Hi there
Thanks for the add. This is my first ever post. I'm relatively new to Naim.
I've inherited an LP12 and a vintage Naim nac 22 / Nap 120 combo. The amps are the ones assembled in NZ under licence.
They date from circa 78 though were out of action (as in not used at all) for a long time. I'm running them into some SBL Mk IIs
Separately I have an opportunity to buy a U.K made 42.5/110 combo for $1000 Aus. I've auditioned them and they do sound richer, fuller and more detailed and alive than the 22/120.
However there is a sentimental attachment to the 22/120 and so I have a dilemma....
My query:
Can the 22/120 be serviced and what benefit would I hear from this? Would it be worth it or would I be better to go for the 42.5/110 combo for the money? (From what I understand they haven't been serviced ever either)
Can the 22/120 be upgraded to 42.5/32.5 / 110 spec or equivalent as part of a service? Again would it be worth it or should I just go with the 42.5/110 combo being offered.
Or would I be better waiting and holding out for a bigger step up - a 72/140 or 72/250 or should I service the existing amps and add a hicap or something?
ive swapped the amps in and out and whilst the 42.5/110 is better it seems only slightly so to me and whilst my mind is telling me i should be hearing a bigger difference, I'm just not
I really appreciate your time and advice. I've been a reader of the forum for some time and know there are some real experts here hoping to tap into that knowledge
Kind regards
Barry
Posted on: 01 November 2017 by hungryhalibut
What a nice post, and how lovely to inherit such nice things. The 22/120 can be serviced, and it will transform them after so much time. I’m sure I’ve heard of a Naim agent in Australia that can do it. You can always mail Naim HQ to find out, if nobody else chimes in with better information. It’s very unlikely that a 42/110 would be substantially better. If you decide not to service your amplifiers and to get something else, what SBLs really need is a 250. If you want to stick with chrome bumper or olive, the ideal choices at sensible prices are 32.5, Hicap, 250 or with the olive, a 72 in place of the 32.5. It’s worth getting the LP12 looked at if you haven’t done so already. It sounds pretty ropey if poorly set up, but wonderful when set up with care and attention.
Posted on: 01 November 2017 by Gazza
The SBL, s May take some setting up properly, others on this forum that have them can give advice on that in terms of tighten the drivers, may be resealing the speaker enclosures, if they have been moved, unboxed etc. Once set up , against a wall by a few inches, not in open space they are superb. Particularly if driven by a 250 as HH advised. Take your time and enjoy your new Naim hifi ,and welcome to the forum.
Posted on: 01 November 2017 by McGeeontheroad
Thank you gents for the swift responses! The LP 12 has been serviced and prof tuned by a linn authorised specialist here. It sounds wonderful. The SBLs were purchased from a ex-Naim dealer (who previously owned them himself). He set them up too and they sound wonderful. I was dubious re the whole flat earth thing but once dialled in I was blown away.
Its the same chap offering the 42.5/110. I'm just trying to do my own background research and understand what options I have - the LP 12 plus NZ amps came from a dearly loved family member that has now sadly passed on
Thanks again!
Posted on: 01 November 2017 by bazz
12s/120 was my first Naim in 1978, an amazing amp, still wish I'd never sold it. The Naim distributor is in NZ these days but the amps can be serviced in Oz. If in Sydney, give Harry York at Audio Genesis a call. Harry's a very helpful man, he can also look at the LP12 for you. The amps can also be done in Melbourne, scratching my head trying to think of the dealer, it may come to me later or someone else may chime in.
I also use SBLs, and though I've never used a 120 with them, based on my experience with it on other speakers I'd say it would drive them without any trouble, certainly wouldn't be unloading it.
If I were in your shoes I'd be looking to pick up a 32.5 and Hicap at some stage, that would do the trick nicely.
Posted on: 01 November 2017 by hungryhalibut
Sorry will the service transform the amps even though they were unused and boxed away for many many years?
Yes it will, as the big capacitors still go off. If I were you I’d get a quote to service them. Once you have that you may decide to leave them unserviced and just keep them, and get something else for the LP12/SBL setup. They really deserve a 72, Hicap and 250, or similar.
Posted on: 01 November 2017 by steve95775
I had a 12s/120 back in the day. I got to compare it directly with a 42/110 and a 22/120, all of a simular age, (the 42/100 had only just been released and I had just started working at a Naim dealer).
The 42/100 is a better combo than the 22/120. The 42.5 is better again.
The 120 would need a service as noted by others, as would a 110. Considering that we are talking about 30 and 40 year old amplifiers here it's not surprising. And the Australian distributor Chris Murphy has had Naim on the brain for over 30 years so there is depth there, (and good service).
It is true a 250 is the go with SBLs but there is nothing wrong with a 110.
Posted on: 01 November 2017 by bazz
Despite looking like it was built in someone's garden shed the little 120 is/was a gem, with an ability to drive loudspeakers far beyond its modest power rating.
I swapped mine for a chrome bumper 250 and I can't say the 250 was a major upgrade, more power but not as engaging.
Posted on: 02 November 2017 by Richard Dane
Barry, your best bet would be to get in touch with Chris Murphy - the Naim distributor for NZ and Australia - who is based in Wellington.
The NZ-built NAC225 and NAP125 were made by Avalon from a kit of parts supplied from the UK and use locally sourced casework. It was done this way to avoid the punitive import taxes placed on imported amplifiers at the time. Unfortunately the relationship broke down as JV would find the amps deviated too far from spec with unauthorised modifications and poor performance. When Chris took over he spent much time sorting these amps out, so he's probably the world expert on them. Give him a call.
p.s. I remember that Shore Hi-Fi in Auckland had a "Murphyed" Avalon NAC225 as their 'customer loaner'. Proprietor John Vivian reckoned it was a peach and could sometimes run the more modern pre-amps rather too close for comfort!
Posted on: 02 November 2017 by Christopher_M
p.s. I remember that Shore Hi-Fi in Auckland had a "Murphyed" Avalon NAC225 as their 'customer loaner'. Proprietor John Vivian reckoned it was a peach and could sometimes run the more modern pre-amps rather too close for comfort!
I love anecdotal stuff like this. I'm divided on it though! I like the thought of 'they don't make em like they used to'. Simultaneously I need to know that the stuff they are making now is better otherwise they may as well have shut up shop in 1988, or whatever!
Now back to Barry's thread
Posted on: 02 November 2017 by McGeeontheroad
Great mixture of advice folks and I'm much appreciative. I sent Chris Murphy an email this afternoon and he responded very quickly - how's that for service! He's directed me to his tech here on the Gold Coast, Australia
His general advice was that the 42.5/110 should see off the NZ Nac22/Nap120 but most probably need serviced. He reckoned not much good he done with the 22/120 apart from adding a external PSU.
I'll contact his tech and take from there
Whatever happens, I'll be keeping the NZ amps forever. There is an attachment to them.
I'm so pleased there is such expertise out there from people who genuinely just care about you're musical enjoyment. Good on you guys and thanks again!
Posted on: 02 November 2017 by McGeeontheroad
Out of interest on the 120 I have, the left speaker output (as you look at it from the front) does go left, not right. So those pesky naughty Kiwis (I can say that...I married one) certainly weren't following the Naim norm precisely.
Posted on: 02 November 2017 by Innocent Bystander
If you'll be keeping forever, then it may be worthwhile servicing and trying them - if you love it, maybe no point changing. Otherwise, some time now or in the future they could feature in a secondary system in another room, perhaps. (Obviously the depending on cost and your available budget.)
