Recommendations to improve a stone age system.

Thanks for the reply Debs. Not sure the n-sats would be an improvement on the Monitor Audios. I paid £700 2nd hand for the Studio 6's almost 20 years ago (they were well over £1000 new at the time) after auditioning quite a few speakers as I felt they really complimented the "Naim" sound, never taking anything away but doing a great job of controlling potentially harsh top end. I still love their sound to this day....they do what every good speaker should do, become invisible to the music. Thanks also, TrickyDickie.

Dick

What's the system standing on?

I agree with the notions above regarding getting the amps serviced either at Naim or by Darran at Class A; it DOES make a big difference.

I like Debs idea of Nsats, I'd also consider Linn Kans.

Christopher-M.....my system is on a Target stand with glass shelves plus home made cork strips under the CD3!

Quick update.....my previous, much cheaper, system that was nicked in the early 90's was an Arcam Alpha 5 Cd & amp through speakers I have long forgotten. One of my favourite CD's at the time was Page & Plant "No Quarter" & in particular "Gallows Pole" which has a fantastic drum section that was a real test for any system & on the Arcams really made you want to play air drums! I've just played it again on the Naim system & I hate to say it but that spark is no longer there.....the drums are just more "muddier". Perhaps my ears & expectations are different from 25 years ago &  most other stuff still sounds great on the Naim but it is a sobering thought that something that gave you such a memorable buzz on a such an affordable system is no longer there on the much more expensive kit, even using exactly the same CD. Just a thought.

Regards to all who have responded, Dick.

Hi Dick,

After reading your post above, i'd say your NAC 72/140 system should be smashingly good even if old, especially when compared to that Arcam system of yesteryear based from your memory and expectations.

I too echo the same as others here in that a service is in need, in that with all the amplification being sent off to an authorized dealer to be brought back to shape. But don't stop there, I would have all your NAC A5 cables re-terminated with new plugs both ends too, ready for when the system came home after service. If you can't do the cables yourself, ask your dealer for a proper job and be done with it. Once everything is done and the system setup,  then play that track again that had you air drumming all those years ago with the Arcam....

Another vote for a service...

White belt for the Rega. Then a service. Done both to your system (sadly sold) and well worth while. Must say I have searched for a good 72/140 ever since I sold them!

Stephen, DrMark, CDBoy......thank you for the kind & very useful responses. Looks like I'm going to have to bite the monetary bullet & listen to all this advice & get the amps serviced. Will do the cables as well Stephen & will check out a "white belt" for the Rega CDBoy...new one on me.

Once again, blown away by this forum.

Dick.

Dick,

I had a similar system - CD3.5/ Hicap NAC102/Hicap/NAP180 and MA Studio20SE

If you like the sound of the Studio 6's in your room then I don't think you can improve significantly on the system without spending a chunk more than £500. I assume the Studi 6s sound a lot like Studio 20s. If so they are have a very clean and transparent mid/high range and offer excellent PRaT but are a bit lean at the bottom end and can be a bit too forward in a bright room. Horses for courses with room matching.

I'd agree with getting the amps serviced. Beyond that I am not sure whether the CD3 can be powered with an external PSU? If so you could consider adding a second hicap or a flatcap for the CD player. I found this a worthwhile upgrade on my CD3.5.