NAC 62 upgrade path

Depends on funding but mY strategy would be:-

1. Add a Hicap to the 62 (c.£400)
2. 250 power amp (£800 less £350 for the 140)
3. Address the sources (CDX/CD2/CDS and possibly LP12/P9)
4. 82 preamp (£1200 less £150 for the 62)

Depending on speakers you already have they could come in anywhere from 1 to 4

The 72 has more depth, is more open and has better pace than the 62. the 62 is a little more intimate sounding, probably because it is a little woollier. Lovely little preamp though.

I think the best value for money option to really give the system a lift would be to buy a Flatcap2. Now I know it's not an aesthetic match and it would more than likely have to be bought new (though there's bound to be a few available second hand), but it has the benefit of being able to power two items at once. You'd get a performance lift on both the preamp (output A on the flatcap2) and the CD3.5 (output B) at the same time.

The 72 is a fantastic preamp. The 72/140 is a fine amplifier, but I think you'd get a better balanced result with a flatcap2. After that is installed you'd be able to switch any of the components, but the next move would be the 62 for either a 72 or better, provided your speakers are up to it of course!

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

I run a 1988 62/140 as well. I have just purchased a SNAPS unit. (if you using no phono input, I understand that the Dual 24v input from the HiCap, one rail is dedicated to the phono stage and the other does the rest of the PreAmp, therefore a SNAPS may be a cheaper upgrade £120-£150????). Not had time to try the SNAPS yet.

If you upgrade to a 250 you will need a HiCap or a SNAPS as the 250 has no preamp supply.

I too have been looking at other options and have upgraded my CDP and will probably do the speakers next (currently running MS10i's), then I'll probably go for a 250 (probably at the ame time as the speakers).

I would suggest looking at your CDP first.

Mr Perceptive

In the power amp options, there is always a 160, which are very affordable and have a preamp power supply - especially one that has been updated to 180 spec. Or even a 180 for a bit more dosh.

I had a chrome bumper 62/140 with CD3.5.
I then got a Hi-Cap (olive) to power the 62.
I'd recommend trying that before replacing.
I then got another Hi-Cap for the 3.5
Again recommended.
(I then replaced the 62 with an 82, then the 3.5 with a CDX and used the leftover Hi-Cap as a second on the 82.)

Paul Rowlands

Quote from Rasher: In the power amp options, there is always a 160, which are very affordable and have a preamp power supply - especially one that has been updated to 180 spec. Or even a 180 for a bit more dosh.

I agree. I partner my 62 with a Hi-Cap and a 160 bought up to 180 spec - it sounds superb.

Kevin

I think Frank is on the right track if you can get a used FC2. I also have a 62/140, and found the addition of a FC1 a very nice upgrade. I do not think SNAPS are good VFM esp. if you factor in a re-cap and dual-railing, when you consider a used FC can cost around UKP200. Following that, I'd suggest a hicap, and move the FC1 to the CD3.5. Unless you have very hard to drive speakers or a huge room, I think the 140 will survive many upgrades further up the chain.

cheers

Dan

quote:

---

Originally posted by Frank Abela:
The 72 has more depth, is more open and has better pace than the 62. the 62 is a little more intimate sounding, probably because it is a little woollier. Lovely little preamp though.

I think the best value for money option to really give the system a lift would be to buy a Flatcap2. Now I know it's not an aesthetic match and it would more than likely have to be bought new (though there's bound to be a few available second hand), but it has the benefit of being able to power two items at once. You'd get a performance lift on both the preamp (output A on the flatcap2) and the CD3.5 (output B) at the same time.

The 72 is a fantastic preamp. The 72/140 is a fine amplifier, but I think you'd get a better balanced result with a flatcap2. After that is installed you'd be able to switch any of the components, but the next move would be the 62 for either a 72 or better, provided your speakers are up to it of course!

Regards,
Frank.
_All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly._

---

Thanks Frank, My speakers B&W CDM2 SE
The Naim CD 3.5 is dated 1998 NOT 1989 I can't see !! Regards Robin

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jon W:
Hi Robin,

My system (sorry, "sistem") is similar to yours (CD3/62/SNAPS/140). I found that adding the SNAPS made an excellent improvement to bass tautness and agility, and improved resolution quite dramatically. Best £100 I ever spent. I would imagine similar gains would be had using the FC.

I am currently in the process of evaluating a 72 as a possible upgrade. In my sistem and room, the 72 has extended bandwidth and the clarity over the 62, drums now sound like drums, and cymbals don't sound like an air leak!

However, I always get my wife to sanity check each upgrade, and as yet, she can't tell the difference, although I've yet to sit her down and swap between 62 & 72 as she listens.

If you live anywhere near me, you're more than welcome to come round and compare the differences yourself, and also listen with and without SNAPS.

Cheers

Jon

CD3 / 72 / SNAPS / 140 / Linn Keosa

---

Thank you for the invite Jon but I live in Cornwall, the pastie boat don't go that far!
Best wishes
Robin