Vintage power amp + linn kan + NAC 152XS?

If you're looking to try out a vintage Naim power amp with what you have then something like a NAP110 or NAP140 would probably fit the bill.  The NAP110 is a personal favourite.  Of course, you need to ensure you get one that's not clapped out or sounding poor and in need of a service.  Definitely use NACA5 of an appropriate length.

Otherwise, I guess that the NAP150 is almost "vintage" now.  That would work well and would also match your other kit in aesthetics.

Agree with [@mention:1566878603942595] - a 110 or 140 would be super.  I had 'original' Kans, back in the mid 80's and ran initially with a 110 - but then got my 250...

Thanks! I have also heard good reviews on the nap160. How does that fare with the kans? I also guess that the old stuff uses the same interconects as the new gear so you dont need any adapters?

A NAP160 is lovely too but possibly getting a bit "amp heavy" combined with a NAC152xs - having not tried I wouldn't know, however, I'm always mindful of the comparison I have done a number of times to illustrate the importance of the pre-amp/power-amp hierarchy, of a NAC122x/Flatcap2x with a NAP500 vs. a NAC552/552PS with a NAP150x; the latter was always so much better. A NAP110 should be enough and would leave you with more money for the front end or pre-amp upgrades down the line.

Richard Dane posted:

If you're looking to try out a vintage Naim power amp with what you have then something like a NAP110 or NAP140 would probably fit the bill.  The NAP110 is a personal favourite.  Of course, you need to ensure you get one that's not clapped out or sounding poor and in need of a service.  Definitely use NACA5 of an appropriate length.

Otherwise, I guess that the NAP150 is almost "vintage" now.  That would work well and would also match your other kit in aesthetics.

What will the main sq differences be between a nap 150x and a 110 or 140? 

It's hard to say having never done a back to back comparison between the two, and certainly not with a NAC152xs and with Kans.  

hifinerdwannabe posted:

modern NAC 152xs and flatcap xs

Allegedly you can squeeze a bit more from your NAC if both the FC's outputs are on it. But you might be doing this already.

Christopher_M posted:

hifinerdwannabe posted:

modern NAC 152xs and flatcap xs

Allegedly you can squeeze a bit more from your NAC if both the FC's outputs are on it. But you might be doing this already.

Yes I am :-)

I use NAC 202 + napsc with a serviced NAP 110 and it works great, I even sold the HiCap DR because I found the amp had fantastic prat without it. I wouldn't hesitate to get the full 152XS/FC/155XS though, very cool naim amps! I like the 202/napsc/155XS a lot too. 

this last post is a bit worrying for me. More PRAT without HCDR? 

Anyway just joking, Richard Dane has always praised the 110, and good to read nice reviews about it.

Although I doubt I will ever buy one... too late in the Naim game for me as I got the 250DR.

I didn't say "more", just that it's fantastic 

First "real" system I heard through an open door at Sound Org in Southward was LP12/32/HC/250/Kans. Wasn't long before I had a LP12/42.3/110/Kans of my own. Indeed, a vintage sound - the Kans were magic; if you do get a CB or Olive amp try the Kans without the sub - they boogie like mad and it's possible you may find the timing is better.

I hate auto-correct - should be Southwark 

bluedog posted:

.......if you do get a CB or Olive amp try the Kans without the sub - they boogie like mad and it's possible you may find the timing is better.

I wondered about that too.

I'm a massive fan of the NAP110 and much preferred the 110 over a 140, magic sound. I currently use a NAP100 and to me is close to NAP110 in performance, great PRAT.

NAP100 or NAP110 would work well with your 152 also a 100 will not require a service and they go for about £400 - 450 used.

Okay the NAP100 is not quite vintage so probably look for a nice serviced 110.