does, you'll have a great amp.

Good question this one. If the FC doesn't work then I think the 150x could be used to supply the 82 but not absolutely sure.

The 82 will give a BIG performance lift over your current preamp.

Enjoy

Ray

whats the classic naim sound 

82 but not 282? 282 is part of classic series, but not classic naim sound, that's the olive !

so what about 552 then? is that the "original" Naim sound. or is that the olive 52?

I guess I could sell the flatcap2x and buy a hi cap ? As it only powers the pre amp currently..

The 82 is a lot better than the 202. A flatcap is ideal for neither. The 82 comes with a napsc. The 202 doesn't, but sounds better with one. The 82 would look odd with your amplifier, which may or may not matter. 

The NAC82 is a very good pre-amp and appreciably superior to the NAC112x.  You will make a few convenience sacrifices - no more RCA phonos, no adjustable input levels, no AUX2 powered input.  However, even when powered from a flatcap you'll find it much more resolving of your sources.  

One big difference is that the NAC82 can take onboard phono boards.  You don't mention which phono stage you are currently using.

How old is the existing set? They could be as old as 2004 according to 'product history', in which case FC2x and NAP150x are probably due a service to give of their best with whatever NAC you choose.

C.

thebigfredc posted:

Good question this one. If the FC doesn't work then I think the 150x could be used to supply the 82 but not absolutely sure.

The 82 will give a BIG performance lift over your current preamp.

Enjoy

Ray

Yes the nac 82 can be run from the 150x ' but it would not be up to much I think...I think at least Flatcap which I have FC2x

Richard Dane posted:

The NAC82 is a very good pre-amp and appreciably superior to the NAC112x.  You will make a few convenience sacrifices - no more RCA phonos, no adjustable input levels, no AUX2 powered input.  However, even when powered from a flatcap you'll find it much more resolving of your sources.  

One big difference is that the NAC82 can take onboard phono boards.  You don't mention which phono stage you are currently using.

I use a Michell Iso MC Phono Pre-Amplifier & Hera Power Supply Richard and a denon cart.. I agree there will be a degree of compromise as i do like the balanced volume option and the use of RCA plugs from time to time...I once owned a Nait 2 and liked the very natural and unforced sound...I have recently listened to a friends nac 82 and everything hit the right buttons in a similar but much bolder way.

I have been in contact with Tom Tom for a deal on an nac 82 and power supply..They are looking out for one for me. Not to bothered about the mis match of looks.. I like old generation look anyway and will probably end up with an older nap 250 power amp at some point when funds allow..But pre first as seems to be the best move...

OK thanks.  I like the original ISO - I still have mine, even though it's not used at the moment. I did make the mistake many years ago of "upgrading" blindly to the HR version - big mistake, more resolution but much less interest in the music.  But that's all by the by. 

Richard Dane posted:

The NAC82 is a very good pre-amp and appreciably superior to the NAC112x.  You will make a few convenience sacrifices - no more RCA phonos, no adjustable input levels, no AUX2 powered input.  However, even when powered from a flatcap you'll find it much more resolving of your sources.  

One big difference is that the NAC82 can take onboard phono boards.  You don't mention which phono stage you are currently using.

Richard what is the best Hi cap option for the Nac 82 I have now purchased it..Is it the olive unit to match or other  ?? Thanks

Best in performance would most likely be a Hicap DR.  However, an Olive Hicap would be a better visual match and will perform very nicely - just make sure it has been serviced within the last 10 years.  If not, it should be done ASAP, as a Hicap in need of a service can make the pre-amp sound, soft, sluggish and boring.

Richard Dane posted:

OK thanks.  I like the original ISO - I still have mine, even though it's not used at the moment. I did make the mistake many years ago of "upgrading" blindly to the HR version - big mistake, more resolution but much less interest in the music.  But that's all by the by. 

I agree Richard.. I have purchased a nac 82 with power supply and also Hi cap cant wait for it's arrival

ndx202- posted:

Hi am thinking of replacing my Naim nac 112x with a nac 82 with the rest of my gear which is a flatcap2X and a 150x amplifier..

Firstly  the nac 82 has a power supply with it for the digi stuff but I dont yet have a Hi cap only a flatcap that only powers the pre 112x at this time..Would the flatcap be a succesful power supply for the Nac 82 for the time being until I can fund a Hi cap  ??

Also I believe that the equivelent of the nac 82  is the newer nac 282 so this leads me to another question as on average the nac 82 is around the same price second hand as the mighty nac 202.. How much better is the nac 82 compared with the nac 202 as i believe it's older sibling is the nac 102  ???...Sorry if this all sounds a bit confusing but there  it is..

i Listen to vinyl mainly with the Systemdek xii900 Rega RB 250 Audio Origami modded...I have a chord DAC that runs my computer music files ' mixture of FLAC and MP3.. I am also currently trying tidal out which seems very good

There may be a few on here that think I should have a power amp upgrade  ? ' but am very happy with the way it delivers music..

