Good afternoon, by the present I kindly ask for advices related to the preamplifier Naim model Nac 252 . I own a pre-owned Naim amplifier, model NAP 300DR. I am currently dealing the purcheasing of the preamplifier, Naim model Nac 252 complete of the external power supply unit, Naim model Super Cap (not DR version).
A. The preamplifier should be maintenanced, considered that has been manufactured approximately ten years ago, and it has not an internal power supply circuitry ?
B. Purchasing a ten years old preamplifier (not evaluating the sales price) today has sense ?
C. Could be possible to replace the remote control to the newest version ?
D. Pairing the preamplifier to a DR version of the external power supply unit model Naim Super Cap, could improve the preamplifier audio performances?
E. Replacing the Naim cables model《Din 4 pole / XLR 3》, meant to bring the audio signals from the preamplifier's Super Cap unit to the amplifier, could I improve the audio performances using the Flashback Sales cables?.
F. Using the adapter brand Flashback Sales, model《1 x Din 5 pole / 2 x RCA female, in order to use again my RCA cables model Tellurium Q Ultra Black, could affect to the audio performances ?
Cheers,
David
Posted on: 04 November 2018 by Japtimscarlet
Think you for your replies. [@mention:13393020358083741] if I have correctly understood, I do not have to purchase this preamplifier?. Cheers
David
Glad you have understood... because I haven't
I think we are saying... Yes buy the 252 it's a great pre and will suit your amp perfectly . That's certainly what I'm saying
Posted on: 04 November 2018 by blythe
The 252 is a very good pre-amplifier.
Even with an older Supercap without DR, it is fantastic.
Some people actually prefer the non DR version of Supercap.
The pre-amplifier being serviced is sensible but, in some cases less obvious than servicing a power amplifier - even at 10 years old. (My own 252 is over 10 years old but I will get it serviced sometime soon).
Purchasing a 10 year old pre-amp is a good idea, particularly if the price and condition is attractive.
A later remote control unit should work OK.
The DR version of Supercap "may" sound better to your ears - not everyone feels that DR is always better.
Listen to each yourself and you decide.
I personally would recommend using original Naim cables.
If you need RCA cables to connect some piece(s) of equipment, then non standard may be used.
Preferably use cables with the correct connections already on the cables and just one run of cable with no joins.
Avoid using small metal "adaptors" to make your cables fit or "adaptor cables" to lengthen your cables.
Posted on: 04 November 2018 by Simon-in-Suffolk
The 252 is a superb preamp... I agree with the answers NYYYNY. When the NAC powersupplies were changed to DR, effectively the NACs were relaunched with as a new version. The performances were quite different. As the 252 is made for the SuperCap they can only be considered together in terms of performance.
You will find almost certainly over the years small optimisation and tweaks have been applied to the 252 builds.. hence always the importance of the serial number. If you do ever get your NAC headend serviced.. and I would consider it at 15 years plus.. then I understand if possible these optimisations are applied.
An aspect I found with the 252, more so than the 282 for example, was the sensitivity on setup. That is support.. for me I found the head end performance significantly increases on full fat Fraim, the SuperCapDR seemingly less so. Also cable dressing and optimum fitting of the burndy lead becomes important.
Posted on: 06 November 2018 by blythe
Thank you . So, using a 《2 x In-Line Phono/RCA sockets - Naim style 5 Pin ring locking DIN plug cable》 it will affect on sound performances?.
Apologies for my slow reply. I use a cable 2 x phono - 5 pin DIN for connecting some things (Cassette deck for example) and as the equipment has no DIN connection, I have no choice than to use phono to DIN. It sounds fine.
However, my main source is a NAIM HDX. My LP12 uses Phonos to connect to my Phono stage, before connecting to my 252.
Naim have historically said that they believe the sound to be better when using DIN. I can't say if one sounds better as Naim equipment until recently, only came with DIN inputs. (Apart from a pre-amp with inputs for a record player.)
If you have any source which only has phono outputs, you really have no choice than to use a cable to connect from phono to DIN.
Posted on: 06 November 2018 by Tramat
Good afternoon @blythe, thank you for your reply. I think that soon I will purchase a Naim interconnect cable model «Din 5 pin / 2×RCA». The think to leave my actual RCA-RCA cable in a drawer, considered the cost, it hurts me. This is mainly the reason why I am still using an adapter.
Posted on: 06 November 2018 by blythe
With each extra connection (like when using your adaptor) you will be certainly be losing some signal.
How much, only your ears will know.
You "might" even prefer the sound of your current RCA/RAC using adaptors. I doubt it though.
Posted on: 06 November 2018 by aht
As far as I can tell, so far no one has explicitly pointed out that the 252 has two sets of RCA inputs that can be programmed to the CD and Aux2 buttons. Agreed that, everything else being equal, DIN sounds better, but if you have a set of RCA/RCA cables that you like, go ahead and use them, no adapter required. I have had excellent results using the RCA inputs on 252, 552, and SN2.
Posted on: 07 November 2018 by jlarsson
What is the reason DIN is considered better? I can understand the single/common earth-reference but is there more to it?
Let me add my vote on the 252 btw, it is a great buy and great product. I have owned one (and a 52 before that) for a long time and I've found it extremely dependable - both technically and musically. I still use mine with an olive supercap inherited from the 52.
Posted on: 07 November 2018 by Chag...
Reading the FAQ is one thing, listening is another. I have all DIN, RCA>DIN hybrid and all RCA Hi-Lines. The all DIN and hybrid show greater SQ. The all DIN gives more base, slightly more details and more cohesion as well. Not by much but still. I cannot really judge on transparency. ????
Chag -
