Cosmetic Surgery

It has been said: no for preamps, neither internal nor cosmetic.
For others, the new tranformer are too big to fit in an old box. And changing cosmetics and internal, yes it is possible: buy a new one.

Emmanuel

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

Paul,

the cosmetic updates will be just that - cosmetic.

The cosmetic updates will be limited to full-width amps and power supplies. We wanted to offer the update on the Hi-Cap as well but we've run into problems with the front panel switch so this may not be possible.

The work required to fit the new fascias is quite extensive and requires that the chassis is machined accordingly. Another snag is that the new feet won't fit the old chassis so the old feet will have to stay.

We'll have more details available when we return from our Summer shut-down in August.

Richard

Good news,

I have just heard from our R&D department that they have found a way of fitting the new switch on the old Hi-Cap so a cosmetic update will be possible on this unit.

Richard

Call me old fashioned, but is it possible to change the olive style half width boxes to chrome bumper style?

So what are we looking at cost wise then for a pair of 135's and a HiCap?

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Originally posted by seagull:
Call me old fashioned, but is it possible to change the olive style half width boxes to chrome bumper style?

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We have a few old black fascias available but Chrome edged sleeves are in very short supply (most of the ones from updates are marked or damaged so get scrapped). I suggest you give Sheila or Mark a call in our service department to find out what can be done.

Richard

quote:

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Originally posted by Rasher:
So what are we looking at cost wise then for a pair of 135's and a HiCap?

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Details including pricing haven't been finalised yet. We should have this information available shortly after we return from Summer shut-down in August. I suggest you contact our service department then for a quote.

Richard

quote:

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Originally posted by Richard Dane:
Good news,

I have just heard from our R&D department that they have found a way of fitting the new switch on the old Hi-Cap so a cosmetic update will be possible on this unit.

Richard

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Can we assume then that a cosmetic upgrade will also be available for the Nat-01 PST? Hope so, Neil

"Can we assume then that a cosmetic upgrade will also be available for the Nat-01 PST?"

Its already available, its called the XPS2(T) and its £2300 and apparently sounds rather good

Ducky,

we examined what would be needed to do cosmetic updates on pre-amps and the extent of the changes required (new fascia, logic control board, re-machined chassis, new pots and board) would have resulted in a huge end cost and little or no improvement in performance.

We had to take a view on how many customers would take this option at the projected price and ultimately it was deemed impractical. It would be cheaper to trade an old pre-amp against a new one with the benefits of a better performance.

Richard

p.s. CD players presented similar problems but to an even greater extent....!

Then again, I would ask what other manufacturer even bothers to consider such things..?

quote:

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Originally posted by Richard Dane:
Ducky,

we examined what would be needed to do cosmetic updates on pre-amps and the extent of the changes required (new fascia, logic control board, re-machined chassis, new pots and board) would have resulted in a huge end cost and little or no improvement in performance.

We had to take a view on how many customers would take this option at the projected price and ultimately it was deemed impractical. It would be cheaper to trade an old pre-amp against a new one with the benefits of a better performance.

Richard

p.s. CD players presented similar problems but to an even greater extent....!

Then again, I would ask what other manufacturer even bothers to consider such things..?

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I like the olive look. Cosmetic update? NO WAY. It is a waste of time and money.

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Cosmetic update? NO WAY. It is a waste of time and money.

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Tuan, for once I'm in complete agreement with you.

I've still not got used to the olive look.... still remember the shock when they first came out.

Cosmetic upgrades to latest styling are now available.

The update has to be done at the Naim factory as in each case it requires machining of the chassis in order to accomodate the new fascia. The existing case sleeve is used and all else remains as before including the feet - sadly the new feet cannot be fitted.

Cosmetic updates can be applied to all extruded sleeve type power amps, power supplies, Armageddon and SNAXO.

For pricing you should contact either your dealer or International distributor.

Richard

Richard,
are the changes purely cosmetic? or will there be some additional internal upgrades that can be done also? I am referring to a hicap.
Thanks.

The change is purely to the chassis & fascia. In some cases a new switch may need to be fitted but that's as far as any internal modifications go.

Richard

Go to the local dealer. Take a digital photo of the new kit head on. Print it out at home full size and mount on cardboard. Cut out & selotape to the front of the old kit.

Norman,

The reason for the high price is that the unit has to be stripped of its chassis. The chassis then has to be hand machined in our workshop. The fascias themselves are pretty costly items but it's the labour that's the killer on this particular process.

Frankly, due to the projected cost we were in two minds as to whether it was worthwhile for us to offer this update. We eventually decided that offering the cosmetic update was an important service to our customers. It all boils down to how important you feel an aesthetic match to be with your system. Given the choice, I would always recommend that you spend the money first on servicing older kit. At least you do have a choice....

Richard

My thoughts about the 500 at the moment are :- for that price it should be any bloody colour you want

Howard