Nait 5 and 150 in a Bi-Amp configuration - possible?

Tze,

I don't think Naim explicitly recommend the 150 as an upgrade, per se, for the Nait 5, I think that it's to show how you could go to a 112/150 in separate steps. It is possible to biamp using a Nait 5 and a 150 although I think to do it you'd need a special lead that would alllow you to effectively split the output from the preamp section of the nait so that it goes to the power amp section of the Nait 5 and to the external 150. You could more easily do it via a *Cap, at least a Hicap.

I would suggest however that it wasn't worth it for multiple reasons:

• Cost, you need the special cable + another run of speaker cables.
• Missing the point, that's to say that the limiting factor in the majority of hifi systems is the source, and after that the preamp. You'd still be using the preamp section of the Nait, and when it ran into trouble you'd be getting that through both amps.

I've biamped with other makes of amps and while I like it I believe it's a waste of money aand effort. Much more cost effective to upgrade sources, then preamps and finally poweramps.

To repeat, generally the limiting factor is the source, and some would argue, including me, that the primary source is the the mains and if you don't get that optimised (dedicated spur and what have you) then upgrading boxes is just pissing in the wind.

Peter

User34 at Laposte dot net

Thanks Peter, excellent points.

I'd just concentrate on saving up for a 202 then :-)

Cheers,
Tze

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Originally posted by tze96:

I'd just concentrate on saving up for a 202 then :-)

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That's one one way to look at it, but if you're like me I can imagine that saving c £1400 to spend on a 202 is a bit of hard work and you'd like to spend some money on your baby before you'd got to the magic number!

Peter

User34 at Laposte dot net

Hello forget biamping, keep the 5 until you can go to a 200/202. Although the series 5 seperates are an improvement over the nait the 200/202 is much bigger...assuming you have at least a cd5. Ben r

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assuming you have at least a cd5

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Not yet, but should be getting it next month (hopefully). Planning to get a FC2 after that. Currently running a Planet 2000 and it's quite obviously holding back the setup. I've heard the CD5 at the dealer and it's in a different league. Recently upgraded to Harbeth Compact 7s, very pleased with them but also showed up the inadequacy of the Planet more clearly.

Cheers,
Tze

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Originally posted by tze96:
I've heard the CD5 at the dealer and it's in a different league. Recently upgraded to Harbeth Compact 7s, very pleased with them but also showed up the inadequacy of the Planet more clearly.

Cheers,
Tze

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Ok, your in a 'mullet' situation, where your source is lagging behind the speakers, kind of the tail wagging the dog. I've never heard CD5/FC2 but that kind of money will get you a used CDX and a HiCap, The CDX is less than than the CD5/FC2 and a used Hi is about the price of a new FC2. This will take you a big step of the way to where you want to go. For me, I wouldn't consider a 202/200 without a Hicap and without a source a notch above a CD5/FC2. OTOH, I'm trying to avoid considering a 202/200 too, because i've got enough boxes as it is!

Peter

User34 at Laposte dot net

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Originally posted by Peter Stockwell:
I've never heard CD5/FC2 but that kind of money will get you a used CDX and a HiCap

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I've heard the CDX but found it too lean and aggressive - prefer the CD5's presentation. Of course, the CDX2 is better, but that's considerably more than I'm prepared to spend.

I understand a better source than a CD5 is much preferred with a 202/200 (essentially Naim's suggested system 2), so CD5/FC2/Nait5/150 is probably as far as I'll go in the near term.

The 202 was considered because it's a more affordable upgrade compared to a CDX2. But if a CD5/FC2/202/150 doesn't make sense, I guess I'll just save the money and enjoy the music.

What do you guys reckon? Btw, being in Sydney, 2nd-hand Naim equipment isn't easily available.

Cheers,
Tze

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Originally posted by Peter Stockwell:
Must be starting to cool off in the city on the Harbour ? Love Sydney. Anyway, two things. Ears I trust, the person used to own CD5/FC2 and went to CDX, suggest that on the wrong support, particularly glass, the CDX is exactly as you heard it, but on the right support, i.e. wood there's no contest. Secondly, if your are thinking CD5/FC2/202/150 or as a compromise CD5/FC2/Nait 5/150 then you're looking in the wrong place, the optimal upgrade would be CD5/HiCap/Nait5/FC2 this will give you better bang for you Ozzie Peso (although it's perked up since last year) than whacking a 150 on the back end

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G'day Peter,

Yes, the weather has been quite pleasant these few days. Sydney is a pretty liveable city - great food and nice beaches.

Hmm, the CDX I heard could be on a glass support. I was thinking a player like the CDX can't be that niche-sounding.

Ok, thanks for the tip. Will keep in mind "source first" and save up for a HC instead. Too bad the A$ has been kinda laid-back recently...

Cheers,
Tze

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Originally posted by Harj:
Peter is spot on. I had a CD5/FC2/Nait5. However, it was only when i moved to CD5/HC2/Nait5/FC2 that the world opened up. I am now very content (famous last words). You will never go wrong with a HC and you can pick up recent example for £500 or less.

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Hi Harj,

Is there a significant difference between a HC and a HC2, other than the colour of the box? Audible?

Thanks,
Tze