Speakers are as mentioned before Neat Motive 3 on Atacama stands with ballast...Fantastic speakers that just push all the right buttons,

Any comments are welcomed as  an enevitable upgrade bug has been triggered as it so often is ...

I can only speak to the first part of your question.  I recently got the olive upgrade bug.  At the time I was running a 112/flatcap2/150.  I replaced the 112 first with an olive 82 that had been fully restored by AV Options.  The improvement was almost shocking, both an an absolute sense and in terms of value for money.  Everything was faster and more dynamic.  It was like moving 20 feet closer to the stage.  I powered the 82 with the Flatcap2 just fine.  Overall a no-brainer upgrade.

I subsequently added an olive 250  to replace the 150.  Also a big step.  Finally, I replaced the Flatcap2 with an olive hicap.  Now the system is in a totally different league.  I went in that order simply because it happened to be the sequence in which a 250 and hicap that I found suitable came up for sale.  All else equal I would have gotten the hicap first.  The 150 is in my opinion the most capable unit within the 112/flatcap/150 combo.

I messed around with some different A/B tests as I acquired the stuff and found that a better preamp/power supply unleashed some performance from the 150 that I didn't know was there.  

Have splashed out and now have nac 82 ' Hi cap ' napsu ( it came with 82 ) and a nac180 ' all serviced just waiting for the 180 to come back from Darren at A1.. sold the 112x 150x and flatcap2x to help fund every thing..

still using the motive 3's will get back with my impressions in a couple of weeks when things are run in a little..

Thanks for your views and the help with the other issue relating to Hi cap fuses blowing ...All sorted now as I have read the manual front to back now.. Snaxo active speakers that I believe will reqiuire another Hi Cap may be the next move 

As always any comments are welcome..

P.s I dont know how to post pictures on here ??? Does not seem to allow cut and paste  ??

NDX, the forum FAQ tells you how to post pictures. You will need to host them online somewhere.

All serviced and sounding great 

And another with my trusty guitar

ngarritson posted:

ndx202- posted:

Hi am thinking of replacing my Naim nac 112x with a nac 82 with the rest of my gear which is a flatcap2X and a 150x amplifier..

Firstly  the nac 82 has a power supply with it for the digi stuff but I dont yet have a Hi cap only a flatcap that only powers the pre 112x at this time..Would the flatcap be a succesful power supply for the Nac 82 for the time being until I can fund a Hi cap  ??

Also I believe that the equivelent of the nac 82  is the newer nac 282 so this leads me to another question as on average the nac 82 is around the same price second hand as the mighty nac 202.. How much better is the nac 82 compared with the nac 202 as i believe it's older sibling is the nac 102  ???...Sorry if this all sounds a bit confusing but there  it is..

i Listen to vinyl mainly with the Systemdek xii900 Rega RB 250 Audio Origami modded...I have a chord DAC that runs my computer music files ' mixture of FLAC and MP3.. I am also currently trying tidal out which seems very good

There may be a few on here that think I should have a power amp upgrade  ? ' but am very happy with the way it delivers music..

Speakers are as mentioned before Neat Motive 3 on Atacama stands with ballast...Fantastic speakers that just push all the right buttons,

Any comments are welcomed as  an enevitable upgrade bug has been triggered as it so often is ...

I can only speak to the first part of your question.  I recently got the olive upgrade bug.  At the time I was running a 112/flatcap2/150.  I replaced the 112 first with an olive 82 that had been fully restored by AV Options.  The improvement was almost shocking, both an an absolute sense and in terms of value for money.  Everything was faster and more dynamic.  It was like moving 20 feet closer to the stage.  I powered the 82 with the Flatcap2 just fine.  Overall a no-brainer upgrade.

I subsequently added an olive 250  to replace the 150.  Also a big step.  Finally, I replaced the Flatcap2 with an olive hicap.  Now the system is in a totally different league.  I went in that order simply because it happened to be the sequence in which a 250 and hicap that I found suitable came up for sale.  All else equal I would have gotten the hicap first.  The 150 is in my opinion the most capable unit within the 112/flatcap/150 combo.

I messed around with some different A/B tests as I acquired the stuff and found that a better preamp/power supply unleashed some performance from the 150 that I didn't know was there.  

Yes I have replaced everything getting all of it serviced with Darren  at A1 who I  can recomend the whole sound is fluid and organic ' not at all boxy as my 112x 150x  and flatcap sounded in comparison ..As you say they are in a different league..There is an airynes and beautiful bass that is apparant along with a hugely more real at the gig type sense of things when listening to live music..Darren has said it will continue to improve over time..I am only 2 days in and very very happy...Definately cured the upgrade bug for now

Beautiful system.  That was my first high end Naim system.  I played the hell out of it.  Slowly added a SCAP, then 52, then 300>300DR.  Its a fun ride.  Enjoy that system it is very capable and sounds great.