I have a tough decision to make. My setup consists of a NAIT5, CD5, FlatcapII and a NAP180. I want to upgrade to a NAC82, HI, NAP180 and CDX in the future.
I am looking for a second hand Hicap at the moment and might have found one in Germany. This would be the first step to a NAC82 and would be a substantial upgrade now (CD5+Hi, Nait+FCII).
Today I heard a dealer in the Netherlands have a second hand CDX for sale. I could trade in the CD5 and FlatcapII and buy it. This would cost me the same as the Hicap.
Only disadvantage is that the Nait5, currently used as preamp powered by the FCII, then has to be powered by the NAP180. When I buy the CDX, it will take me at least four/five months before I can afford a Hicap again. On the other hand, finding a good CDX in the Netherlands isn't that easy.
What should I do??? Waht would give me the best result in the short term?
Dennis
Posted on: 15 January 2002 by Bas V
I wouldn't go there Den. Although I do favour the source-first approach, I believe the pre-amp is as important as the source. Your setup won't let you hear any difference just yet, a thing the HiCap will. I think it would also be wiser to sell your CD5 on the market, as I know there are lots of people who want one in Holland!
Greetz, Bas
Posted on: 15 January 2002 by Steve G
Why not sell the Nait 5 as well and get a used 32.5 and old style Hicap (if you can find these in Holland)?
I'd have thought CDX/32.5/Hi/180 would be a pretty decent interim step.
Regards
Steve
Posted on: 15 January 2002 by Andrew Randle
Do the demo at the dealer. I think you will go for the CDX.
BTW, nice point Steve.
Andrew
Andrew Randle
The frightening thing is not dying
The frightening thing is not living
Posted on: 15 January 2002 by Den
They came with an offer I simply couldn't resist. It's a 1 1/2 years old CDX for a fair price. It will cost me €680,- (£430) with trading in the CD5 and FCII. It will be mine februari 2nd and I am happy with it. At the end of februari I will be financial healthy again and start saving for the Hicap and NAC82. For now I hope the dissapoinment of the Nait5 preamp section powered by the NAP180 will not be to big.
Thank you for the replies.
Dennis
Posted on: 15 January 2002 by Peter Stockwell
Den,
Congrats on the CDX. Have you got a separate mains line for your equipment ? If you haven't, getting a separate spur or three for your gear will help you live with the Nait 5 as a preamp a bit longer. I'm powering my Nait 5's preamp section with a HiCap and to my ears I've never had my system sounding better.
The separate mains and the HiCap are among the best upgrades I've ever made. To the point where I'm hesitant about the cost effectiveness of replacing my Micromega Stage 6 with a CDX, The CDX being the best CD player I've heard up to this point.
Peter
