Nait 5 upgrade again, with a 112 this time

Posted by: Mr_Sukebe on 29 December 2003

I posted yesterday about my experiences with adding a Nap 200 to a Nait 5/Hicap. In short, I really didn't think that the 200 made the combination sound much better, certainly not enough to justify £1345.

Having had some more time to think about previous dems, which had rather impressed me, I came to the conclusion that it could well be the pre-amp section within the Nait that was letting the side down, despite using a hicap.

So, I toddle off today and come home with a 112 pre-amp.
Once in my system it was connected as:
CD5i > 112 > Hicap > Nait (power amp section) > Kabers

Even with the 112 cold, I was pretty surprised at the improvement. It was a MUCH bigger improvement that the addition of the Nap 200 on the back end of my nait. Bearing in mind that it was just £365 S/H, seems like something of a bargain.

So, all I now need to do is find a 150 so that I can sell the Nait.

I guess that says that the pre-amp really does make a LOT of difference.
Posted on: 29 December 2003 by Mr_Sukebe
Joolz,

Purely a question of personal taste I guess. I happen to find the older gear far more coarse and much prefer the newer style kit.
Posted on: 29 December 2003 by Geoff P
As a former 112/Hicap/150 owner I have to say that the 150 turned out to be an excellent amp. During a gradual transition to where I am now (282/SC?250) the 150 impressed me and IMHO was the stronger element of the 112-150 combination.
Based on my experience I think your idea of moving to the 150 won't dissapoint.

Interesting also is your experience in comparing the 112 with the Nait 5 as a pre-amp. There has been quite some discussion here in the past suggesting the 112 is NOT much better than the Nait 5 which is at odds with your comments.
I have never heard the Nait 5 but do believe the 112 must benefit from being in a seperate box from the power supply.

Geoff