Use UK NAP90 in USA with transormer, convert to 110V or upgrade ?

Posted by: Cookiemonster on 14 March 2004

I have recently emigrated to the USA with my NAC92/NAP90, and added a Flatcap to the NAC92. I have been using the NAP90 with a mains step-up transformer (Voltage Valet, http://www.voltagevalet.com/catalog.html). Sources are LP12/Lingo/Ittok/Karma and Linn Genki CD and speakers are Mission 702e (clearly the weakest link).

After asking my local Naim dealer to convert the NAP90 to 110V, I found that Naim USA insist on the unit being shipped to them for the conversion, at a cost of $250. Since this seems possibly more than is worth spending on it, I would be very grateful for advice on my options

1) Have Naim USA do the work on the NAP90
2) Continue to use the NAP90 with mains transformer (any opinions regarding the effect of using this on the sound gratefully received)
3) Upgrade – but how far ? My dealer has a tempting used NAP250, but how well would this go with my NAC92/Flatcap and Missions ?

Many thanks

Andy

Posted on: 14 March 2004 by Manu

Are you sure they quote only for a voltage conversion. It seems crasily expensive.

Emmanuel
Euphonie

All opinions are my own, and reflect those of the organisation i work for, even if not stipulated.

Posted on: 14 March 2004 by Paul Davies

$250 seems ridiculously high.

About 5 years ago, I returned some power amps and power supplies to Naim Audio North America (NANA) for voltage conversion. The cost per unit was about $40, of which $15 was for a new mains cable. The remainder was the less than one hour of labour required to unsolder and resolder a connection to the transformer.

I do recall that I also had to pay return shipping from CA to IL, but I don't recall it being enough to explain the difference between what I paid and what you were quoted.

Maybe the NAP 90 does not use the same kind of dual-wound transformers that my equipment does.

Anybody from NANA willing to comment?