Fraim Lite, High Heat

Posted by: easeback1 on 06 October 2018

I'm about to order a NAP 250 DR to partner my N272, and also considering a Fraim Lite.

Checked the prices, and for some reason, a Fraim Lite base plus one standard level (115mm) works out quite a bit cheaper than a base plus medium or tall level.

I'm based in Thailand though, where room temperature is typically 25 - 30C. The N272 runs quite warm sitting on top of my existing rack (with nothing above it) and I'd guess a 250 DR will run a lot warmer. I'm concerned that slotting a 250 DR into a low-headroom location (i.e. only a centimetre or so gap below the shelf above) might be asking for trouble. Should I give it more space to dissipate heat?

Posted on: 06 October 2018 by Richard Dane

If the NAP250DR is working properly and you’re using Naim’s recommended cabling and length, and not driving anything too onerous in load or sensitivity, then it should not run hot. Warm at most. The NACN272 will probably run warmer thanks to the streamer chipsets using the proximity of the case as a sort of heatsink.

Posted on: 06 October 2018 by hungryhalibut

Yes, the 272 is a lot warmer than a 250. One thing about using a Fraimlite base and shelf with a 272/250 is that the 272 will only be about a foot above the floor, which may look a bit odd.

Posted on: 06 October 2018 by ChrisSU

Easily solved by getting an XPS as a 3 shelf rack looks just right!

Posted on: 06 October 2018 by easeback1

Thanks Richard. I live and learn.

Agreed, the base & single shelf configuration is a bit too low-profile. But Chris has the obvious solution : )

Posted on: 06 October 2018 by HiFiman

ChrisSU posted:
Easily solved by getting an XPS as a 3 shelf rack looks just right!

Also with medium legs as this keeps burndy off the floor, that's my setup Fraim with medium legs 272 at the top, XP5xs in the middle, 250dr bottom shelf. Burndy loop is 2inch from the floor.

Posted on: 06 October 2018 by TK421

Something like this might work for you...

Purchased my Fraimlite back in January as two twin packs:

Base & standard shelf;
Standard shelf & standard shelf

Was then lucky enough to pick up the additional shelf via Fleabay a few months ago.

Posted on: 06 October 2018 by RaceTripper

This picture gives me pause...I am planning to get a Fraim next year. Can a Fraim Lite shelf be used for the top shelf of a Fraim?

I might build two shelves of Fraim, and it would be great if I could finish off the tops with Lite. The double std shelf is a lot less expensive than two regualr Fraim shelves.

Posted on: 06 October 2018 by TK421

I am 99.9% certain that it can be done.

I think the Naim site explains they can be mixed and I seem to recall a forum member posting a few pictures whereby he had done exactly what you are planning. It wasn't the System pictures thread though. My memory isn't what it once was but he was having a black box installed and he put a few pictures on of the dealer installing. It might have been an ND555.

ATB,

Mike

Posted on: 06 October 2018 by RaceTripper

That would save me about $1200 for a two rack system if true.

Posted on: 06 October 2018 by Eoink

RaceTripper posted:
That would save me about $1200 for a two rack system if true.

Naim explicitly state they can be mix and matched here.

https://www.naimaudio.com/product/fraimlite

Posted on: 06 October 2018 by RaceTripper

Perfect. Thanks. I missed that the first time I looked at the product page (probably because I looked at the Fraim and not Fraimelite page).

Posted on: 06 October 2018 by RaceTripper

ONe other question. If I have a Herron VTPH-2a tube phono stage, a ND5-XS and NAC282 for the 'source' side stack, what should be the order top to bottom. The 'power' side will be a 250DR on one shelf and HiCap DR + NAPSC on the other shelf.

Also, in terms of space I might have to put power and amp on left side and sources on right side (left side has a TT wall shelf and I'm limited to about 675 mm).