NAP140 alternative to NAP100 with DAC-V1
Posted by: Crispin_Hill on 28 November 2017
I don’t have the budget for a NAP100 to accompany my DAC-V1. I was wondering if I could use a shoebox classic like the NAP140.
Would be used to power either a pair of Dynaudio Contour 1.1’s or nSats in a small room at mid volumes.
Hi Crispin
A recently serviced NAP140 is actually a more capable power amp than a NAP100. It it were a current product, it would be considerably more expensive too.
I happen to use a NAP140 with the DAC-V1 (see details in my profile) and it's a cracking combination, a source of great joy and delight.
Hope this helps, FT
Hi FT - thanks for that. I’m seeing 140’s on EBay around the £320 mark as compared to 100’s which seem never to crop up used. What did you mean by “if it’s a current model” by the way?
Hi Crispin,
By current, I mean if Naim made and sold new ones today.
[@mention:2833539977722183] - To give a comparison, the NAP140 was £770, in 1998 - the NAP100 is £750 today...? I will guess the 140 would be around £1500, if it were made today.
I've been after 2x Nap 100's in the past. They were not available by then (may / june). Just after I bought 2x Nap 200's, Ebay was full of Nap 100's. Its patience what counts.
One consideration you should not forget, is that a 140 is likely in need for a service. Since the Nap 100 was introduced only a few years ago, these are not in need for a service.
Nap 100 usually go for around GBP 500.
I believe that the Nap 100 is a new classic.
Ardbeg10y posted:
I believe that the Nap 100 is a new classic.
Why's that ?
james n posted:Ardbeg10y posted:
I believe that the Nap 100 is a new classic.
Why's that ?
I see two reasons: because it inhireds the tradition of shoebox sized amps and it reacts well on good sources. There are some forum members here using the nac 272 with the Nap 100 poweramp.
And don't forget the NAP110. It's a bit sweeter than the NAP140, although a NAP110 that has been given a 'NAP140' upgrade at the factory is a nice hybrid, and it still uses the NA002s transistors but with improved power supply. A good NAP110 is certainly one of my favourite classic Naim amplifiers. Just be sure with any classic Naim amp to feed it with NACA5, properly terminated and with a minimum of 3.5m per channel (preferably a bit more - say 5m+). The 110 works brilliantly with n-Sats.