NAC 32.5

Bernard Kurera posted:

Hello,

I need some help with my NAC 32.5. it's working fine and coupled with a NAP 110.

1) The phono stage requires a different type of a jack, what is this type called and how can I get hold of two pairs? tried it on the net but no luck.

2) The volume control is giving a crackling noise when adjusting, how can I clean it as the unit seems to be sealed.

3) I removed the housing to clean the dust inside and realized that all the cards are loose, is it normal? or how should fix it? 

I'm a newbie, so it will be great if someone can give me some advice.

Many thanks,

Bernard

Bernard,

Welcome - An excellent choice of pre-power . 

1 - They are BNC connectors. You need the 50 ohm version. 

2 - Possibly not the pot at fault here. When was the pre-amp serviced ?

3 - Yes - they are plug in cards. They will be slightly 'loose'. Just ensure they are seated correctly on the main board pins. 

James

Thanks James for the advice!

Does any BNC connector fit? I see there are many different types. Sorry for being so naive. 

This kit was bought in 2006 by the first owner and I don't think it was serviced ever since. I'm located in Sri Lanka and there is no authorized service center here so my options are limited. There are a lot of places that undertake servicing but I'm not sure how far they can do a proper job. What do you recommend? 

Sure, I will check on the cards. 

Many thanks,

Bernard

Bernard - this is the type you need - 

It's the straight plug - solder type not the crimp type. They are slightly fiddly to fit to the arm cable as they are designed for thicker coaxial cable but a good electronics repair shop should be able to fit them for you if you're not good with a soldering iron.

As for servicing - Naim or one of their authorised service centres is best. I would drop an email to Naim for advice on where best to get this serviced within your region. 

James

Thanks James! Will write to Naim for advice.

Bernard

If you don't feel like doing the soldering or buying a new lead, then you can get RCA>BNC adapters.

Dungassin posted:

If you don't feel like doing the soldering or buying a new lead, then you can get RCA>BNC adapters.

Plus one

Plug these into the 32.5, then standard RCA plugs/cable onto the adaptors.

Adapters dumb down the sound- have proper BNC's fitted to the cable or have the BNC's swaped out for RCA's on the 32.5..

Imho,

Mark

Mark

I’m sure you’re correct in theory, but I doubt it will make much, if any sonic different to most people systems. It certainly wouldn’t to mine, there’s a probably a dozen tweaks I could/should do to my system that would improve it more. I certainly doubt it’s worthwhile on an un-serviced unit.

Plus not all tonearm cable is designed for use with BNC plugs. I use VDH D502 cable, fitting BNC plugs doesn’t look easy.

The adaptors will of course be fine, but the sound will be better with BNC plugs soldered to the leads. They are not easy to solder though, so it's a job for a good solderer with the right iron. 

I can confirm what HH said. After I replaced the RCA/BNC adaptors with soldered BNC plugs on my tonearm cable the sound was much better. 

Seems we have a "Cat" fight ..

varyat posted:

Seems we have a "Cat" fight ..

Are you Harry Hill.

I think a major problem with this forum and probably all other forums, is people read a post, then reply to it without even bothering to read the OP, thus understanding the context of the post they are replying too.

The way I read the OP, is Bernard has a turntable that he is eager to connect to his NAC. Buying a couple of adaptors on ebay for 2 or 3 quid, will make that possible.

Agreed, the adapters will allow Bernard play his records. Actually, very happy Bernard actually wants to play records!

ATB,

Mark

I have often cured noisy volume control pots by squirting electrical contact cleaner into them and then turning the volume control back and forth 10 - 20 times. Do this with the preamp switched off.

It's a quick fix, may not completely cure the problem, and most probably with an old 32.5 you should get a new volume control pot fitted at some point.

The gold plated solution is to have it serviced by Naim or a good service agent, but as you are in a remote place so this can be difficult and most probably not cost effective. 

As for the BNC connectors, just go with the adaptors for now, as others have suggested, and down the track think about replacing your armcable on the turntable with one already fitted with BNCs.

Hi all,

Thanks for all the advice!

looks like there is a lot for me to learn. I mainly want to play my records on this, that's why I want to get the phono stage fixed. My turntable is a Technics SL D202 so I'm not sure how the solder type is supported. If someone can advice it will be great. I checked on adapters on ebay and all seem to be 70 Ohms not 50. I can find a good technicians here if soldering is an option.

I will try cleaning the volume pot with contact cleaner, if it doesn't work will buy one. 

I already wrote to Naim on service options and yet to hear from them. If nothing works out I will have to bring it for service when I visit UK.

I'm also planning to buy a Nait 5i to bi-amp, any thoughts?

Bernard 

Bernard Kurera posted:

...I'm also planning to buy a Nait 5i to bi-amp, any thoughts?

Bernard 

Bernard, I wouldn't, and certain not with a NAIT 5i.  If you must passively bi-amp the  you will need a Hicap and would suggest another NAP110.  However, I don't see this as a wise way to spend your money.  Save up for an upgrade to your Technics SL-D202 turntable instead as this is what will ultimately be holding back your system the most.

p.s. The Technics deck is not a bad record player by any means - indeed, value for money is high, as is reliability, but performance is ultimately limited - it is after all, very much an entry level deck.  Even a basic Rega Planar 2 would be a big step up from this in performance.

Thanks Richard, instead of a basic model what would be the next best option for a TT?

Bernard, the sky is the limit here - but I'm sure that your budget will have as much to do as any recommendations I may make in dictating which deck comes next.

At the very least you should be thinking something like a Rega - fantastic performing decks for the money from one of the great names in hifi. The current Planar 2 would be my starting point, a Planar 3 even better, and an RP6 better still...

I know it's never ending. I will be on the look out for one. Thanks Richard!