Problem

quote:

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but the 32.5 is generally reckoned to be better than the 42 and 62. Especially if it has the 72 boards fitted.

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David

At the time the 32.5 was a current model it was top of the range of only 2 preamps. I think it cost nearly double the price of a 42.5 so I think there isn't much doubt that it is better. The 72 boards make a big improvement but it doesn't need these to surpass the 42.5. The 62 replaced the 42.5 and the 72 replaced the 32.5. I would expect a 32.5 to 'kill' a NAIT used as a preamp stone dead. A used 32.5 can be had on LOOT for around £150 and they are great value.

Robbie

First of all I would sell the NAIT and the 42 and buy a used 32.5. Then get a used 160 and sell the 110. You won't believe the improvement.

Brian
Ex 42.5/110.

John

Our 62 was serviced July 99, and sounded a little less weighty and slightly more "sharp" than the (72'd) 32.5. The 32.5 was borrowed, to see if I wanted one (which I did!) and sounded slightly bigger, with no loss of detail, an excellent sense of proportion to the music and noticeably better timing. I couldn't find one at the time (newer ones with geen lights usually have later and noticeably better phono boards), so I bought a used 72.

The 72 (when warmed; this took 3 weeks in my case) is like an extreme 32.5. Much bigger, very present, detailed, harmonious and punctual. Very nice! But: if I hadn't known about the warm-up time I would have got rid of it pronto, as cold, it's steely-grey and spitty.

I would have paid up to about £255 for a late, serviced, 72'd 32.5, which I think is unbeatable value if you can find the right one.

Best;

Mark

(an imperfect
forum environment is
better than none)

Greetings from Holland,Rob.

quote:

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So I've got 600 pounds then and I think that will bring me to get a good 32.5/140 combo,even maybe with a snaps or flatcap.

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Robbie

If while you're looking for the 32.5/140 and you spot a 160 don't discount it. Honestly, it's a superb amp'. I bought mine used from a dealer who offered me a good price on a 180 at the same time. Although the 180 cost a bit more it wasn't very old so on the face it was a better deal. My wife and I listened to them both and we went for the 160 because it sounded better, not because it was a bit cheaper.

If you see one, at least give it a listen.

Brian

quote:

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As far as I can remember, Naim's line on the 32.5 and 62 was that variation between individual examples of each [due to the use of circuit boards from two different suppliers] was greater than any differences between the two models.

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Sproggle?

I'm not claiming I have the 'definitive' answer here. I'm just quoting the dealer I was using at the time. I wanted to upgrade my 42.5 and asked about the 62. He told me the 62 was the same as the 42.5 but with an extra input. The 72 replaced the 32.5.

For some reason I haven't been able to access the main NAIM site for a few days (don't get the pull down menu on top left of the main page) so I can't look this up to check.

Brian

If I'll come across a good 32.5/160 I'll definitely buy it.Do you have any idea what such
a combo would cost,because here in Holland such
combo's are seldom for sale.

Rob.

I've seen 160's for as low as £300 from a dealer but could cost as much as £400. 32.5's are around at £150.

You'd have to allow for servicing if required. Mine were serviced for the first time last year. The 160 dates from 1984 and the 32.5 from 1985 or 1986. They were both working fine before the service so, although the service was good, it's not that the equipment was defective or anything. Says a lot for the standard of Naim equipment. The price quoted in March 2000 was £110 for the 160 and £90 for the 32.5. You'd have to check this with Naim though for an updated price.

Are you prepared to travel over if you find something at a dealer or private sale in the UK?

Hope this helps

Brian

A friend of mine lives in Bath so it's no problem to travel over if something like a 32.5/160 comes
across.Maybe I should ask him to look around for me.

Thanks for your advices,Rob.

I often check LOOT and Hi-Fi World sites for old style Hicaps.

I know that there is currently a NAP160 advertised on LOOT (£350). There is also a 42.5/160 (£575) so you could try for a split on that one.

There is a 32.5 (£150) for sale through Hi Fi World but this may be out of date.

Naim don't like buying/selling on their forum so I would have sent you this privately but I can't get your e-mail.

Brian

I check Loot now and then.Naim is right in not wanting equipment for sale on their forum.
I'll let you know how the story goes if something happens.

Greetings,Rob.

Just made a deal. I rang a shop nearby, because I'd just heard (thanks,Bas !) they had a nap140
(recapped,13 years old).I asked them if they would
trade my Nait-3 for the 140, they did.
So now I've got the nac42 as a preamp with the 140.
The 110 will be serviced soon.After that is done
I,ll trade the 42/110 for a 32.5/snaps(flatcap) or
a 72/snaps(flatcap).I'm very happy with the deal I've made.

Rob.

Congratulations on getting such a quick deal.

Brian

--Eric