do I use the cap or something else?

Posted by: kid spatula on 07 January 2004

current system is rega p25 into 42.5 into nap 90 into credos.

i am eventually hoping to end up with something like aro'd lp12 into 102 with hicap into nap 250.

should i get the hi-cap before the 102?

or am i casting pearls before swine by having the cheek to feed a 42.5 with a hi-cap?

*yeah, yeah - mixed metaphor, i know*
Posted on: 07 January 2004 by Markus
You really can't lose, either way. Demoing your options would provide the definitive data but might be difficult to arrange since it appears you are (wisely) walking the pre-owned pathway.

Hicapping the preamp has the advantage that you'd then be in a position to upgrade from the 90 if you stumbled on a 250 at a bargain price. I've never been a real fan of the 90, since (IIRC) it is essentially the power amp section from a Nait 2. Yes, front end first is the main rule to follow. But I remain stubbornly independent and believe that flexibility in the upgrade path "works" since upgrading any links in the chain improves the sound.

Actually, by hicapping the preamp you really are still adhering to source first, since, in many respects, the power supply *is* the preamp...

Having said all that, a 102 will be great. And if I were in your position and stumbled upon a blindingly good deal, I'd jump without hesitation. As I said at the top of my post, you really can't lose, either way.

Markus
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Posted on: 07 January 2004 by David Robert Bell
Hi Kid,

I love these sort of posts. If you have only three sources get a hicap.
A 42.5/90 is not a true pre/power until the pre is capped. Don't muck around with a flatcap.

Dave Razz
Posted on: 07 January 2004 by monkfish
Hi
This is another yes for a Hicap and you will get the most benefit from it as you are using the least powerful power amp.
Regards
Jim
Posted on: 08 January 2004 by kid spatula
Thanks to all and *for once* there seems to be a consensus!

Wonderfull!

I'll get the hi-cap.
Posted on: 08 January 2004 by i am simon 2
I had a 42.5 /160, I now have 42.5 / hi-cap 160

The hi cap makes all the difference, I was supprised, you will be too.

Simon
Posted on: 08 January 2004 by Maxi Me
quote:
Thanks to all and *for once* there seems to be a consensus!


Don't get the Hi-Cap

There, back to normal forum protocol Wink

Seth
Posted on: 08 January 2004 by prowla
There's always a place for a Hi-Cap in a Naim system...

Paul Rowlands